Federal Minister of Immigration Jason Kenney announced today that starting July 1, 2012, most applicants in low-skilled occupations under the Provincial Nominee Program will be required to undergo mandatory language testing, including assessments in listening, speaking, reading, and writing, and must meet the minimum standards in all four categories.
Kenney stated that the changes to the Provincial Nominee immigration program will continue to prioritize economic development, focusing on employment, economic growth, and prosperity. Under the new requirements, immigrants in the Provincial Nominee category will possess better language skills, which will enhance their contributions to the Canadian economy.
Kenney made this announcement today in Saskatchewan, alongside Saskatchewan's Minister of Immigration and Employment, Rob Norris. The Provincial Nominee immigration program is considered a very successful immigration initiative and has significantly influenced immigrants' choices to reside outside of Canada's three major cities. For instance, in Saskatchewan, when the program was first implemented in 2003, only 173 immigrants settled in the province, but by 2010, that number had increased to 5,354.
Kenney noted that the Provincial Nominee immigration program allows provinces greater flexibility in selecting immigrants in fields they need. However, he also acknowledged that this program has begun to be used as a channel for family reunification. The federal immigration department will work more closely with provincial immigration offices to improve this program.
Since the Conservative government introduced the federal budget last month, Kenney has announced a series of immigration reform proposals, including those targeting skilled immigrants, skilled worker immigration, and the Provincial Nominee Program.
