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CP 13 – Administration

3. Using interpreters

3.1. This section is about

This section explains when interpreters are to be used during the citizenship application process.

It covers:
- language interpreters
- sign-language interpreters

3.2. Program objectives

The use of an interpreter is a right enshrined in the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms and in the Bill of Rights.

The assistance of an interpreter is to ensure language barriers do not impede applications. The assistance of an interpreter during a citizenship interview or hearing is subject to the decision-maker’s determination that:

- the request is being made in good faith;
- the interpreter is competent to provide the required assistance.

When an interpreter should be used

An interpreter should be used when applicants have had language requirements waived or when they are not clearly able to understand, read or speak one of Canada's official language during the citizenship process. For example, an interpreter may be used during a hearing with a citizenship judge, during an interview with a citizenship officer, during a citizenship ceremony, during the signature of the oath of citizenship, etc.

Exception to language interpreters at a hearing with a citizenship judge

Language interpreters may not be used during the assessment of a client’s ability to speak one of the official languages. An interpreter may be used during a hearing when assessing their knowledge of Canada. While it is possible for applicants to have sufficient knowledge of English or French to meet the language requirement, they may have difficulty either understanding or expressing themselves in response to questions concerning knowledge of Canada and of the responsibilities and privileges of citizenship. For this reason, applicants are permitted to rely on the assistance of an interpreter in order to demonstrate that they satisfy the Citizenship Act’s knowledge of Canada requirement.

3.5. Policy

Language interpreter

To uphold a person’s right to be heard, a language interpreter may be used to assist an applicant for citizenship during any required interview or hearing. A language interpreter will be allowed to assist applicants to demonstrate at a hearing with a citizenship judge that they meet the requirements of the Citizenship Act, except for the requirement of knowledge of one of the official languages of Canada.

If the letter is addressed correctly, but the person it’s addressed to is not at your address

-Contact the senders and inform them of the error so they can update their mailing list.
-Cross out the address, write 'Moved' or 'Unknown' and deposit the item in a Street Letter Box. Do not include a forwarding address, as that would require additional postage.