Kelly O’Connor, Immigration & Refugee Lawyer at Ansari Immigration Law.
Language proficiency in one of Canada’s official languages is important because it helps immigrants integrate into Canadian society and the workforce. In this context, it makes sense that Canada demands that immigrants prove their language proficiency in order to apply for many economic programs. However, IRCC continues to insist on in-person language testing, setting up a barrier for vulnerable refugees and busy high-performers in the process.
The current language testing landscape in Canada, as dictated by IRCC, requires in-person testing through specific providers: CELPIP, IELTS, TEF Canada, TCF Canada, and PTE Core. Unfortunately, these tests are generally only available in larger urban centres, forcing some applicants to travel far from home. Displaced applicants living in refugee camps may not even have permission from their host countries to travel to access such testing. Busy high-performers may not be able to take time off work to travel for in-person language testing.
In a post-pandemic world where online education and services have proliferated, why does IRCC hang on to expensive, inaccessible bricks-and-mortar testing services? Is it time for IRCC to modernize its approved language tests.
A barrier for skilled refugees: Canada undermines its humanitarian ideals
Canada created the Economic Mobility Pathways Pilot (EMPP) with the goal of creating a win-win immigration policy. It allows highly-skilled refugees to immigrate to Canada, providing the refugees with a fresh start and durable solution and providing employers with smoother access to foreign talent. The program aligns with Canada’s commitment under the Global Compact for Refugees, which aims to provide durable solutions for refugees and counter the narrative that views them as a burden.
However, for EMPP participants, the current language testing requirements pose a significant barrier. While the program already includes some flexibility on standard requirements such as Educational Credential Assessments (ECAs), the rigid language testing rules remain a stumbling block. The British Council, which administers the IELTS, does not operate in war zones. Refugees and displaced people from Gaza to Goma may not have the ability to travel to the nearest testing centre, which could be across international borders. The EMPP aims to leverage the skills and qualifications of refugees to address labour shortages and drive economic growth in Canada. But if these individuals cannot access the necessary tests, they are effectively barred from participating in the very opportunities the EMPP seeks to provide.
Keeping Canada viable in the global competition for talent
Canada’s universities have woken up to the existence of quality online language testing. The Duolingo English Test is a standardized online English test accepted by thousands of universities around the world, and over 100 educational institutions in Canada, including the University of Toronto, McGill University, the University of British Columbia, Dalhousie University, and the University of Alberta. Even the Government of Ireland now accepts the Duolingo English Test for study permit applications.
High-performing candidates in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) fields may not have the time to sit for in-person language testing and are accustomed to online options. Many of these individuals already use online language tests for their university admissions; allowing them to reuse these tests for immigration purposes would streamline the process and make Canada a more attractive option for top talent. Canada has identified individuals with STEM skills as a target demographic for our immigration programs. With higher salaries for STEM occupations in the United States, we risk losing talented STEM professionals who may go south of the border or search for a friendlier immigration policy across the Atlantic. Canada should be streamlining processes for these candidates, not putting up barriers.
The solution: Online language testing
IRCC’s insistence on in-person language tests is out of step with contemporary developments in language assessment. To better align with its humanitarian values and economic goals, IRCC should consider accepting quality online language tests such as the Duolingo English Test as a way for candidates to prove their language proficiency. Making this change would help Canada honour its humanitarian ideals and labour market needs through immigration policy.
While it is important for prospective immigrants to Canada to show language proficiency, and IRCC wants to ensure language test results are genuine, the current regime hinders the fulfillment of Canada’s immigration goals. By embracing more flexible and accessible language testing options, IRCC can better fulfill its dual objectives of humanitarian support and economic growth, ensuring that skilled refugees can contribute to and thrive in Canadian society. Moreover, this approach will help attract and retain high-performing individuals, keeping Canada an appealing destination for global talent despite rising living costs.
