Why are language requirements for citizenship more flexible than for PR?

[mcgyver]

Hello Everyone,

Since I am a new immigrant, I can recall from my fresh experience that an applicant for permanent residency is required to submit ORIGINAL IELTS results that are no older than 2 years whereas an applicant for citizenship has the flexibility of submitting a mere photocopy (not even original) of IELTS results obtained a long time ago (not time bound)! In fact, based on my reading of discussions on the forum about it, a citizenship applicant can use a copy of the same IELTS results he/she submitted during his/her application for permanent residency some years back.

So, why do these two streams impose language requirements differently? I am not complaining. I am happy that I won't have to sit for IELTS again in order to apply for citizenship in future. I am just wondering why the rules are different.

 

[nope]

Because for PR, at least the employment stream, language is a critical component of the ability to work and establish yourself. For citizenship, however, there are many ways of being a useful citizen, and not all of them require a formal grasp of English. Thus, lower requirements and easier standards of proof.

 

[Icebergmoma]

Don't forget that PR is required to apply for citizenship.
Based on that it's logic that the whole application is lighter than for PR, the work has already be done.

 

[keesio]

Don't forget that PR is required to apply for citizenship.
Based on that it's logic that the whole application is lighter than for PR, the work has already be done.

Yup exactly. That's why you don't have to take a medical either.

 

[mcgyver]

Yup exactly. That's why you don't have to take a medical either.

Good point.

 

[PinkMagnolia]

that might be right for the main applicant for the pr, but not his family members. at least, when we applied in 2010, I didn't have to pass a language test. only my husband had to take the test for our application.

Don't forget that PR is required to apply for citizenship.
Based on that it's logic that the whole application is lighter than for PR, the work has already be done.