Original language test results not required for certain immigration programs

Shelby Thevenot
Published: August 2, 2020

Four Canadian immigration programs are now accepting copies of language test results instead of the originals.

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has now clarified that they will accept copies of language tests for the Atlantic Immigration Pilot (AIP) program, the Agri-Food Pilot (AFP) program, the Rural Northern Immigration Pilot (RNIP) program, and the Start-up Visa Program.

Immigration candidates applying for Canadian immigration have to meet the Canadian Language Benchmarks (CLB) requirements that are specific to each program. There are 12 levels in each skillset: listening, speaking, reading and writing.

Find out if you are eligible for any Canadian immigration programs

Atlantic Immigration Pilot Program for a life in Canada’s East coast

The AIP is a fast-track immigration program for foreigners with job offers in one of Canada’s four Atlantic provinces: New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, and Newfoundland and Labrador.

Canadian employers who hire immigrants through this program can skip the Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) requirement. Once the foreign national accepts the job offer, the employer connects them with a designated settlement service provider organization.

If the employer needs the foreign worker in a hurry, they can get a temporary work permit so that the soon-to-be immigrant can come to Canada as fast as possible. In order to obtain the work permit, the foreign national will need to commit to apply for Canadian permanent residence within 90 days of the temporary work permit application.

Among other requirements, candidates need a CLB of at least 4 to immigrate through this program.

Agri-Food Pilot for meat, mushroom and other farmworkers

The AFP is for foreigners who work in certain occupations in Canada’s agri-food sector.

Eligible candidates have full-time job offers for a 12-month period in meat processing, harvesting, greenhouse production and farm supervisor positions, among others.

AFP candidates need a CLB of at least 4, among other eligibility requirements.

Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot building Canadian communities

The RNIP is for foreigners who want to settle into one of the participating communities across Canada.

So far, nine of the participating communities are accepting applications. Each municipality has its own entry requirements, but candidates first have to meet the federal government’s standards.

On the federal government’s side, the language requirement for RNIP programs depends on the job offer. People who are set to work in jobs that have a National Occupational Classification (NOC) code of 0 or A need at least a CLB of 6. These are management occupations and professional occupations that require university degrees.

For NOC B occupations, which are technical occupations, candidates need a CLB of at least 5.

And for occupations that require job-specific or on-the-job training, with NOC codes C and D, candidates need a CLB of at least 4.

Start-up Visa Program for entrepreneurs

Foreign entrepreneurs who want to start a business in Canada can go through the Start-up Visa Program.

In order to be considered for immigration under this program, candidates need to prove their business is supported by a designated organization through a venture capital fund or angel investor group, among other requirements.

The minimum language requirement is a CLB 5 in all areas.

Find out if you are eligible for any Canadian immigration programs

© 2020 CIC News All Rights Reserved

Share this article
Share your voice
Did you find this article helpful?
Thank you for your feedback.
Subscribe to our newsletter
Did you find this article helpful?
Please provide a response
Thank you for your helpful feedback
Please contact us if you would like to share additional feedback, have a question, or would like Canadian immigration assistance.
  • Do you need Canadian immigration assistance? Contact the Contact Cohen Immigration Law firm by completing our form
  • Send us your feedback or your non-legal assistance questions by emailing us at media@canadavisa.com
Related articles
How to move to Canada from the US
A picture of an arrivals to Canada sign at Pearson International Airport
British Columbia and PEI invite candidates in latest round of provincial nominations
Lighthouse in PEI
Quebec pauses two major permanent resident pathways
Quebec City in the fall
IRCC announces temporary measures for those impacted by the conflict in Lebanon
Airplane landing in Canadian airport.
Top Stories
Why skilled workers and international graduates in Quebec should consider Express Entry
How to move to Canada from the US
Attending the A.A. International Convention 2025? What to know about entering Canada with your past DUI
Join our free newsletter. Get Canada's top immigration stories delivered to your inbox.
Subscribe
More in Visit
Attending the A.A. International Convention 2025? What to know about entering Canada with your past DUI
A cityscape of Vancouver.
Have a DUI? Here are your options for entering Canada
A "Canada Arrivals" sign.
Frequently asked questions about visas for students, workers and tourists coming to Canada
A picture of the Toronto Skyline at night
10 frequently asked questions by visitors to Canada
View of Skylon Tower and abandond Ontario Power Comany Generating Station at river level seeing from a boat tour
Link copied to clipboard