Previously I've posted an entry about International English Language Testing System (IELTS) telling you that it is not mandatory. It remains to be true even after the Ministerial instructions affecting the new Federal Skilled Worker program. However, please note that Citizenship and Immigration Canada strongly suggests that you provide the results if English or French is not your first language.
There is also a new points system for your IELTS exam results:
| Writing | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High | First official language: 4 | 6.5 - 9.0 | 7.5 - 9.0 | 6.5 - 9.0 | 6.5 - 9.0 |
| Second official language: 2 | |||||
| Moderate | Either official language: 2 | 5.5 - 6.0 | 5.5 - 7.0 | 5.0 - 6.0 | 5.5 - 6.0 |
| Basic | Either official language: 1 | 4.0 - 5.0 | 4.5 - 5.0 | 3.5 - 4.5 | 4.0 - 5.0 |
| No | 0 | Less than 4.0 | Less than 4.5 | Less than 3.5 | Less than 4.0 |
The following are considered majority English-speaking countries and may be allowed to submit alternative documentation to support English language proficiency:
- Antigua & Barbuda
- Australia
- The Bahamas
- Barbados
- Belize
- Canada
- Dominica
- Grenada
- Guyana
- Jamaica
- New zealand
- St Kitts & Nevis
- St Lucia
- St Vincent & the Grenadines
- Trinidad & Tobago
- The USA
