Today my application was returned to me. In a generic form, it said that I must either "provide language assessment by a designated institution..." or I must "provide other evidence in writing of your proficiency in those languages". This material should include - a written submission explaining your training in English or French; - an explanation of how you commonly use English or French.

I and my wife have worked and studied in US and have graduated with bachlor degrees in Engineering in USA. We had also submitted our transcripts and employer referral. This is so strange to ask us for documents proving proficiency in English. Please advise.

Strange but true. General advice issued time and again in the immigration forum and misc.immigration.canada newsgroup is that unless you were born and raised in a primarily english speaking country you should take the IELTS language test to be sure of a fair assesment of your language skills, regardless of where your later education is done.

You could try and send evidence to support your language claim, but it has to meet the standards laid out somewhere in the CIC website (its like a 140 page booklet on langauge assesment!) and you will not know in advance how many points you qualify for, its at the immigration officers discression. If you do the IELTS test you will know for sure how many points you get.

Sorry!

Iain