This year, the Government of the Azores will promote the third edition of Portuguese Language Courses for Immigrants. The application period for the presentation of application by training institutions will run until March 31.

These courses, attended by over a hundred participants, aim to promote the full integration of immigrants residing in the Region by improving their language skills, which contributes their professional and personal fulfilment.

The successful completion of this 150-hour course allows immigrants to comply with the requirements for the acquisition of nationality, permanent residence or the authorisation for long-term residence in regard to the assessment exams of Portuguese Language.

An initiative developed by the Government of the Azores, through the Regional Directorates for Communities and Education, the Portuguese Language Courses for Immigrants will be, preferably, taught after working hours.

Applications may be submitted by public and private entities or cooperatives as well as by public school establishments. This initiative is regulated by Ordinance no.49/2012 of April 27,amended and republished by Ordinance no.56/2014 of August 19.

In the second edition, held in 2014, a total of five courses were held on the islands of S. Miguel (two), Terceira, Faial and Flores. The initiative was organised by CRESAÇOR - Regional Cooperative for Social Solidarity, the Azores Immigrant Association (AIPA) and the Lajes das Flores Town Hall. The courses were attended by 70 participants from 22 countries: Germany, Austria, France, Ukraine, USA, Netherlands, Georgia, Brazil, Cape Verde, Guinea Bissau, Moldova, Colombia, Italia, Canada, China, Senegal, Romania, Lithuania, India, United Kingdom and Belgium.

Further information on the Portuguese Language Course for Immigrants and the respective application is available on the page of the Regional Directorate for Communities on the Regional Government Portal at the following address: http://www.azores.gov.pt/Portal / en / entities / pgra-ssrpre-drcomunidades/.