Dear Mr Brown,

I am wondering why applicants for the Express Entry programme have to take the IELTS General Test when Jamaica is an English-speaking country. Please explain the rationale as I heard that the test was not required for applications for permanent residency in the past.

–JR

Dear JR:

It is true that results from an English Language proficiency test, such as the IELTS (International English Language Testing System) General were not always required in the past. It was sufficient for an applicant to indicate that he or she lived in an English-speaking country, and received their education in English, and so forth.

However, the test has been a requirement for some time. Notwithstanding the fact that English is the official language of Jamaica, the purpose of the test is to demonstrate the level of English proficiency. One can listen, read, write, and speak English at a higher or

lower level of proficiency. Accordingly, the test is used as a measurement tool to objectively and conclusively determine one’s proficiency level.

Language Proficiency

Under the Express Entry Programme (Federal Skilled Worker Category, Federal Skilled Trades, Canadian Experience Class, and some Provincial Nominee Programmes), an applicant is required to prove their language proficiency in either English or French. To do so, each applicant must take

an International English Language Testing System (IELTS) exam or a Test d’Evaluation Français (TEF) exam.

IELTS and TEF results assist visa officers determine whether the applicant has sufficient English or French language ability for proper integration into Canadian society and the Canadian workforce. Permanent residents are expected to have the education, skills, work experience, language ability, and other qualities needed to contribute to the Canadian labour market. These factors assist with the integration or assimilation of a new immigrant in Canada.

The IELTS

The IELTS consists of four parts: Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking. The whole test lasts two hours and 45 minutes and can be completed in one day. The Speaking component can also be taken up to seven days before or after the other three components at the discretion of the test centre.

The Speaking component lasts for 10-15 minutes. It is a face-to-face interview between the candidate and the examiner in which the candidate should speak fluently, using appropriate grammar, and demonstrate a range of vocabulary.

The Listening component lasts for 30 minutes and consists of four audio clips that you must listen to and answer questions about. The Reading component lasts for 60 minutes and consists of three passages you will read and answer questions about. The texts are typically taken from books, newspapers, magazines, and journals. The Writing component lasts for 60 minutes and consists of writing a descriptive report of a table or diagram and an essay in response to a statement. Scoring for each component (Listening, Reading, Writing, Speaking) is made on a Band Scale from 1-9 which includes:

* Band 1 — Non user

* Band 2 — Intermittent user

* Band 3 — Extremely limited user

* Band 4 — Limited user

* Band 5 — Modest user

* Band 6 — Competent user

* Band 7 — Good user

* Band 8 — Very good user

* Band 9 — Expert user

The score will also dictate how many points are awarded under the current system for language.

Please visit jamaica2canada.com for additional information on Canadian permanent residence programmes, including Express Entry, the Study and Work programme, visitor’s visas or appeals.

Antonn Brown BA (Hons), LLB, MSc, RCIC, is an immigration counsel, education agent and managing director of JAMAICA2CANADA.COM-a Canadian immigration & education firm in Kingston. Send questions/comments to jamaica2canada@gmail.com