Language level requirements for people with LMIA

[Python35]

Hi, is there any information on language skill required for people who have positive LMIA?

In my case embassy required IELTS test results for me and my colleagues. The future employer is obviously satisfied with our English levels, but what if somebody ends up with a low score? I couldn't find any information on that, right now it looks like a person at the embassy makes the decision to provide visa without any strict rules to follow.

Maybe low test scores for some of us won't matter if employer confirms that the real skills of that person are good enough for his future job position?

 

[scylla]

Depends on the skill level of the occupation. If NOC A, B or 0 then you'd want to score at least 6 in each of the four IELTS categories.

 

[Python35]

Depends on the skill level of the occupation. If NOC A, B or 0 then you'd want to score at least 6 in each of the four IELTS categories.

Thanks for the fast answer.

I've tried to find NOC for "software systems designer" and I could only find number "2173". Do you know if it means that we should all score a 6 on each category or maybe worse is fine?

 

[scylla]

Thanks for the fast answer.

I've tried to find NOC for "software systems designer" and I could only find number "2173". Do you know if it means that we should all score a 6 on each category or maybe worse is fine?

It falls in the A/B/0 category so yes - you would want to be aiming for at least 6 in each category. Less than that may be fine (it's up to the immigration officer) - but it's certainly risky. For immigration purposes (i.e. if you were applying to come to Canada permanently) anything less than 6 in each category isn't accepted for your occupation.

 

[Python35]

Thank you! We are applying for work permit which is not permanent if I understand correctly. I hope that immigration officer won't be too demanding here.

 

[fkl]

It varies from situation to situation and embassy to embassy.

Normally for a relatively low skilled job etc, language test is mandatory and probably the same criteria would apply as is the case of PR. i.e. for skilled jobs NOC 0 or A, it is like CELPIP 7 minimum, for NOC B, its CELPIP 5 I believe. Though this is only explicitly stated in case of PR and not for work permit.

But for highly skilled jobs / profiles - it may or may not be a requirement.

For instance, I am a software engineer (2173/4) with more than a decade's experience and I applied for work permit and came to Canada in 2012/13 time frame. Language test wasn't required of me, nor of any one I know of similar profiles. I am not sure if things have changed since though.

English is not my first language and I came from a developing country.

P.S. However, I would like to point out that my English is / was at par with any one from here

 

[fkl]

Thank you! We are applying for work permit which is not permanent if I understand correctly. I hope that immigration officer won't be too demanding here.

Though I would insist that you should be really concerned about your work prospects if scoring a 6 minimum, seems risky.

Except Quebec, the primary language of communication in Canada is English. This would only become more significant if you are a software engineer.

 

[Python35]

For instance, I am a software engineer (2173/4) with more than a decade's experience and I applied for work permit and came to Canada in 2012/13 time frame. Language test wasn't required of me, nor of any one I know of similar profiles. I am not sure if things have changed since though.

English is not my first language and I came from a developing country.

I'm pretty sure that language test may not be required for software engineers/developers if you are lucky to live in a country which has good relations with Canada. We live in Mordor though, so our situation may be different. I've read that local Canadian embassy hates the population of Mordor and tries to create as many obstacles as possible.

For example, in our case they've also demanded detailed letters from past employers which clarify our job duties, even though that makes zero sense since our new employer is more that sastisfied with our expertise and we've sumbitted a letter to the embassy which confirms that. I'm lucky that my old employer from 2008-2013 is still in business and that they kindly agreed to provide the required letter. I'm not sure what would've happened if I could only get a letter from the latest employer (2013-2016).

 

[scylla]

FYI - 6 isn't that high a score on IELTS. Based on your writing on this forum - you should score well above 6 easily (unless you mess up the test).

 

[Python35]

FYI - 6 isn't that high a score on IELTS. Based on your writing on this forum - you should score well above 6 easily (unless you mess up the test).

Thanks, I've already passed the test and I'll get the results next Friday. It was just a general IELTS and it wasn't difficult. I'm not worried about my result, but my colleagues are going to pass this test in a month and their current level was estimated to be around 5. This estimation was done by a specialized firm which provides training for IELTS.

The thing is - we're already working remotely as contractors for the same employer who want to relocate us, and employer is satisfied with our English. And after the relocation everyone will improve their English obviously. However, I'm afraid immigration officer might ignore those facts.

 

[fkl]

I'm pretty sure that language test may not be required for software engineers/developers if you are lucky to live in a country which has good relations with Canada. We live in Mordor though, so our situation may be different. I've read that local Canadian embassy hates the population of Mordor and tries to create as many obstacles as possible.

For example, in our case they've also demanded detailed letters from past employers which clarify our job duties, even though that makes zero sense since our new employer is more that sastisfied with our expertise and we've sumbitted a letter to the embassy which confirms that. I'm lucky that my old employer from 2008-2013 is still in business and that they kindly agreed to provide the required letter. I'm not sure what would've happened if I could only get a letter from the latest employer (2013-2016).

Well i am from Pakistan. So the country is definitely not at par with other first world countries in terms of relationship with Canada. Still might be better than Mordor.

The point is that it is more relevant to individual profile than country as a whole. I have known many people (low skilled LMIA holders) from home country who CIC explicitly asked for language tests.

 

[Prasathvenk]

Need IELTS for work permit?without IELTS,anything possible to get work permit?please reply