IELTS Review and Test Simulation

Are you looking for IELTS Review and Test Simulation?

IELTS examination result is now mandatory if you are applying for permanent residence in Canada.  The IELTS examination fee is almost P9,000 and, thus, it would be best if you prepared very well before taking the IELTS Test.  Taking an intensive review and test simulation is highly recommended.

There are quite a number of IELTS Review Centers in the Philippines.  There are also free online resource that is actually helpful.  There are also Online English Language Centers offering IELTS Exam review and tutorials. 
Most IELTS Review Centers offer the following:

Writing and Speaking Techniques

Review on British vs American Spelling

Accent neutralization and grammar review

Training Kit with Listening CDs

Mock Interview

Triple Training Approach

Intensive Review and Test Simulations

Test Registration Assistance - British Council

You will have a better chance of getting a higher score if you take a formal IELTS Review and Test Simulation.

URGENT: Nurses needed in Canada

We are in the process of pooling nurses for possible opportunities in Alberta, Canada. To pass the screening process, you need to have these requirements:

Must have an IELTS overall score of 6.5, and listening of 7.0

Must have nursing experience of 4 years

Willing to be registered with the nursing body in Alberta (the fee costs C$210)

If you have these qualifications and you're interested to apply, please email me at aapuntar@go2canada.com.

Family Stream: Alberta Immigrant Nominee Program (AINP)

Alberta Immigrant Nominee Program (AINP) recently introduced another stream for its Provincial Nominee Program. If you have relatives in Alberta, it will now be easier for you to live and work in Canada!

Alberta now has a Family Stream Category like that of Manitoba. Here are the minimum requirements to qualify.

You can provide proof of a close relative in Alberta (defined as a mother/father, son/daughter, sister/ brother, aunt/uncle, niece/nephew) who is willing to complete a Sponsorship Affidavit of Support on your behalf

Your Sponsor is at least 21 years of age, a Canadian citizen or permanent resident (for at least two years) of Canada, and has been living in Alberta for the past two years

Your Sponsor can show their ability to support you by demonstrating employment, private pension or other regular source of income for the past 12 months or a minimum of CAD $15,000 in unencumbered, transferable and available assets (jewellery, cars or other personal assets are not considered) over and above any income received from government transfer payments (e.g. Old Age Security, Canada Pension Plan, etc.)

You and your spouse or common-law partner are between the ages of 21 and 45

You and your spouse or common-law partner can demonstrate one of the following:

＊You and your spouse or common-law partner have both obtained an International English Language Testing System (IELTS) minimum score of 4.0, or a minimum level of 3 (361-540) on the Test d’evaluation de français (TEF), OR
＊English or French is your primary language of use (the language most commonly used in your household), OR
＊You and your spouse or common-law partner have completed a minimum of a baccalaureate in English or French

You or your spouse or common-law partner can demonstrate completion of a post-secondary education or training program that is a minimum of 1 year in duration and receipt of a degree, diploma or certificate demonstrate one of the following:

＊a minimum of three years of work experience within the past four years, OR
＊three years of full-time post-secondary school within the past four years, OR
＊a combination of three years of full-time work experience and post-secondary school within the past four years

You or your spouse or common-law partner or your sponsor can satisfactorily demonstrate intention and ability to establish successfully in Alberta, based on your accessible funds in a recognized Canadian bank: at least CAD $10,000 for yourself and at least CAD $2,000 for each of your dependents

A limited number of applications per year will be accepted under this stream. When this number is reached, applications will be returned. You better hurry and file your application as soon as possible.

Substituted Evaluation: IELTS Examination

Here's a question I received from one of my readers:

I was required by the Visa Officer to take the IELTS examination and based on the result, I'll get 66 points only. What options do I have? If I submit my IELTS Examination result, will my application be automatically refused?

To answer this question, there are several factors to be considered.

Technically, your application may be refused if you did not meet the passmark which is currently 67 points. This passmark is subject to changes, of course. It used to be 75 points. But I digress.

If you've noticed, I said that your application MAY BE REFUSED if you did not meet the passmark. The operative word there is MAY. That's because if the Visa Officer believes the total points is not a sufficient indicator of whether or not the applicant may become economically established in Canada, he may use a substituted evaluation.

Substituted evaluation is considered on a case-by-case basis. If the Visa Officer opted to use substitued evaluation in case the application did not meet the passmark, the applicant may be called in for a personal interview and or be required to submit additional documents. Substituted Evaluation is different from Humanitarian and Compassionate consideration (this will require a separate entry).

Now, to the question.

First off, major consideration here is your and your spouse's profile (if applicable): education, work experience, family support in Canada, cash in bank, etc.

On submitting your IELTS examination result, be sure to write a cover letter and present your profile in such a way that the Visa Officer may be impressed with the end in view of making him use the substituted evaluation. How you make that letter will make a huge difference.

I actually have a client who was required to update her documents last year. She did not take the IELTS examination. Few months after, she received a letter from the Visa Officer requiring her to take the IELTS Examination. She took the examination but unfortunately she got only a total of 8 points for language proficiency factor, giving her a total of 66 points only. One point short to qualify.

I advised her to submit the result just the same, with a good cover letter of course. And just recently, she received a notice from the Visa Officer about her interview schedule this coming July. I am confident that she will make it.

Should you have questions about Canada Visa Application please feel free to leave your comments here.

Is IELTS Exam Mandatory for PR Visa Application?

The answer is NO. IELTS Examination is not mandatory.

To show proof of language ability, you have two options:

1. Take the IELTS Examination. Information regarding the IELTS examination may be found HERE.

2. Submit a written explanation detailing training in and usage of English Language. You must provide supporting documents like training certificate and other certifications showing the use of English language (i.e. from school registrar, employer, etc)

The difference?

Your IELTS examination result is conclusive and the other option will be subject to Visa Officer's evaluation. If you can clearly establish your language proficiency level by means of alternative documentation, you don't need to take the IELTS examination.

But what if you have submitted alternative documents and you were still required to take the IELTS examination?

In that case, the most logical thing to do is take the IELTS examination!

Prior to the implementation of your Simplified Application Process (Sept 2006), all original documents are being required at the time of filing of application. That includes the proof on your language proficiency. But prior to making a decision, the Visa Officer will require you to update certain documents like your employment certificate, NBI Clearance, personal net worth statement, etc. You may also be encourage to take the IELTS examination, as it is the best proof of language skills.

What happens if you don't take the IELTS examination?

Based on experience, you will be given only 8 points on the average. We actually have a physician client who was given only 8 points! But of course, we made an appeal and successfully won the case.

The maximum for English Language proficiency is 16 points. Below is the equivalent points of your IELTS Examination result.

To get the maximum points for each area, your IELTS Score for each area must be at least 7.0.

If you have a pending PR Visa application and is still waiting for the embassy notice to update your documents, it is best that you prepare yourself for the IELTS Examination.

These are some useful links to help you on your IELTS Examination:

IELTS Help Now

Free IELTS Site (lots of helpful materials)

IELTS Test Review

It is best if you will take an IELTS Review and Test Simulation before writing the IELTS Exxam even if it is not mandatory.