do I need to take IELTS to apply PR?

[lqin83]

I was an international student in Canada between 2001 and 2006, and received an Ontario secondary school diploma from a local high school there and a 4-year bachelor degree from U of Waterloo. I worked in Toronto for half an year and didn't like it so I came back to my home country China. I have been working in IBM China for 2 years and now I want to migrate to Canada. The question is whether I still need to take IELTS in order to gain points in factor 2 as I noticed there's other option I can choose to avoid IELTS:

Option 2: Establish your proficiency levels through a written explanation and supporting documentation

So I can provide the proof of my two Canadian diplomas and IBM experience related to English proficiency. I am applying from CIC HongKong office not sure if I can go with this option...

[qbanky]

Well you can try proving it by documenting your skills (often does not fly with them though) but its always worth a shot! or you couls simply just do the IELTS!

[lqin83]

If they reject my proof of docs, will my application be rejected or they will ask me for IELTS, I just don't want to waste my time on that...

[todiefor]

If your qualified based from CIC assessment and they rejected the document you submitted for English proficiency, they would just ask you to take IELTS. I think 99% of applicant where English is not their native language requires to take IELTS. Prepare in advance for the exam so that when they ask you, your ready to take it.

[lqin83]

Thanks todiefor.
After I submit my application, how long do I have to wait until they start to assess my application (to ask me to take IELTS if required)? I just wanna know if I can send out my application at this time when my IELTS is ready yet if I choose to take it...