Hi ,
I'm contemplating whether it is worth taking the proficiency tests in English (IELTS) rather than providing documentary evidence. I was hoping to claim the full sixteen points in this field as English is my native language. However if I submit evidence then its up to the Immigration Officer to decide my score. Has anyone any idea on how assess documentary evidence? I went to University in Scotland and also in Liverpool but academically as far as English language in concerned all I have is an O level. I have lots of experience at writing document at an engineering level and also give seminars and training tutorials at work. I think taking the exams may be a more certain route.

Cheers
Hugh

If you speak english natively then taking the test is a pointless waste of money (they really cgaff about your english o level and what you know about shakespeare etc). Just write a letter saying you're an english native speaker, education was in english, your work environment is english etc etc and that will be sufficient.

Take the IELTS if you want to (some of our friends did as their "consultant" advised them to) but I doubt there is any real need if you were born in the UK, lived all your life in the UK and have an O level. They didn't give exams away in those days but that's another thread.

It improve my points score I wanted to practice native tongue with a pretty French girl I knew.


Mrs JonboyE wouldn't let me.

Thanks for the reply Alan and Almost Canadian. I probably wont bother taking the tests in that case and just bombard them with proof.

I am going to just submit a letter stating that all my education and work experience has been in Britain and that I am British born and raised. I have also got an 'upstanding citizen' (A university lecturer I work with) to write a short letter confirming my fluency in English. That should hopefully be sufficient.

That is not necessary. If you tell them that you are a UK citizen, born and educated in the UK, they will take your word for it.

Many thnks for the replies
but will they give you the full 16 points?

Cheers
Hugh

Yes.

What we did (and I think most English native speakers do this) is write a letter containing the following points:-

- I am a native English speaker.
- My education has been conducted in English
- English is the language of my workplace.

Include it in your app and you'll get the 16pts.

I only have O level English as well, as has Mr Chookie (well his was GCSE because he isn't an old fart like me). But we had no problems.

We just wrote a letter as others have said, pointing out the O levels, and that we were native English speakers and they seemed quite happy with that.

Well it can't do any harm. Already have the letter written now. Just waiting for the 120 day letter to arrive. Still need to gather a few documents but I am getting there.

It won't do any harm for sure. But you won't get extra points for it either

Hi, I did as above, a few lines stating my proficiency and signed and dated it..
Good Luck

We didn't even bother stating the fact in our cover letter. All our qualifications/transcripts from University/Trade school are in English. All work references that we provided were in English from UK/US based companies.

I think the "demonstrate fluency in English" is more aimed at other countries where English is not the first language, I wouldn't think the CHC in London worries too much about applications from the UK and their English language capabilities.
Helen

So what about proof if you have spent half your life in UK and half in France, do you need to prove both languages with an exam? I'm now not sure what I'll need to do??