Applicants of the Skilled Worker category of the NLPNP with an employment offer in a National Occupation Classification TEER Category 4 or 5 occupation must submit proof of language proficiency in English or French with their application. Applicants are required to undergo mandatory language testing and achieve a minimum standard of Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) 4 in each of the 4 abilities (listening, speaking, reading and writing) before obtaining a provincial nomination certificate.

The minimum scores required depend on the specific federal category for which the applicant qualifies. To confirm the scores required, the IPDO should consult the IRCC website, as these requirements are subject to change periodically.

The test must have been done within the past two years and it must have been conducted by a recognized language-testing organization, you can find language tests approved by IRCC here.

The language test results must be valid at the time of application and must continue to be valid throughout the nomination process. Additionally, the results must be valid at the time the nominee applies for permanent residency to the federal government. If it is deemed likely that the language test will expire before the applicant is able to submit their application for permanent residence, the OIM may request new language testing. The applicant may attach a copy of the results with their application.

The IPDO has the discretion to request language testing from applicants regardless of the NOC Code or TEER Category stated in the offer of employment (even if it is at a TEER Level 0, 1, 2 or 3). The IPDO will make this determination based on verbal and written communication with the applicant. In such a case, the IPDO may advise the applicant to undertake a language test through a recognized language-testing organization. Applicants who do not meet the minimum standards will have their application refused by OIM.

PROCEDURES:

1. If the applicant’s Offer of Employment is in a higher skill level (TEER 0, 1, 2 or 3), the IPDO will assess the client’s language ability through verbal and written correspondence. The client should be able to write at a basic level, and to respond to the questions posed by the IPDO. The IPDO should be able to easily comprehend the client when they respond either verbally or in writing.
2. If the IPDO is concerned that the applicant’s language abilities may negatively impact their ability to become economically established in Canada, the IPDO will request that the applicant undertake a language test in either French or English. Should the applicant be unwilling or unable to proceed with a language test, the IPDO will refer the matter to the PNP Team Lead for further review.
3. If further review is required, the PNP Team Lead will consult with the Manager. They will then inform the IPDO on the correct course of action, while informing the Director of any decision made. The PNP Team Lead or Manager will:

• • Advise the IPDO to continue processing the file, (i.e., allow the IPDO to make the decision on the file based on current language ability);
  • Ask the IPDO to request that the applicant undergo language training at the Association for New Canadians (if the applicant is in Canada) prior to nomination;
  • Ask the IPDO to request that the applicant undergo language training in their current country of residence prior to nomination; or,
  • Undertake a different course of action.

4. If the applicant’s Offer of Employment is in a NOC TEER Category 4 or 5 position, the Departmental Coordinator – Immigration Programs will ensure that valid copies of the language test results are on file prior to assigning the application to the IPDO. The Departmental Coordinator will also note the expiry date on the language test results. If the coordinator determines that the expiry date may affect the assessment process, they will communicate this to the IPDO and/or make a note on the file under the Activities section of the online application.
5. The IPDO will review the language scores to ensure they meet the minimum threshold for nomination, based on the results of the Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) level. The IPDO will verify language scores for the principal applicant on every application in which language testing is required. The following resources will be used to verify scores:

• • CELPIP
  • IELTS
  • PTE Core

6. The IPDO will use the log in details provided internally to them. As they verify scores, they will note that they have done this in the Activities section of the online application.
7. Should the applicant fail to meet the minimum language requirements, they will proceed with closing the file. The IPDO will refer to the Procedural Fairness policy for guidance.
8. If the IPDO determines that the applicant may have falsified their language results, the IPDO will refer the situation to the PNP Team Lead to discuss and determine if misrepresentation has occurred. If so, the IPDO and PNP Team Lead will consult the General Misrepresentation Policy for more guidance on next steps.