2. Include proof that you meet the language requirement

Most people who apply for Canadian citizenship must include proof that they can speak and understand spoken English or French well enough.

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) says that this means proving that you’ve met Level 4 of Canadian Language Benchmarks or Niveaux de compétence linguistique canadien.

The documents that you can use to show that you know English or French include:

• the results of a test given by an organization that IRCC says can do this
• transcripts or diplomas to prove you studied or are studying in English or French at a high school or post-secondary school, like a college or university
• a certificate that shows that you reached Level 4 in speaking and listening in:
  • Language Instruction for Newcomers (LINC) classes
  • Cours de langue pour les immigrants au Canada (CLIC) classes
  • some provincially-funded language programs

Who does not have to meet the language requirement

You don’t have to prove that you know English or French if:

• you’re 55 years of age or older, or
• for “compassionate” reasons, you’re asking for a waiver that says you don’t have to know English or French

It’s very difficult to get a waiver. So if you want to ask for one, it’s important to get legal help.