The Federal Court confirms that a resume in English is inadequate proof of a person's ability to communicate in English

In a recent Federal Court case (Puyda v. Canada), the applicant questioned the visa officer’s decision to deny his work permit application. The applicant, Roman Puyda, applied for a work visa to work with Hybrid Elevator Inc (HEI) in Kelowna, British Columbia. The work permit application was based on a job offer from HEI for the post of Industrial Products Designer, as well as a favourable labour market impact assessment (LMIA) from HEI for that position. Mr. Puyda’s visa officer concluded that he had not proven that he met the job criterion, notably English proficiency. As a result, the officer denied the application.

The applicant then argued whether the visa officer had considered significant data about his English language skills. He stated that his entire résumé was written in English and that his employer at HEI was satisfied with his proficiency in English.

The visa officer then stated clearly that a résumé in English is insufficient proof that the applicant knows English, and that he had not even evaluated the resume in the first place. He clearly stated that a CV can be prepared with the help of another person & there’s no proof that Mr. Puyda prepared it himself. An officer might reasonably expect more than an English language application and cover letter to validate an applicant’s ability to speak and write in English.

The applicant sought judicial review, which was dismissed by the federal court because the visa officer had compelling reasons to deny his work permit application.

To establish English fluency, applicants must submit documentation in their work permit applications that they have sufficient language skills to work in their sector in Canada. This evidence may include explanations to visa officers about how to interpret test results, prior English schooling, old employment reference letters, and letters from prospective Canadian employers certifying that their language abilities are acceptable for their position.