hibee04 said:
The Canada web site still shows 55 so they should bloody honor that. If they're too damn lazy to update their information. even my local MP didn't know that the age was raised from 55-65.
Not really.
The following is quoted from the IRCC online eligibility information:
see http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/citizenship/become-eligibility.asp#language
Language abilities
Canada has two official languages—English and French. To become a citizen, you must show that you have adequate knowledge of one of these languages. In general, this means you can:
-- take part in short, everyday conversations about common topics;
-- understand simple instructions, questions and directions;
-- use basic grammar, including simple structures and tenses; and
-- show that you know enough common words and phrases to answer questions and express yourself.
If you are 14 to 64 years of age, you must send documents with your citizenship application that prove you can speak and listen in English or French at this level.
For emphasis:
If you are 14 to 64 years of age, you must send documents with your citizenship application that prove you can speak and listen in English or French . . .
Moreover, the document checklist to be submitted with the application clearly states that the language requirement does not apply if the applicant is
65 years of age or older.
I agree that the requirement to submit
DOCUMENTS, as specified by IRCC, can be rather inconvenient for older applicants from English speaking countries, but as others have observed, the requirements are clearly stated and there are relatively easily done tests to verify ability in English which will generate adequate documentation to meet the application requirements. (Note: for those whose English is not their first language and whose ability in English may have been sufficient to get documentation of language ability, but who otherwise might not be maintaining their ability,
a Citizenship Officer may still examine and assess the applicant's language ability. That is, document showing test passed does not necessarily guarantee this requirement is met. Ability in language must still be shown in interview with IRCC officer.)
There is proposed legislation to revert the age for meeting the language requirement to less than 55. That is part of Bill C-6, which is currently bogged down in the Senate, but which should eventually become law. But it is not the current law and IRCC is required to apply the current law.
