What is the Language Requirement for the Canadian Citizenship Test

There are several requirements that determine your eligibility for the Canadian Citizenship Test. One of these criteria is fluency in English or French, as both are national and official languages of Canada. You must provide proof or documentation of your proficiency in one of these languages. This ensures that you have the necessary language skills that are required to communicate efficiently and integrate into the society.

If you attend English or French classes overseas, you can either provide a transcript, diploma document or certificate from a recognized institute.

You can also take the IRCC (Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada) approved language test in either English or French. If you have achieved the acceptable standard, then you are welcome to use the certificate

These tests are designed to assess your speaking, listening, writing and reading skills.

Living in a French or English Country

If a Candidate has lived in any English or French country they are at an advantage. All they have to do is to provide a high school diploma or university degree that states that they have completed all the education in either of these languages.

Keep in mind that completing just a single course in English or French is not enough. You have to provide proof that you have completed all of your education in either French or English.

You can also provide a transcript as proof if your university or high school issues this document. The transcript should also mention that you have completed all the credit hours from the same institute.

If you have a transcript from the university but you didn’t complete the whole program, then this document won’t be accepted.

Problem with Language Proficiency Documents

Many times language proficiency documents like transcripts, diplomas or university degrees are not accepted due to various reasons.

• Your diploma, certificate or degree is not in English or French language, even though you completed all courses in English or French
• Your diploma, certificate or university degree is in English or French but your university doesn’t specify that they teach subjects in either of these languages
• You left your education in English or French, halfway through
• Your transcript doesn't demonstrate that you completed all the credit hours in university or high school
• You completed your education but not all classes were in English or French
• Any candidate who completed a trade school or apprenticeship program and obtained a trade certificate in Canada did not demonstrate high-level language proficiency. You either need to complete an education program in French or English or take a language proficiency test.

Keep in mind that you need to have a language proficiency certificate or document before you submit your Canadian Citizenship application.

Acceptable Language Tests

Many applicants haven't graduated from high school or university that teaches all the courses in English or French. In such cases, it is mandatory to take any of the following acceptable language tests that are accepted by IRCC.

• IELTS (International English Language Testing System
• CELPIP (Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program
• TEF (Test d'évaluation de français)

Who Needs to Provide Proof for the Canadian Citizenship Test?

Applicants who are 18-65 years of age need to provide proof of language proficiency in either English or French. Minors under 18 and adults above 65 years of age do not need to provide any language proficiency document.