Canada to Mandate Language Tests for Open Work Permits in 2026
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Canada’s 2026 work permit rules now include language testing for spouses. Read to know key changes, who’s exempt, and more.
Canada’s Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) is set to introduce mandatory English or French Language Proficiency Testing for certain International Mobility Programmes (IMP) open work permit applicants, specifically Spousal Open Work Permits (SOP), starting in 2026.
This new policy aims to:
- Improve workforce integration
- Reduce exploitation risks (e.g., fraudulent marriages)
- Support economic growth by ensuring newcomers have the language skills needed for employment
The IMP allows employers to hire foreign workers without a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA), issuing around 100,000 work permits in 2024.
Also Read: Canada Increases Funds to Immigrate through AIP in 2025
Key Changes to IMP Work Permit Streams
- Applicants for certain IMP streams, likely SWPPS, will need to provide language test results from designated organisations, e.g., IELTS, CELPIP, TEF Canada, and TCF Canada, assessing reading, writing, listening, and speaking.
- All the tests must align with the Canadian Language Benchmark CLB or NEO competence for linguistic Canadians.
- NCLC standards with expected thresholds of CLB5 for general roles and CLB7 for skilled positions. The results must be less than 2 years old.
Some IMP streams will not require testing, including:
- Intra-company transfers
- Significant benefit categories (e.g., entrepreneurs, self-employed)
- Free trade agreement professionals (e.g., CUSMA)
- Charitable/religious workers
Benefits of New Language Requirement
The policy’s primary benefits include:
- Enhances Workplace Communication, Safety, and Career Mobility.
- Supports economic growth by filling labour gaps in sectors like healthcare and technology, aligns with Express Entry, CLB7, aiding permanent residency transitions.
- Ensures fairness through standardized third-party testing.
The same will affect applicants in some ways:
- SOP holders gain better job opportunities but may need language training.
- Free resources like the Language Instructions for newcomers to Canada link can help families. strengthen their reunification by equipping spouses for work and reducing dependency.
- Employers benefit from language-proficient workers, though the applicant pool may initially shrink.
- A skilled, integrated workforce supports economic growth and public trust.
Also Read: Newfoundland and Labrador Holds 6th Provincial Immigration Draw, Issues 150 Invitations
Next Steps for New Language Test Requirement
So, what happens next? Find out below:
2025: Public Consultation Phase
- Spring/Summer 2025: Policy pre-published in the Canada Gazette (Part I) with a 30-day public feedback period.
- Ongoing stakeholder consultations with employers, immigration experts, and settlement agencies.
2026: Policy Implementation
- Mandatory language testing takes effect.
- Applicants should:
- Start language training early (aim for CLB 5-7).
- Practise with official test materials (IELTS, CELPIP, TEF, TCF).
- Locate approved test centres via official websites.
- Verify specific IMP stream requirements and consult a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC) if needed.
The latest release of these changes reflects Canada’s focus on attracting skilled, well-integrated newcomers while protecting against fraud. We advise the applicants to prepare early to meet the new requirements smoothly.
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