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Proof of English

chechi_298

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Hey everyone, I'm new to this forum, so please bear with me. I only have one question at this time.

I did my undergrad at a Canadian University and have met the number of hours required for applying for PR under the Canadian Experience Class. The checklist suggests that proof of English is necessary. However, I've been hearing contradictory reports regarding whether I NEED to write the IELTS or whatever it is. Some say it's an absolutely MUST. Others say that a 4 yr undergrad, coupled with the fact that I'm originally from an English speaking country and my high school was based on the British system, negates the need for the test. Theoretically, it seems unnecessary in my opinion.

I would rather avoid spending the extra $$ on the test if I can get away with it, but I haven't seen any mention of exceptions wrt proof of English language on CIC's website. Can someone pleasssse help clarify this?

Thanks!
 

lpc19800

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May 21, 2013
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chechi_298 said:
Hey everyone, I'm new to this forum, so please bear with me. I only have one question at this time.

I did my undergrad at a Canadian University and have met the number of hours required for applying for PR under the Canadian Experience Class. The checklist suggests that proof of English is necessary. However, I've been hearing contradictory reports regarding whether I NEED to write the IELTS or whatever it is. Some say it's an absolutely MUST. Others say that a 4 yr undergrad, coupled with the fact that I'm originally from an English speaking country and my high school was based on the British system, negates the need for the test. Theoretically, it seems unnecessary in my opinion.

I would rather avoid spending the extra $$ on the test if I can get away with it, but I haven't seen any mention of exceptions wrt proof of English language on CIC's website. Can someone pleasssse help clarify this?

Thanks!
English test (or french) is mandatory for all CEC applicants
 

CEC2013

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Dec 8, 2012
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lpc19800 said:
English test (or french) is mandatory for all CEC applicants
Agreed! And its non-negotiable. You can either write IELTS or sit for CELPIP now. But you have to do one or the other.
 

LPS

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Yes, you have to sit either IELTS or CELPIP.

As a native English speaker I found it quite annoying that there are no exceptions, but there it is.
 

anagram

Full Member
Aug 22, 2013
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LPS said:
Yes, you have to sit either IELTS or CELPIP.

As a native English speaker I found it quite annoying that there are no exceptions, but there it is.
The testing orgs need to get their money somehow!
 

CEC2013

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anagram said:
The testing orgs need to get their money somehow!
Supporting the local economy! ;)
 

LPS

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anagram said:
The testing orgs need to get their money somehow!
8) I'm happy to help out the language testing industry of Canada.

My bigger problem is having to book a test weeks or months in advance. It was the item that most delayed my CEC application, and meanwhile the clock was ticking on my work permit.

But I have to admit, this is probably the fairest system as it applies equally to all.
 

iam_toby

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LPS said:
8) I'm happy to help out the language testing industry of Canada.

My bigger problem is having to book a test weeks or months in advance. It was the item that most delayed my CEC application, and meanwhile the clock was ticking on my work permit.

But I have to admit, this is probably the fairest system as it applies equally to all.
I totally agree with LPS here. And, I gotta be honest, living in the UK does not necessarily mean
your english is good. I mean, I can be PR or citizen of a country, and don't even speak the language.

CELPIP is a good, fast and cheap option to get your language test done when you're already in Canada.
 

chechi_298

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Ok, thanks everyone!
 

scylla

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chechi_298 said:
Others say that a 4 yr undergrad, coupled with the fact that I'm originally from an English speaking country and my high school was based on the British system, negates the need for the test.
Anyone who is saying the above is unfamiliar with the current rules. As others have said, no language test results = automatic refusal.
 

spookyb

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Your application will be returned in the initial check of documents if you don't provide your language results. This is not a refusal per se, but your application will be considered incomplete. It is absolutely mandatory.
 

2_of_5

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Absolutely necessary. I'm a native English speaker, and still had to take it. The IELTS examiner for the spoken language portion even asked me "So, why exactly are you here? ???" when I completed the test. He couldn't believe I had to take it, but "them's the rules".
 

anagram

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Aug 22, 2013
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2_of_5 said:
Absolutely necessary. I'm a native English speaker, and still had to take it. The IELTS examiner for the spoken language portion even asked me "So, why exactly are you here? ???" when I completed the test. He couldn't believe I had to take it, but "them's the rules".
Mine asked me to talk about sports in my home country. I don't follow American sports! So unfair, so having to contrive some crap about sports yielded me an embarrassing 7.

-anagram
 

iam_toby

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anagram said:
Mine asked me to talk about sports in my home country. I don't follow American sports! So unfair, so having to contrive some crap about sports yielded me an embarrassing 7.

-anagram
Sorry but it's totally not up to the content, even if you don't no jack about something,
just talk. They want to hear your english skills not the knowhledge on a specific topic.
 

LPS

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iam_toby said:
Sorry but it's totally not up to the content, even if you don't no jack about something,
just talk. They want to hear your english skills not the knowhledge on a specific topic.
I guess that's a good point for anyone taking these tests in future. A true test of your conversational skills will include your handling of unfamiliar topics. CELPIP asked us to talk about Canadian cuisine or something like that.