How to Migrate to Canada from UAE without IELTS
Looking to migrate to Canada from the UAE without taking the IELTS exam? This guide has got you covered!
Choosing Canada as your immigration destination is an excellent decision, since Canada has a lot to offer to anyone from the UAE, such as high-paying jobs, excellent educational opportunities, political and economic stability, amazing recreational options, multiculturalism, friendly population, and so much more.
If your only concern is the IELTS test, let’s dissect your other options for proving your language proficiency in order to complete your Canadian immigration process.
Table of Contents
What is the IELTS?
IELTS is the International English Language Testing System and it assists in evaluation of a person’s English language proficiency in 4 key sections, such as Reading, Writing, Speaking and Listening.
Many countries choose this test as a benchmark for determining if a foreign candidate’s level of English is good enough for study abroad programs, work or permanent residency in the country, where the English language is an official and/or primary spoken language.
Thus, most of the universities in Canada ask for the IETLS exam scores for the acceptance of a foreign student.
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada asks for the IETLS General Training Exam score to determine if a potential immigrant meets the level of English language proficiency to comfortably live, work and integrate in Canada.
Can I migrate to Canada from the UAE without taking the IELTS Test?
The IELTS General Training Exam is mandatory in almost all immigration-related applications, however, there are several exemptions:
- If you are being sponsored by a family member, who already is a legal permanent resident or citizen of Canada
- If you have a job offer from a Canadian employer
- If you are already in Canada, either studying or working for more than a year
- If you come to Canada to study English in an accredited, designated educational entity
There is also another alternative test, such as the CELPIP (Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program) – it is reported to be a bit easier to pass than the IELTS General Training Exam.
In addition, some Canadian immigration programs require lower IELTS test score results in consideration for permanent residency in Canada.
Furthermore, if you have good French language skills, you could take the Test d’évaluation de français le Canada (TEF Canada) Exam or the Test de connaissance du français pour le Canada (TCF Canada) Exam, instead of the IELTS General Training Exam.
How to Apply for PR in Canada from the UAE with Lower IELTS Criteria
There are some Canadian immigration programs that are more lenient on the level of your English language skills in order to grant you with permanent residency in Canada.
Study them carefully and one of the programs might just be right for you and your skills, including your English language proficiency.
Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
If you are already working in Canada, you might be eligible to apply for the Canadian Experience Class immigration program, which will grant you permanent residency in Canada.
Many temporary foreign workers and international students with one year or paid work experience in a qualifying skilled occupation during the previous three years have been able to become a Canadian permanent resident through the CEC Program.
For this Canadian immigration program, you will need to have the following score in each section:
- TEER Category 0 or 1 jobs: 6.0 for Reading, Writing, Speaking and Listening
- TEER Category 2 or 3 jobs: 4.0 for Reading and 5.0 for Writing, Speaking and Listening
As you can see, there are different IELTS General Training Exam score requirements, depending on which category of work in Canada you will need to use your English in.
Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)
The Federal Skilled Worker Program is a permanent residency program which is designed to attract highly skilled foreign workers to live and work in Canada, thus, contributing to its economy and development.
The minimum IETLS General Training Exam score requirements for the FSWP are as follows:
- Reading = 6.0
- Writing = 6.0
- Speaking = 6.0
- Listening = 6.0
Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)
The Federal Skilled Trades Program is designed to give the opportunity for skilled tradespeople in various fields, such as industrial, electrical, construction, maintenance, and manufacturing, to apply for permanent residency in Canada.
The minimum IELTS General Training Exam scores required for the FSTP are:
- Reading = 3.5
- Writing = 4.0
- Speaking = 5.0
- Listening = 5.0
What do I need to immigrate to Canada from the UAE?
In order to immigrate to Canada from the UAE, one must first determine which Canadian immigration program he/she qualifies for.
Each program has its own eligibility requirements, based on various criteria, such as age, education, work experience, occupation, and level of English or French.
Keep in mind that Canada is on the lookout for skilled immigrants who are of prime working age, and have a high potential to successfully integrate in the country, simultaneously contributing to country’s overall prosperity, development and growth.
You will need supporting documentation to prove your studies, your work experience, and your English or French language proficiency, depending on which program you apply for.
Passing the IELTS General Training Exam is a substantial part of the application process, which will require you to study for the test and to meet at least the minimum requirements to be considered for a permanent residency visa to Canada.
However, with proper preparation for the test, practice and determination, you have every possibility for success.
There are plenty of study materials and online courses, including with private teachers, to help you to prepare for the IELTS General Training Exam.
Conclusion
If immigration to Canada is your dream, the IETLS test should not scare you.
First, let’s find out which Canadian immigration program you qualify for and which test score is expected for that particular program.
Then, you can start your journey to Canada, one step at a time.
Since 2012, Canadian Visa Expert has been working with authorized immigration consultants who can evaluate your eligibility and guide you through each step of the procedure if you qualify.
Discover Frequently Asked Questions from Our Support
Can you work in Canada without the IELTS?
Generally, yes, it is possible to work in Canada without an IELTS score. The issue is not so much can you work in Canada, but can you be approved for a Canadian visa or work permit to legally work in Canada without getting a passing score on the IELTS General Training Exam? You could try to get a passing score on the Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program (CELPIP) General Test as an alternative to the IELTS General Training Exam. If you have good French language skills, you might try to get a passing score on the TEF Canada Exam or the TCF Canada Exam.
Is it possible to immigrate to Canada from the UAE without taking the IELTS exam?
It is possible to immigrate to Canada from the UAE without taking the IELTS exam in certain cases. For example, you could take the CELPIP Exam for English instead of the IELTS Exam. Alternatively, if you have good French language skills, you might take the TEF Canada Exam or the TCF Canada Exam. In the event that you will immigrate to Canada from the UAE through Family Sponsorship, you will not need to take the IELTS Exam.
Can you migrate to Canada from the UAE with a low IELTS score?
It is possible to migrate to Canada from the UAE with a relatively low IELTS score, although this will depend on the specific Canadian immigration program that you are applying for. For example, a lower IELTS General Training score is required for the Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP) than for the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP). Some Provincial Nominee Programs (PNP) or other Canadian immigration programs may have lower IELTS score criteria. In some cases, achieving the minimum IELTS score means you will need to do better on other Canadian immigration eligibility factors (such as education or work experience) in order to qualify.
Is the IELTS score mandatory for Canada PR?
Receiving an IELTS Exam score is not always required to become a Canadian permanent resident. Most Canadian immigration programs for skilled foreign workers do, however, require the IELTS or other authorized language evaluation exam, such as the CELPIP for English; the TEF Canada for French; or the TCF Canada for French. Individuals who are applying to become a Canadian permanent resident through Family Sponsorship or programs for refugees or asylum-seekers generally do not have to prove their English or French language skills. Of course, it is important for any immigrant living in Canada to know English or French, since these are the two official languages used in Canada.
