Low skilled immigrants to face compulsory language test-Kenney

Canada, 12th April: Are you looking to come to Canada as a low-skilled immigrant? Be ready to face language testing, says Canada.

For the nation has announced mandatory language testing for candidates wanting to immigrate to Canada under Provincial Nominee Program(PNP).

Compulsory language testing for PNPs--As per the changes announced by Canada immigration minister Jason Kenney this Wednesday, from July this year, all applicants for PNP will be subject to mandatory language testing for assessing their speaking, reading, writing and listening skills in English or French.

From 1st July, 2012 onwards, only those fulfilling minimum standard of language requirements will be allowed to immigrate to Canada, he affirmed. Such tests will be required for applicants wanting to get semi-skilled or low-skilled jobs in Canada, Kenney further revealed.

The latest ruling is part of several changes introduced by Canada immigration department-CIC(Citizenship and Immigration Canada) following discussion in the federal budget last month.

Language integral for immigrants’ economic success –Kenney maintained that since language is the very basis of economic success of immigrants coming to Canada, hence, the new ruling will require compulsory language tests for immigrants.

Canadian government does not want to make the mistakes of allowing immigrants with poor language skills or low education levels to come to Canada, Kenney informed while hinting at the problems faced by immigrants in Western European nations.

Immigrants in such nations are often engulfed by social exclusion and other problems. Immigrants selected under PNPs will posses higher standards of language thus making a positive effect on the economy of Canada, he stated.

And such programs also help immigrants decide to settle outside traditionally popular Canadian provinces like BC and Ontario. Compulsory language testing will affect tradespeople(in sales and manufacturing services) and some assistant and clerical categories.

All applicants will have to submit proof of valid language test scores from any designated agency. Last year, nearly 38,000 foreign workers immigrating to Canada along with their families under PNP. Canada PNP helps in filling gaps in local employment markets and provides a greater say in Canada immigration.

Language proficiency for curbing immigration fraud—Yet another benefit of introducing language requirements for low and semi-skilled immigrants is that it will help in weeding out immigration fraud from Canada, informed Kenney.

There is a direct correlation between immigration fraud and regions having immigrants with low-levels of language proficiency. So, these changes will help control problems of mismanagement and fraud in the nation.