Effective April 2010 applicants will be required to provide proof of language skills at the time of application. Changes affect the option to substitute language test results with a written submission.

Currently applicants still have some freedom when it comes to proving their language skills. They may submit test results from the approved third party testing organization (IELTS and/or TEF) or provide a written evidence of their skills instead. It is highly recommended to choose the first option, but many applicants decide otherwise, even though it makes the process less straightforward, leaving room for guesswork. Such submission would not adequately prove the language ability and very often further testing is requested, leading to processing delays that could take months.

Since April 10 things are going to change. Applicants will have only one option to prove their language ability - either submit written evidence or test results. No requests will be issued by the immigration authorities if proof of language skills will be found insufficient. Decisions will be made based on the proof submitted with the application.

Today CIC news release can be found here.