Citizenship language requirement

Overview

Citizenship language requirement

Applicants aged 18 through 54 when they sign generally prove English or French speaking and listening at CLB or NCLC 4. IRCC accepts several kinds of education, government training and test evidence.

Use an accepted document

Proof can include specified third-party test results, qualifying secondary or post-secondary education in English or French, or government-funded language-training results. The program may have been completed inside or outside Canada.

A document in another language needs the required certified translation showing the language of instruction.

Check age on the signing date

People under 18 and those 55 or older do not provide language proof for the ordinary grant. The relevant age is normally the age when the application is signed.

A returned application can create a new signing date and age analysis.

Expect language to be observed

Submitting an accepted certificate does not prevent an officer from assessing speaking and listening during calls, interviews or the test process. Material concerns can lead to further assessment.

Reading and writing are not the statutory skills for this requirement.

Request a waiver with evidence

An adult can request a compassionate waiver where circumstances prevent meeting the requirement. Use IRCC’s waiver form and medical or other evidence addressing functional ability.

An accommodation changes how a requirement is completed; a waiver removes it when approved.