language proficiency (English) form United States

[ali1234]

I am applying for Canada immigration in Skilled Worker Category from US and I want to provide written documentations for proof of language proficiency. I have two questions:
 
1) Has anybody recently convinced Canada Immigration office in US about his/her language proficiency based on the written documentations? If the answer is yes which documents have you provided?

2) Is it a good way to underestimate my language proficiency level to pass the language proficiency based on the written documentations?
For example, if I claim the moderate speaking skill rather than High one.

[thaiguy]

Since English is not your native language, you're going to need to take the IELTS.  They're not going to accept written documentation.

[nomlah]

Qualify IELTS if your education is not from USA. They are not going to see your documentation.
Do not underestimate, that way you are reducing your points by yourself.

Good Luck,

Webmaster,
http://thinkingofcanada.com

[Yojimbo]

I sent my application arguing my English level without the test. To date, I haven't received anything from CIC requesting me to take them and I already did my medicals.

From what I've read, the medicals are the very last request they make. However, it's been about 6 months, 11 days, and 2 hours since the hospital sent the results and I haven't heard back from them yet, so technically there is a chance that they could ask for them.

I used my background to prove my English proficiency:

-1 year of high school in the US.
-diploma: media and communications from university college in Canada.
-BA: communications and political science from university in Canada
-2 years working in marketing and communication in Canada (one of them as a marketing and comm. specialist).
-volunteer writer for university newspapers and Canadian Cancer Society.

I think and hope that background is plenty to convince anybody.

Oh, but I've also read that lately they're getting tougher on these things... so even if you have a strong case, just hope for the best but be prepared to take them if they say so.

[Oloye]

Yojimbo,
Relax. You have only waited for six months and some days (Though long time to wait) others have been waiting for between 8 and 10 months. I am sure that Text of English is not the reason for the delay but it mat be due to background check and other factors. Note that you will soon be contacted and we shall all be happy to read your story.

Oloye

[Yojimbo]

Thanks Oloye, you are kind of like my AA sponsor, always helping me keep my feet on the ground and my hopes on the clouds.

...I joke about it, but that's only in order not to get anxious. And yes, the good ending to the wait will be posted. :)

By the way, what's your status? where in the process are you Mr. O?

[chsieh]

I had written a page to attach to the application.  Does 14 years of working experience in US and living in US for 20 years be acceptable?  In Singapore, English is an official language but not a native language.  Is that good enough?

[thaiguy]

They're probably going to ask you for the IELTS.  Be prepared just in case.

[Yojimbo]

Many people in the US don't speak English at all, including some who have been working there for a long time. If I were the CIC officer reviewing your case, I'd request the test, except of course if your job requires high English proficiency i.e. writer, teacher, famous-super-awesome TV/radio host.

Like thaiguy says, "they're probably going to ask you for the IELTS." Be prepared.

[maroraza]

Since English is not your native language, you're going to need to take the IELTS.  They're not going to accept written documentation.

at the time i fill out my application form i mentioned moderate speaking skill with this i got enough points but during process i was prepering my IELTS too because i knew i have to go for it as Embassy always require IELTS but during interview they told as i mentioned moderate speaking skill so i have to provide still proof of my language skill if i dont want to go for IELTS even a women who was taking my interview she said better dont go for IELTS some time people take long time to pass this exam, so as i mentioned moderate level then i can show any First Cirtificate or if i pass any exam in english langauge in university so i was not having any first cirtificate but i told her that i have my publication articles in english which publish in magazine and books so she asked me ok send me copy of your articles and the book in which they are published and also if you was having any of your study in english language take the proof from university and send me , so i went to my university they type on simple university letter head that this person study english language in master degree and pass all exams and they put university stamp on this letter head along signature, i sent this to embassy and i got 8 points without IELTS and within one year all my process finish and i got immigration , so its possible to get immigration without IELTS while you have enough points with moderate skill,i was wonder too because before this experience i was working hard on IELTS , you should check first your points if you have enough points with moderate skill then you can go with this but i tell you one thing sometime its depend what kind of person have your case because the same person will take your interview sometime some people are stubborn and even though you mention moderate skill they can ask you IELTS because they have right to ask you anything related with immigration , women who had my case she was very nice and polite even she advise me dont go for IELTS if i can provide her some language skill proof in different way other wise i was prepearing my IELTS ,  Goodluck

[Yojimbo]

wow... that was the longest sentence I've ever read.

[Bluff Master]

You are right, this is one long sentence. LOL

[chsieh]

Thank you all for the response.  I worked for UN for 14 years and had passed the UN Proficiency Test.  I don't care if I have to take the test.  I am willing to take the test.  Please guide me which center or site I should visit for more information.  My attorney did not ask me to take the test, just written statement.

[Bluff Master]

Chsieh,

If I am not wrong, I was tolf that if your native language is not english, you are required to give an english proficiency exam. You can go to www.ielts.org, this site has all the information about the test on how, when, and where.

[Yojimbo]

You're not "required" to take the test, but lately they're getting more and more strict with what they take as proof of English proficiency.

If someone has worked at the UN for 14 years with responsibilites that obviously require English, I would assume that's enough.

But then again it wouldn't do harm to take the IELTS and be 100% sure that it won't be an issue later in the process.

Good luck!

[Bluff Master]

Working at UN for 14 years doesn't necessary mean that you need to know English or you should be excellent in english.

However, I agree that if education is in english and english is required for work then there is no need for english proficiency exam.

There is no harm in giving the exam as it is one of the most easiest exam. People who haev given TOEFL in the past shouldn't have any problems.

GOOD LUCK!!!!

[gjp]

I gave a written explanation about my English language skills. But they wanted me to take the IELTS exam within 120 days after receiving the letter.

[maroraza]

they accept documents proof issued from institute or university that you finished some study in english not just writen explanation from you ,

I gave a written explanation about my English language skills. But they wanted me to take the IELTS exam within 120 days after receiving the letter.

[chsieh]

Thank you all.  To be on the safe side, I will take the test.

[ManiB]

My native language is English and I am applying from the London Embassy. Can anyone tell me what I need to submit (if anything) to prove my level of proficiency of the English language. Will they take it that because I was born in England, my level of proficiency is high, or do I need to take a test?
(I'm sure some of you may think the answer to the question i'm asking is obvious but I just wanted to double check).

Thanks

M

[PMM]

Hi

My native language is English and I am applying from the London Embassy. Can anyone tell me what I need to submit (if anything) to prove my level of proficiency of the English language. Will they take it that because I was born in England, my level of proficiency is high, or do I need to take a test?
(I'm sure some of you may think the answer to the question i'm asking is obvious but I just wanted to double check).

Thanks

M

If you were born in the UK, all your schooling was in English, the language or work was in English, and your home language was English, put that in a note on the application, that is all that is required in your case.

PMM

[mikelingen]

 I agree with Thaiguy & Yojimbo,
 
Be ready to do your IELTS at all times.  Its the 'clincher' which will tilt the balance in your favor at all times.  Voluntary submission of the IELTS  results is recommended towards the end of the application process which is on an average of three years after your AOR.  There is an exemption if you have studied in the US, Canada, England, Ireland, Australia & New Zealand.

Mike.

In your case Yojimbo, they could be convinced that you have a reasonable command of the language because you worked in Canada.  Proving you can survive in Canada with your language skills.

Applicants must understand the importance of IELTS.   Especially those who studied in English medium schools & colleges around the non-English speaking world. ....   
  - It is the only way CIC can establish that you have reasonable English language skills - a prerequisite for your survival in Canada.

[chsieh]

Under everyone's advice, I decided to take the test.  While filling up the application form, I encounter question #16 asking me if I wish to take ACADEMIC or GENERAL TRAINING format.  What is the difference?

[maroraza]

The difference between two IELTS modules is that Reading and Writing tests are different in Academic and General. The Listening and the Speaking tests are the same.
The difference in Reading test is that you may have to read 3 longer and more complicated passages in Academic versus 4 smaller and easier texts in General Training.

Under everyone's advice, I decided to take the test.  While filling up the application form, I encounter question #16 asking me if I wish to take ACADEMIC or GENERAL TRAINING format.  What is the difference?

[mikelingen]

chsieh,

The ACADEMIC Module is essentially for students who use English as a second language & wish study in English Language universities in English speaking countries.

The GENERAL Module is for professionals who wish mainly to immigrate to countries like Canada, Australia, England etc.,  And it is this module you will have to test for to support your immigration claim.

You score marks  as under :
                                  IELTS BAND SCORE                POINTS YOU GET FOR LANGUAGE SKILLS             
                               ---------------------              ----------------------------------------
LISTENING                          6.0 to 6.50                                      2
READING                                 -"-                                             2
WRITING                                 -"-                                             2
SPEAKING                               -"-                                             2
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTAL                                   -"-                                             8
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
            IELTS BAND SCORE                POINTS YOU GET FOR LANGUAGE SKILLS             
                               ---------------------              ----------------------------------------
LISTENING                          7.0 to 8.50                                      4
READING                                 -"-                                             4
WRITING                                 -"-                                             4
SPEAKING                               -"-                                             4
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTAL                                   -"-                                             16
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
for an overall band score of 9 to 10 you get full 20 points for language.

maroraza  :  I am of the impression that the General Training is far tougher than the Academic Training.

Mike