How Language Skills Helps To Move In Canada

If you are a foreign national who wishes to come to Canada to study, work, or settle, you may encounter situations where Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada requires you to meet the language requirements for either English or French, which are Canada’s two official languages. English is the most commonly spoken language in most provinces and territories. French is the main language spoken in Quebec and in some areas of Ontario, New Brunswick and Manitoba. That being said, the Canadian government offers all official federal government services, publications and documents in both English and French. In order to allow you to adjust to Canadian life, you must be proficient in either English or French to be able to effectively communicate with people. In this blog, you will learn about the importance of language skills in Canadian immigration.

Significance Of Language Proficiency When Immigrating To Canada 

Canada is understood for being a welcoming and diverse place, attracting people trying to find better opportunities and an honest life. The country’s rules for letting people in show that they need individuals who bring different skills and experiences and who also can speak the language well to fit into Canadian society smoothly. 

Having the ability to speak well in English is super important within the workplace. Employers love folks who can handle the ins and outs of the language, making teamwork smoother and getting things done a breeze. Your English skills become your tool for climbing the career ladder and making a true impact within the Canadian workforce.

Language Skills For Work

Language skills for work are often drastically different from language skills for immigration. In other words, the English or French skills you would like to be eligible to immigrate might not be strong enough for your employment.

Most regulated jobs and trades require you to: be fluent, in terms of reading, writing, speaking, and listening, in English or French, have a robust knowledge of all work-related terminologies, and understand phrases or expressions used, several of which can be unique to Canada. 

You may want to think about attending language classes or trying to find programs that provide language training for your employment.

Benefits Of Language Skills

Since English and French are Canada’s official languages, having skills in either language is extremely important to assist you in Canada. you’ll prefer to specialize in learning or improving one or the opposite. This may likely depend upon which of the 2 languages most of the people speak within the area where you reside.

In Canada, numerous benefits are related to having strong English or French skills. Being proficient in either language will help you:

• get employment
• get accepted by a Canadian school
• access services
• help your children with schoolwork
• Meet and ask people
• get your Canadian citizenship

Since there are numerous benefits, you need to take steps to enhance your French or English while you’re still in your home country and, of course, as soon as you arrive in Canada. If you already speak a political language, you’ll consider learning another language. In Canada, having strong skills in both English and French may be a huge advantage for locating employment and participating in your community.

CLB in Canadian Immigration

A big part of these rules is something called the Canadian Language Benchmarks (CLB), which is like a standard way of checking how well someone knows the language. For folks planning to move to Canada, it’s crucial to understand and meet the CLB levels. These levels, from CLB 1 to CLB 12, cover different language skills like reading, writing, speaking, and listening. They’re like a guide to make sure everyone can communicate effectively in Canada.

Language Requirements for Various Programs

The minimum CLB level required for various immigration programs varies. For example, the Express Entry system, which manages trained worker immigration, typically requires a minimum CLB level of seven for the first applicant.

Express Entry

Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP) 

• The FSWP, a key component of the Express Entry system, typically requires a minimum CLB 7 for every language skill (English or French).
• Higher language proficiency, represented by elevated CLB levels, can contribute to a more competitive CRS score.
• Beyond the minimum requirements, candidates can earn additional points within the CRS for higher CLB levels. CLB 9 or higher in each language skill attracts maximum points for language proficiency.
• FSWP-specific scores needed for every language skill.

• • Listening: Minimum CLB 7
  • Speaking: Minimum CLB 7
  • Reading: Minimum CLB 6
  • Writing: Minimum CLB 6

• Canadian Experience Class (CEC): 
  • CLB 7 in all four skills for NOC 0, A, or B occupations 
  • CLB 5 in all four skills for NOC C or D occupations.
  • Here’s the breakdown of CEC score: 
    • Listening: Minimum CLB 7
    • Speaking: Minimum CLB 7
    • Reading: Minimum CLB 6
    • Writing: Minimum CLB 6

• Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP): 

• • Here’s the breakdown of FSTP scores: 
    • Listening: Minimum CLB 5
    • Speaking: Minimum CLB 5
    • Reading: Minimum CLB 4
    • Writing: Minimum CLB 5

Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs):

CLB levels also influence eligibility and selection in Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs), which permit Canadian provinces and territories to nominate individuals for permanent residence supporting their ability to contribute to the local economy.

• Nomination Criteria:

1. Meeting or exceeding these CLB benchmarks is usually a prerequisite for eligibility in PNP streams.
2. CLB levels may contribute to the general assessment of candidates by PNPs, influencing their decision to nominate individuals for permanent residence.

iii. Some PNPs may prioritize candidates with higher language proficiency, aligning to facilitate successful integration into the area of people and workforce.

1. Some provinces have streams specifically targeted at skilled workers with lower CLB levels (e.g., Alberta Opportunity Stream requires CLB 4).

Business Immigration:

Start-Up Visa Program

CLB 5 altogether four skills (English or French).

Self-Employed Persons Program

CLB 5 altogether four skills (English or French).

Investor Visa Program

CLB 4 altogether four skills (English or French).

Family Sponsorship

No CLB requirement for spouses or common-law partners.

Dependent children under 22 years old need Basic English or French language skills for daily communication (CLB 4 or equivalent).

Other Programs:

Atlantic Immigration Pilot: CLB 5 altogether four skills (English or French).

Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot: CLB 4 altogether four skills (English or French).

Caregiver Programs: CLB 5 altogether four skills (English or French) for a few programs, lower levels for others.

Additional Notes

These are general CLB requirements. Specific programs or occupations may have additional language requirements.

CLB requirements may change over time.

Always consult official IRCC websites for the latest information on CLB requirements for specific programs.

French Language Proficiency (Quebec Immigration)

If you have a good grasp of French, Quebec’s Regular Skilled Worker Program might be an option.

Moving to a new country can be overwhelming and learning a new language on top of such a big move may seem hard. However, using the resources available to you, connecting with your community, and practicing your language skills will make your transition to Canada much easier. Remember, Canada is a multicultural country, and there is no shortage of support available to help newcomers like you feel at home here.