Citizenship language requirement changes - 2012 Oct - HALCO

Sep 18, 2026

Uploaded by Dozel

Changes to Canadian citizenship language requirements take effect on November 1, 2012. Applicants aged 18 to 54 must provide proof of good knowledge of either English or French as part of their citizenship application. Previously, applicants could demonstrate language knowledge through the citizenship exam or by speaking with a Citizenship Judge. The document notes that obtaining proof may be difficult and expensive and suggests applying before November 1, 2012 when eligible.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryExam

FormatPDF

Pages1

Reading Time3 min

AccessFree to download

Language requirements change date

Who must provide proof (ages 18 to 54)

Existing ways to demonstrate knowledge

What to do if you are eligible before the change

Special support and guidance via HALCO

Changes to Canadian Citizenship Language Requirements as of November 1, 2012 All people applying for Canadian citizenship who are between the ages of 18 and 54 years of age must show that they have good knowledge of either English or French. Currently, the way that you show that you have knowledge of English or French is by writing the citizenship exam (which tests knowledge about Canada) or by speaking with a Citizenship Judge. As of November 1, 2012, the language requirements for Canadian Citizenship will change. If you are between 18 and 54, your citizenship application will have to include proof that you have good knowledge of English or French. More details about the types of proof can be found on the Government of Canada website: [www.cic.gc.ca/english/citizenship/language.asp](www.cic.gc.ca/english/citizenship/language.asp) It may be difficult and expensive to get proof of your English or French language skills. If you are not yet a Canadian citizen, and you are between the ages of 18 and 54, you should consider applying for citizenship before November 1, 2012. You must be eligible to apply for citizenship and you are probably eligible to apply if: 􀂃 you have been in Canada as a permanent resident for at least 3 years (became a permanent resident before October 2009), or 􀂃 you have been a permanent resident living in Canada for at least 2 years and have lived in Canada for at least another 2 years before becoming a permanent resident (arrived in Canada before October 2008 and became a permanent resident before October 2010) . (There are other requirements for citizenship.) If you are living with HIV in Ontario and you think you are eligible for citizenship, please contact HALCO right away for advice and for assistance with a citizenship application. Even if you are not concerned about the new English and French language requirements, it is a good idea to apply for citizenship at the earliest opportunity to ensure that your status in Canada is as secure as possible. For more information about citizenship, you can visit the Government of Canada’s Citizenship website: [www.cic.gc.ca/english/citizenship/become.asp](www.cic.gc.ca/english/citizenship/become.asp)

FAQs

When do the Canadian citizenship language requirements change?

The requirements change as of November 1, 2012.

Which applicants are required to submit proof of English or French knowledge?

People applying for Canadian citizenship who are between ages 18 and 54 must submit proof of good knowledge of either English or French.

How did people demonstrate English or French knowledge before November 1, 2012?

They demonstrated knowledge by writing the citizenship exam or by speaking with a Citizenship Judge.

Sep 18, 2026

Uploaded by Dozel