Bilingual Non-Imperative Positions: What Happens After You’re Appointed

What is a bilingual non-imperative position in the Government of Canada?

A bilingual non-imperative position is a federal public service position that may be filled by an eligible candidate who does not yet meet the required proficiency in both official languages at the time of appointment. Unlike a bilingual imperative appointment, where candidates must meet the language requirements before being appointed, non-imperative staffing allows certain employees to meet those requirements after appointment, generally through employer-funded language training within a two-year period.

However, a non-imperative appointment does not automatically remove the language requirements. Specific conditions apply, including a formal agreement to become bilingual in the usual training pathway. If you’re considering a bilingual position or have recently received a non-imperative appointment, understanding how the process works can help you prepare for your next steps.

What Is the Difference Between Bilingual Imperative and Non-Imperative Staffing?

In the Government of Canada, bilingual positions require employees to demonstrate proficiency in English and French according to the language profile established for their role. However, the timing of when candidates must meet these requirements depends on the staffing process.

Bilingual imperative	Bilingual non-imperative
Language requirements must be met at appointment.	Eligible candidates may be appointed before meeting the second-language requirements.
Required proficiency must already be demonstrated.	An agreement to become bilingual may allow time to develop the required proficiency.
No post-appointment training entitlement arises from imperative staffing.	Necessary language training is provided at public expense under the agreement.
This is the standard approach.	This is an exception subject to specific rules.

The Public Service Commission identifies imperative staffing as the normal approach, while non-imperative staffing is used in specific circumstances.

Related reading: Learn more about bilingual imperative positions and the BBB language profile in our guide to bilingual imperative staffing.

Do You Need to Pass the SLE Before or After a Non-Imperative Appointment?

One of the most common questions candidates ask is whether they need to pass the Second Language Evaluation (SLE) before accepting a bilingual non-imperative position.

For an eligible candidate appointed under an agreement to become bilingual, the required second-language proficiency does not need to be achieved before appointment. Instead, the candidate agrees to attain the required proficiency within the applicable period. The process generally involves:

• Appointment: The candidate accepts the bilingual non-imperative position and signs the required agreement.
• Language training: The employer arranges necessary language training at public expense. (Funding for language training varies by role, organization, and department. Costs may be fully covered, partially covered, or paid by the candidate.)
• Progress and preparation: The employee develops the language skills required for the position.
• Second Language Evaluation: The employee demonstrates the required proficiency through the applicable official assessments.

Candidates may already have SLE results that establish their current proficiency. The timing of further assessments depends on their circumstances and the employer’s process. It is important to distinguish between being eligible for appointment and eventually meeting the complete language profile. To learn more about SLE requirements & online SLE preparation programs, book a call with one of our LRDG advisors.

What Language Requirements Must You Meet? Understanding BBB and CBC

Every bilingual position in the federal public service has an established language profile. Common examples include BBB and CBC, which represent different proficiency requirements. These profiles cover three language skills:

• Reading comprehension: Understanding written information in the second official language.
• Written expression: Communicating effectively in writing.
• Oral proficiency: Understanding and participating in spoken conversations.

For example, a BBB profile requires Level B in all three skills, while a CBC profile requires Level C in reading comprehension and oral proficiency, and Level B in written expression. The requirements depend on the position, not simply on whether the appointment is imperative or non-imperative. For employees entering a non-imperative position, the objective is to develop the skills necessary to meet their position’s specific language profile.

Related reading: If your goal is Level B, explore our guide on how to achieve Level B in the Government of Canada’s Second Language Evaluation. If you are aiming for a higher level, read more on “How to Score a CBC or CCC?”

How Long Do You Have to Meet the Language Requirements?

Under the agreement-to-become-bilingual pathway, employees generally have a two-year window to meet the language requirements of their position. The two-year period normally begins on the effective date of the appointment or the date of the written appointment agreement, whichever is later.

The agreement outlines the responsibilities of both the employee and the appointing organization.

Can the 2-year window to meet requirements, Be Extended?

Yes, but extensions are not automatic. Under the Public Service Official Languages Appointment Regulations, an extension may be granted in certain circumstances, including:

• Unforeseen exceptional operational requirements.
• Unforeseen exceptional personal circumstances.
• A physical, mental or learning impairment that hinders language learning.
• The inability to obtain necessary employer-funded language training.

Eligible extensions may total up to two additional years.

What Happens if You Do Not Meet the Requirements?

If an employee does not attain the required proficiency by the end of the applicable agreement period, and no valid extension applies, the employer must appoint or deploy the employee to another position for which they meet the essential qualifications, at a similar level and salary.

This is why understanding the agreement, training arrangements and language expectations from the beginning is important. Discuss your bilingual goals and objectives with us at LRDG. Book a free consultation and get started.

How Does Language Training Work After a Non-Imperative Appointment?

Language training is an important part of the agreement-to-become-bilingual process. Under the applicable federal rules, the employer must ensure that the employee receives the necessary training at public expense during the agreement period. Depending on the organization and the employee’s needs, training may be delivered internally, through an external language training provider, or through a combination of approaches.

Training schedules and formats may vary. Some employees may participate in intensive or full-time language training, while other arrangements depend on the organization’s training plan. Effective preparation should address the language skills required for the position, including grammar, vocabulary, reading, writing and oral communication.

How Can You Prepare Before Language Training Begins?

Even before receiving a bilingual appointment, candidates can begin developing their English or French skills.

A few practical strategies include:

• Practice regularly: Incorporate English or French into everyday conversations, workplace reading and listening activities.
• Use Canadian learning resources: Explore Mauril, a free language-learning platform developed by CBC/Radio-Canada using Canadian audio and video content.
• Understand your current level: Identify whether your language skills align with Level A, B or C expectations.
• Explore structured online learning: Use Canadian language-learning materials, such as LRDG’s interactive learning platform, to develop vocabulary, grammar and comprehension.

Starting early can help candidates become more familiar with their second official language and better understand the skills they need to develop.

Preparing for the SLE With Structured Language Training

For employees preparing to meet their position’s language profile, a structured learning plan can help organize their preparation. At LRDG, our language training approach combines live online tutoring with self-directed learning through an interactive platform. Learners can practice workplace communication, review grammar and vocabulary, and develop the skills required for their target language level.

Related reading: Discover how full-time language training works and how intensive preparation can support progress toward your language goals. Speak with a language advisor and check out our second language evaluation guide.

What Is the Exclusion Approval Order?

The Public Service Official Languages Exclusion Approval Order (PSOLEAO) establishes the circumstances in which an eligible person appointed on a bilingual non-imperative basis may be excluded from meeting the second official language proficiency requirements at the time of appointment.

It provides three categories of exclusion:

• An agreement to become bilingual.
• An exclusion on medical grounds.
• An exclusion related to eligibility for an immediate annuity.

The agreement-to-become-bilingual pathway is the one associated with the two-year language-training period discussed in this article. The other exclusions have different eligibility requirements and should not be confused with a training agreement. For official details, consult the Public Service Commission’s guidance on the Public Service Official Languages Exclusion Approval Order.

Frequently Asked Questions About Bilingual Non-Imperative Positions

Prepare for Your Next Step in the Federal Public Service

Whether you’re considering a bilingual non-imperative position or preparing to meet your current role’s language requirements, understanding the process is an important first step. With the right preparation, consistent practice and a structured language-learning plan, you can work toward the proficiency required for your position.

Explore LRDG’s Business English and French language training programs and discover how our Canadian learning platform and qualified tutors can support your SLE preparation.

Explore Our Language Training Programs and book a call with one of our advisors today!