Low-skill immigrants will be given language tests, says minister
As of July 1 this year, the Provincial Nominee program will set minimum standard
Thousands of newcomers destined for low-skilled jobs in far-flung parts of the country will now be subject to mandatory language testing, Immigration Minister Jason Kenney announced Wednesday in Saskatoon.
Starting July 1, Kenney said Provincial Nominee Program applicants in semi-skilled and low-skilled professions will be tested and required to meet a minimum standard when it comes to listening, speaking, reading and writing in at least one of Canada's official languages - English or French.
"As a result, immigrants coming to Canada under PNPs will arrive with much better language skills and will be selected for the impact they can have on Canada's economy," Kenney said.
"We have supported enormous growth in the number of provincial nominees in recent years because it makes sense for the provinces and territories to have the flexibility to meet regional needs."
The new language requirements will impact tradespeople, those in manufacturing, sales and services, as well as certain clerical and assistant categories. Applicants must provide valid test scores from a designated testing agency in order to comply with the new rules.
Temporary foreign workers who arrive before July 1 and transition to the provincial nominee program within a year, have a one-time exemption.
More than 38,000 workers and their families came to Canada last year through the program, which gives the provinces and territories a greater say in immigration, in a bid to fill gaps in their local labour markets.
It's also helped spread out the immigrant population as more and more people have been choosing to settle outside traditionally popular provinces.
Reference: http://www.canada.com/skill+immigrants+will+given+language+tests+says+minister/6445824/story.html