Proof of Language Ability

[sterion75]

Hello,
For this I was born in the UK, English is my main language and I have obtained a UK degree which will be my main proof of English language ability(I will include this in a letter)

However I wish to include basic french proficiency. I have a UK GCSE in the French language along with 6 months work experience in France. Is that enough to satisfy them or do I need to take a TEF test?

Thanks

Robbie

[Leon]

Take the TEF

[rajnik1976]

Hi Robbie,

This is difficult question because when you claim language proficiency they need some evidence to prove it, I am not sure of what level your GCSE is but yes you can try.

Spending six months as a worker won't suffice the purpose because there are many people who have lived in english speaking countries for more than 6 months or year but still they are asked to go for IELTS. If you can explain here what exactly GCSE is then maybe we can help you.

Or maybe a senior member of this forum from UK can shed some light on this.

[rajnik1976]

May be taking TEF is a good option however you spend some valuable bucks on this.

[sterion75]

GCSE is what you take at "high school" it's a standard exam for school leavers in the UK. Probably very similar to grade 12 in Canada

[rajnik1976]

I suggest you go for TEF if you want to claim points for French language.

Thanks

[sterion75]

Ok will arrange for one. I took a basic one online and scored A1 proficiency so looks good

Will try and find somewhere local that does these

Thanks for the help

[rajnik1976]

Good luck Robbie with TEF.

[amerzd]

Your french is measurable by TEF (8 scores). If you appears in TEF you can get your score mearsured and if you don's sit in exam then it is very difficult to expect desired scores from IO (maybe IO gives you 4 out of 8 or 6 or 7 or whatever!!!). Anyway, if your scores are approx 65 or more without TEF then just write a not to CHC for claiming by any evidence otherwise go for TEF without any confusion.

[dreamteam]

need to know something.
what is the essence of TEF?i thought it was to prove
one's proficiency in French language
a man has done a recognised exam in french and has taught and worked in France for a period
and someone still feels he should do an exam?
i think it's an insult to his knowledge
what is the exam for at this time?
someone needs to explain
the people in there are human beigns and not robots
they need to be seen as mortals too, i.e. they reason too

[Leon]

Canada immigration says:

CIC strongly advises that you provide the results of a language test if English or French is not your first language. Written submissions are only recommended for applicants whose first language is English or French.

and

If you believe that you can clearly demonstrate your level of proficiency through a written submission, follow the instructions in the table below.
CIC strongly advises that you only choose this option if your first language is English or French.

If you feel that you are exceptional and do not need the advice of Canada immigration, you may go with a written submission but be aware that IELTS and TEF are the only indicators of proficiency that can be turned into points directly.  With a written submission, it's up to the IO and they can give you however many or few points they want.  Therefore, if you want to gamble or you don't need the points, you should go for written submission.  Otherwise you should take IELTS or TEF.

[rupeshhari]

need to know something.
what is the essence of TEF?i thought it was to prove
one's proficiency in French language
a man has done a recognised exam in french and has taught and worked in France for a period
and someone still feels he should do an exam?
i think it's an insult to his knowledge
what is the exam for at this time?
someone needs to explain
the people in there are human beigns and not robots
they need to be seen as mortals too, i.e. they reason too

I know some people at a top US university doing PhD, who got 800 for the GRE Verbal section but are not proficient in English. I guess it is a catch all rule for people who are not brought up in a certain language. Besides, the argument many people make here is that if one is good at the language then one doesn't have to be scared about the test. However, I do understand the time and cost.

[Leon]

I know some people at a top US university doing PhD, who got 800 for the GRE Verbal section but are not proficient in English. I guess it is a catch all rule for people who are not brought up in a certain language. Besides, the argument many people make here is that if one is good at the language then one doesn't have to be scared about the test. However, I do understand the time and cost.

I am sure immigration is doing this because they have bad experience with proficiency letters in the past.  How many times have we seen people on this board asking for samples of proficiency letters?  How easy would it be to get somebody else to write or proof read your letter?  As a result, they now ask everybody for IELTS/TEF because scores are something you can't argue with. 

[New2Canada]

What Leon says is true. I also see people here asking others to proofread their proficiency letter or asking someone else for theirs. How often do these people asking for such a letter write with proper grammar.

[sterion75]

I've found I can get through on points now without needing the French proficiency

I'll add a letter attached to the application explaining that if I require additional points to qualify I can offer to take a TEF test to boost my points? But on the application not mark it down?

Robbie