Language Skills

Language skills in English or French are essential to your integration into the labour market in Canada. Lacking these skills is one of the largest barriers to full integration.

Be aware that:

• Language requirements for working in Canada in your profession might be different from the language requirements for immigration to Canada.
• Most professions and trades require a high level of English or French, as well as a strong command of work-related terminology.
• Being fluent in a language includes having the cultural knowledge to understand phrases or idiomatic expressions used by patients or clients that might be very different from those used in your home country.
• A language test given by your profession or the results from an internationally standardized language test will almost certainly be part of the assessment of your qualifications. Take time to ensure that you understand the requirements you must meet.
• There are a few internationally recognized language tests, but the evaluating organization will sometimes accept only one specific test. You can learn more about language tests at www.language.ca, but ask your regulatory body which test will be used in your evaluation.
• Get a realistic assessment of your language skills before you come to Canada. If necessary, use the time before you come to Canada to start upgrading your language skills.
• Learn more about Canada’s two official languages (English and French), how to get your language skills assessed and how to identify opportunities for language training by following the steps outlined in Section B of Planning to Work in Canada? An essential workbook for newcomers.

Consult these websites for more information:

• Canadian Association for Prior Learning Assessment
• Canadian English Language Benchmark Assessment for Nurses
• Centre for Canadian Language Benchmarks
• Enhanced Language Training
• Language Instruction for Newcomers
• Recognition for Learning