philip.arkwright

Tried looking for a post on this already but couldn't fine one (though I'm sure there is).
A friend of ours emigrated from the UK to New Brunswick about 10 years ago, she says they didn't have to do any language tests as all their education had been in an English speaking country (UK). Is this still the case or does everyone now have to pass IELTS to emigrate to Canada?

luketarplin

Hi Philip. As far as I am aware you will have to prove you have a certain proficiency with one of Canada's official languages, so either English with IELTS (You can take CELPIP but that is not on offer in the UK) or French (I think it's CEF or TEF!, not sure as I don't speak French). My wife and I are looking to move to Canada at some point in the next couple of years and were also both educated in the UK, which doesn't really make a difference as far as I can tell. We have both just done our IELTS exams and got good results, it's not that difficult and not too much hassle considering the whole emigration process. Hope that helps.

Aviator

Everyone has to do it now.

Judging by much of what is posted on social media, being educated in English does not guarantee ones proficiency with the language.

luketarplin

So true Aviator

Almost Canadian

Siouxie

Hello.

As your post is asking about testing for immigration, I've moved it to our Immigration forum where you should get relevant responses.

Language testing is a requirement for immigration through Express Entry and most other immigration streams.

You can read more here: Do I need a language test to immigrate to Canada?
You may find our Wiki guide to immigrating to Canada of use.. https://britishexpats.com/wiki/Quick...an_Immigration

G0ldie

Loved that quote. It qualifies almost in the region of a Christopher Hitchens remark!

christmasoompa

Language testing was introduced for most economic streams in 2015, so wasn't relevant to your friend but the system has changed hugely since they applied. It's not mandatory for all applications, depends on the stream you're applying under.

If you can give more info about your planned visa route then we can tell you if you do need to take IELTS or not.

HTH.

philip.arkwright

Siouxie

https://www.welcomebc.ca/Immigrate-t...Language-tests

Which BC stream are you going to apply under? BC Express Entry or BC Skills Emigration?
https://www.welcomebc.ca/Immigrate-t...C-PNP-pathways
https://www.welcomebc.ca/Immigrate-t...ry-B-C-Process
https://www.welcomebc.ca/Immigrate-t...ration/Process

Are BC Ambulance Service willing to support you for PNP application?
https://www.welcomebc.ca/Immigrate-t...r-Requirements
I'm presuming you got your BC Certification in the end...
Congrats on getting the job offer!

Rufa Barba

You have to both sit the IELTS tests (General Test if not planning to study) which costs about £170 and are valid for two years.

christmasoompa

The OP hasn't confirmed which of the PNP streams s/he is applying under yet? It's not mandatory for all of them (and even if it were, only the principal applicant has to take it).

mchy11

What do you mean by that? You could score poorly even if you grew up/studied in a English speaking country?

Siouxie

Correct.

Just because you were educated in an English speaking country it does not mean that you will pass the tests. Many don't do well.

You can take practice tests online for free (it's the 'General' one you need to do)

https://ieltscanadatest.com/prepare-...tests-general/
https://takeielts.britishcouncil.org...practice-tests
FREE IELTS Online Practice Tests
https://www.ielts.org/usa/ielts-for-...-practice-test

G0ldie

I think you have proved his/her point exactly!

With the advent of social media, most millennials lack the basic interactions via whichever language is used. If it is longer than 160 characters then you will quickly find they lose interest unless a Kardashian is involved.