New Rules - Does everyone need to take Language Proficiency Test?

[Confused_Desi]

Hello all,

I have been lurking around this board for some time now and have gained useful insight. Per the CIC website:

You must prove the level of language proficiency you claim on your application.
To do this, you must take a language test from an agency designated by Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) before starting the immigration process.

English is officially not my first language however:
- Completed Engineering from Toronto
- Completed MBA from US
- Did 2 years of Grade School, 1 year of middle school and 1 year of high school (OACs) from Toronto
- All schooling in English
- Worked in Toronto and US for a total of 6 years
- Have taken the TOEFL long time ago
- Have taken the GMAT

My question is really really do I need to take the IELTS ? I dont mind taking it but really ? Are there any other options or this now a requirement before applying for immigration?

Thanks.

 

[SunnyDXB]

You have to attend IELTS exam in order to gain points because your first lanuage is not English.

 

[canada001]

Yes, you have to take IELTS, even if your 1st language is English.

 

[jes_ON]

canada001 is right - everyone must now take it, even native speakers. Your application will be returned if IELTS scores are not enclosed.

 

[Leon]

Yes, you really have to take it and they have changed the rules regarding that because the option of using supporting documents to proof your English proficiency was being abused. It was actually only meant for people whose native language is English but it was being used by people who'd studied in English speaking countries or worked in English speaking countries or even who didn't but had to use English at work sometimes or read an English textbook at school at some point. As a result, everybody now has to do IELTS, including the people whose native language is English, who've grown up in an English speaking country and do not speak any other language.