Canada Skilled worker/professional selection criteria - LANGUAGE The Language Skills Factor is one of the six factors for which points are awarded by Visa Officers in determining whether a Skilled Worker / Professional applicant will be accepted or refused. Up to 24 points are awarded under the Language Skills Factor based upon the applicant's ability to speak Canada's two official languages. The applicant may indicate either the English or French language as the first or second language for the purpose of being assessed under the Language Skills Factor. Credits for Language Skills are awarded on the following basis: Proficiency Number of Points 1st Language (English or French) High proficiency (per ability*) 4 Moderate proficiency (per ability*) 2 Basic proficiency (per ability*) 1 to 2 No proficiency (per ability*) 0 Maximum 16 points 2nd Language (English or French) High proficiency (per ability*) 2 Moderate proficiency (per ability*) 2 Basic proficiency (per ability*) 1 to 2 No proficiency (per ability*) 0 Maximum 8 points * Listening, reading, speaking, writing