These four Canadian immigration programs have relaxed language testing (2020)

March 2020 is when many countries around the world, including Canada, went into coordinated lockdowns to slow the spread of the novel coronavirus. Since then, it has been very difficult, if not impossible, for applicants to complete the English test for immigration/study. IELTS and CELPIP centres around the world have stopped holding examinations to comply with government regulations.

In light of that, IRCC has issued relaxations in language testing. Find out which four Canadian immigration programs do not require English test results immediately.

Relaxations in language testing

IRCC has announced that they will accept copies of the language test results for the Atlantic Immigration Pilot, Agri-Food Pilot, Rural Northern Immigration Pilot and Start-up Visa Program. Original test language results are not required.

This is great news for anyone who has not received the original result from IELTS or CELPIP. You can now submit a scanned copy or printed copy of your language score. Expect this to continue till the IELTS and CELPIP centres in your country don’t start operating normally again.

It is possible that IRCC may ask for original results at a later date so you should keep following up to make sure you receive them.

Keep reading to find out which four immigration programs do not require original English language test results immediately.

Eligible programs eligible under IELTS/CELPIP language relaxation

The four immigration programs that do not require originals results of the language tests are also the ones that have some of the lowest English language requirements.

Atlantic Immigration Pilot Program

This is a fast-track program for those with a valid job offer in one of Canada’s four Atlantic provinces: Nova Scotia, Newfoundland and Labrador, New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island. Canadian employers hiring through this program do not have to file a Labour Market Impact Assessment either.

In fact, once the applicant accepts the job offer, he or she is connected with a settlement service provider organization that helps them settle in the province.

Agri-Food Pilot

This program is designed to entice agricultural workers who work in meat, mushroom and other farming. Candidates receive a full-time 12-month job offer in meat processing, harvesting, greenhouse production, farm supervision and other agricultural occupations. The program requires only a CLB 4 from workers.

Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot

This pilot program has been initiated to encourage foreign workers to settle in northern and rural communities across Canada. The program is currently accepting applications for nine cities. Applicants can be qualified in managerial/executive positions and even be invited for job-specific training. The CLB language requirements vary by NOC code but the requirement of original results has been relaxed for all levels.

Start-up Visa Program

This program is designed to encourage foreign entrepreneurs to come to Canada and start a business. The minimum CLB is only 5, which means the program prioritizes business acumen.

Candidates need to prove their business is supported by a designed organization through an investor group.

Covid-19 has had a big impact on applications but IRCC and CIC have continued to process applications through the pandemic. Find out how you can take advantage of the numerous other incentives the government has rolled out for visa applicants.

 

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