LANGUAGE FACTOR

This factor also presents a challenge, unless the applicant presents test scores from one of the approved official language testing services. If you wish to present “other written evidence” of language proficiency, you must address this issue very carefully. You will need to present “written evidence” that you studied or have worked in the English or French medium.

There are up to 8 additional points available for High or Moderate Proficiency in whatever language you choose as the Second Official Language. Therefore, even moderate proficiency in any of the “abilities” (reading, writing, speaking or listening) will result in an award of 2 points per ability. Even Basic Proficiency in any of the abilities results in an award of 1 point per ability, to a maximum of 2 points. This means that an applicant who is close to the pass mark can improve his or her score by achieving even basic proficiency in the second language. These additional points can turn a weak application into a strong application, or make a strong application even stronger.