Newcomers to Canada > Evaluating Language Ability

Evaluating Language Ability

To be considered for a Canadian work permit, newcomers must demonstrate a certain level of language proficiency and most newcomers are highly motivated to continue to improve their languages skills in English or French.

Not every position requires a high level of language fluency. The following checklist of essential competencies and language skills for entry-level positions can guide you in assessing language needs.

Speaking

The individual can

• communicate in short, informal conversations on familiar topics;
• provide basic personal information appropriate to context;
• ask and respond to simple and familiar questions; and
• demonstrate some understanding of basic grammar structures and tenses.

Listening

The individual

• can understand key words and short sentences in simple conversations;
• may need to be spoken to slowly and with some repetition; and
• is able to follow a series of common daily instructions.

Reading

The individual can

• read a series of everyday instructions or instructional text; and
• find information in formatted texts such as forms, schedules and directories.

Writing

The individual can

• convey simple business instructions as written notes; and
• complete simple forms or time logs.

Tourism Sector Occupational Language Analyses

In partnership with CTHRC, Canadian Language Benchmarks has developed national standards for English as a second language specifically for 14 tourism occupations. The standards describe English competency at 12 levels within four skill areas: listening, speaking, reading and writing. For more information, visit www.itsessential.ca.

Click here for information about language training.