I need help understanding the Language Requirements

[Rusty53]

I am having a little trouble determining the language requirements for citizenship. Does an applicant have to qualify in reading and writing as well as listening and speaking? It seems to me that the CIC website only states listening and speaking where the IELTS website talks about all 4 disciplines. Also will language requirements be required for someone over 54 years old with the new proposed changes coming in with the new proposed legislation? My wife is only a few years away from turning 55 and she has no problem with the speaking and listening but she does not have the reading and writing skills. We have felt that it was unnecessary for her as she is not in the workforce now and won't be in the future. The reason I am asking these questions is because we will be trying to determine when we apply for citizenship.

 

[Rusty53]

I am having a little trouble determining the language requirements for citizenship. Does an applicant have to qualify in reading and writing as well as listening and speaking? It seems to me that the CIC website only states listening and speaking where the IELTS website talks about all 4 disciplines. Also will language requirements be required for someone over 54 years old with the new proposed changes coming in with the new proposed legislation? My wife is only a few years away from turning 55 and she has no problem with the speaking and listening but she does not have the reading and writing skills. We have felt that it was unnecessary for her as she is not in the workforce now and won't be in the future. The reason I am asking these questions is because we will be trying to determine when we apply for citizenship.

I changed the title in hopes of getting a response that may help me.

 

[scylla]

If she applies now, she would need to take the citizenship test (which involes reading). The test is only offered in English or French. If she cannot read either of Canada's official languages well enough to pass the citizenship test, she should wait to apply until the rules change and she is exempt from the test.

 

[Rusty53]

If she applies now, she would need to take the citizenship test (which involes reading). The test is only offered in English or French. If she cannot read either of Canada's official languages well enough to pass the citizenship test, she should wait to apply until the rules change and she is exempt from the test.

Will they give you this test orally?

 

[keesio]

If I recall correctly (and I'm not sure if I am), the judge will give you an oral test if you fail the written test twice.

 

[Rusty53]

If she applies now, she would need to take the citizenship test (which involes reading). The test is only offered in English or French. If she cannot read either of Canada's official languages well enough to pass the citizenship test, she should wait to apply until the rules change and she is exempt from the test.

I am more concerned as to what she needs to meet language requirement. Is it listening & speaking English or is it Listening, Speaking, reading & writing?

 

[Politren]

Listening and Speaking are the modules in IELTS they look for.

 

[toshib]

I am more concerned as to what she needs to meet language requirement. Is it listening & speaking English or is it Listening, Speaking, reading & writing?

For language, CIC will test the English of your wife through citizenship test and also through the conversation with the officer during the interview as mentioned in the CIC website, also she needs to send either IELTS or certificate of English Linc classes with the application, alternatively your wife can wait for the new legislation which I expect to come this year then language requirements will be waived for people over 54.