Accessibility Victory for Deaf Citizenship Applicants - Paul Smith, Silent Voice Settlement Program Worker

Sep 18, 2026

Uploaded by Rowan

Published on April 22, 2014, this official Canadian Academy of Audiology publication outlines citizenship language rule changes announced in 2012. It explains earlier reliance on a written multiple-choice test and the new requirement for upfront proof of English or French speaking and listening at CLB level 4. It details Deaf applicants’ concerns and the consultative process with CIC, culminating in removal of the listening and speaking barrier through a waiver supported by Canadian audiologist reports. It also summarizes the Silent Voice Settlement Program’s ASL services for Deaf immigrants.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryResearch & Report

FormatPDF

Pages4

Reading Time10 min

AccessFree to download

Introduction - Citizenship Regulations Changes

Backgrounder - Proof of Language Ability Requirements for Citizenship

New Language Rules for Citizenship Applicant

Concerns on Proposed Change to Citizenship Regulations with Respect to Proof of Language Proficiency

Revised Proof of Language Ability Requirements - Waiver of the Language Requirements

Settlement Program at Silent Voice

Needs Assessment and Referrals

Information and Awareness Services

Language Learning and Skills Development

The Official Publication of the Canadian Academy of Audiology Accessibility Victory for Deaf Citizenship Applicants Published April 22nd, 2014 Paul Smith, Silent Voice Settlement Program Worker Introduction-Citizenship Regulations Changes In November 2012, Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) announced new language rules for citizenship requiring applicants to provide up-front evidence of language ability of at least Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) level 4 in speaking and listening English or French. Backgrounder – Proof of Language Ability Requirements for Citizenship Since the Canadian Citizenship Act of 1947, adult applicants for citizenship have been required to have an adequate knowledge of Canada’s official languages, English or French. This requirement reflects the importance of language ability to newcomers’ successful integration. Under the old system, applicants submitted an application for citizenship without paper proof of language proficiency and took a multiple choice written test that evaluated language competency as well as knowledge of Canada. The written test was deemed an inadequate method for assessing language as it did not assess listening and speaking language skills. New Language Rules for Citizenship Applicant The proposed amendments to the Citizenship Regulations – the new language rules – would require applicants to provide upfront proof of speaking and listening proficiency in English or French at CLB Level 4 with their citizenship application. With a CLB-4 level in English or French, an individual can take part in short, everyday conversations; understand simple instructions, questions and directions; and use basic grammar, sentence structures and verb tenses. The CIC suggested the following as written proof of language ability proficiency: results of a CIC-approved third-party test; evidence of completion of secondary or post-secondary education in English or French; or evidence of achieving the appropriate language level in certain government-funded language training programs. Concerns on Proposed Change to Citizenship Regulations with Respect to Proof of Language Proficiency Silent Voice was deeply concerned that the proposed regulation change would create significant barriers to citizenship for a minority group – culturally Deaf permanent residents – since they would not meet the language requirement in speaking and listening proficiency and citizenship would be denied due to circumstances beyond their control. Citizenship is the most important means to allow the full economic, social and political integration of immigrants in Canadian society. Deaf applicants, with a severe to profound hearing loss or with little or no residual hearing, cannot realistically comply with the listening and speaking criteria of the proposed regulation as they are unable to hear spoken language and the ability to hear speech is linked to the ability to Canadian Audiologist -1 / 4- Printed 18.09.2026 produce speech. As a Silent Voice employed settlement program worker, I, along with Kelly MacKenzie, executive director of Silent Voice, submitted the concerns with regard to the new language rules that could deny Deaf applicants citizenship, and requested a CIC consultative initiative. The consultative initiative with CIC proved incredibly productive through teleconference and email correspondences. CIC consulted with other organizations of and for Deaf people across the country. The outcome was removing the listening and speaking barrier faced by Deaf permanent residents applying for citizenship. Revised Proof of Language Ability Requirements – Waiver of the Language Requirements In March 2013, CIC announced that it had modified the new language requirements, for Deaf applicants. The applicants are given opportunities to request a waiver of the listening and speaking language requirements, supported by evidence of an audiologist report (an audiogram and letter) issued by a Canad

FAQs

What language requirement changes were announced for citizenship applicants in 2012?

Citizenship and Immigration Canada announced new language rules requiring applicants to provide upfront evidence of speaking and listening ability in English or French at at least Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) level 4.

Why did Silent Voice raise concerns about the proposed rules?

Silent Voice argued the speaking and listening requirement would create barriers for culturally Deaf permanent residents who cannot realistically meet listening and speaking criteria and would face denial for reasons beyond their control.

How were the requirements changed for Deaf applicants after the consultative process?

In March 2013, CIC modified the language requirements by allowing Deaf applicants to request a waiver of the listening and speaking requirements, supported by a Canadian audiologist report and audiogram letter explaining the impact on their ability to listen and/or speak.

Sep 18, 2026

Uploaded by Rowan