WHY IS LEARNING ENGLISH SO IMPORTANT FOR YOUR IMMIGRATION JOURNEY TO CANADA
Immigration is a lengthy and demanding process. Once a person or a family decides to start their life in a different place, it is time to research and collect as much information as possible about the immigration destination, assess options, and make hundreds of decisions that will impact their lives as future new residents.
One of the factors influencing the decision-making process of your probable destination is the language spoken in the country and your knowledge of it. Having the ability to communicate in the official language gives you a competitive edge that could open doors, either in the workplace, when starting new relationships, or in your everyday life.
People who choose Canada as their immigration destination should consider that the nation has two official languages: French and English. According to the 2016 census data published in The Canadian Encyclopedia, 58.1% of the total population mentioned English as their mother tongue, while 21.4% of the population identified French. Another parameter used in the 2016 census was the official spoken language or FOLS, the first official language people use at home. In this case, 75% of the total population identified English as their first language, followed by French with just 22.8%.
With English being the most widely spoken language in the Canadian provinces and territories, it is logical to think that, as a future emigrant, you will need to learn and develop your language skills. Let's highlight the most important reasons.
Knowing English as a second language will make your immigration journey easier. You will be able to understand how processes function and that is always in your advantage to be well informed
As a new permanent resident, your adaptation period to Canada will be much easier if you speak English fluently. You will have more access to the knowledge Canadians have to become active members of their society.
Immigrants with strong English skills have greater probabilities of finding jobs in Canada or applying for better ones.
English skills can help you to get access to resources and services. You can go to a doctor, talk with legal or community representatives, among other examples.
If you speak English, you can further your professional education in Canada, get into academic institutions, say for example you want to study a Master Degree
You will successfully communicate and talk to people in Canada. People with a lack of English fluency have to face a language barrier that not only disfavors them but also reinforces social isolation. Social inclusion is a key element that helps on the emotional distress and normal process of adaptation.
Learning English will enable you to participate in events, get involved with your community.
Eventually, if you want to become a Canadian citizen, being proficient in English will help your citizenship process.
In 2019, CIC News reported that immigrants with a strong English skillset had more success in their integration within the job market in Canada.
One of the most popular immigration programs for skilled professionals, the Express Entry Program, uses language skills as a requirement to filter and rank the most suitable candidates, alongside other factors.
Candidates who score the highest numbers in the four language abilities appraised in the program (reading, listening, speaking, and writing) could sum up to 290 points in the Comprehensive Ranking System.
One of the ways to become an eligible candidate for Canadian immigration is to prove your English proficiency by taking a certified test. There are two authorized institutions by Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada: IELTS and CELPIP. The IELTS test can be taken in 89 countries, while the CELPIP is available in six.
However, having strong language skills to immigrate is not enough to secure a good job. If you want to apply for a top-rated position, you will need to demonstrate that you have the level of fluency and vocabulary that matches the standards of the Canadian workforce. IELTS and the CELPIP tests can certify you have the right language skills. We recommend that before going ahead and apply for your test, make sure what will be your immigration path, when will you need an English test, it is important to be able to organize yourself better.
As a young competitive professional with some work experience and a sound English level, you have more opportunities to earn a higher income. A report published by Statistics Canada observes that fluency in English is one of the main variables to increase your earnings when compared with other candidates with inadequate language abilities.
As an immigrant, you have to open your mind and accept that your future success as a professional, as a student, a member of a new society depends on your adaptation capacity to your newfound circumstances. You want to start your journey having as many advantages as possible, and learning English is a tremendous asset to achieve your goals. Prepare yourself, look for programs that will offer you the best opportunities, and remember, if you need guidance, contact us, and we will be more than glad to assist you. Immigrating to Canada can be a smooth transition.