Do I need to take the Language Test?

[cositas]

I was wondering if I need to take the language test because:
- I've been living in the US for 8 years. I have a High School diploma from here (US) and attended 2 years college (I did not complete it heere).
- I grew up fully bilingual (French / Portuguese)(my father is French) and have attended middle school and part of High School in France, where I lived for 5 years.
- I currently work as a French Editor for a well-known company (multinational) in the US.
- I have documentation to prove all of the above, but do I need to write a cover letter?

Is it better to just take a language test anyway?

Thank you all for your help!!

 

[john5655]

you sound like one of those rare beasts that can score 24 language points (I'm jealous OK!!!)

seems like you will claim French as your mother toungue first language, but I would suggest you take IELTS if you need anything like 8 points in English

yes, you must explain in writing with documentary evidence your reasons if you are claiming points without the test results

my opinion only

 

[rupeshhari]

Well, would you mind if they come back to you and tell you to take the IELTS and delay your application?

If no, then take the risk and not do the IELTS. There are four levels of proficiency in each category. For second language, highly proficient and the next level awards the same points. You could easily claim the second level and get 8 points for your second language. I presume English is your "second" language.

If yes, you dont want any risk of delay, then take the IELTS.

Wow you are in an awesome position. You could apply to Quebec too.

 

[Leon]

Like everybody else said, you may write all this down for immigration as proof of your language skills and send all kinds of data and they may ask you for IELTS and TEF anyway. Probably they will not ask for TEF because you can say that French is your native language. Up to you if you skip the test, save your money and risk to delay your application if they ask for it anyway.

The reason they do this is that in the past people sent all kind of glorious qualifications for their language skills and then showed up not speaking a word so they like to play it safe.

 

[cositas]

Thank you so much for the advice. I think I'm going to take the English test and claim French as my mother language... better not to risk it and have my application returned/delayed.

Thanks again!

 

[wpc71]

Wise decision! I have also had long time work experinece in English but decided to take the test.

 

[rupeshhari]

now i am scared. i wonder if i should take it too. well, lets wait and see. Good luck to you all.