Study before emigrating to Britain, Australia or Canada

The examination required by immigrants to show English proficiency in both Britain and Australia and soon to be Canada is known as IELTS. The International English Language Testing System exam is considered by most immigrants to be one of the most rigorous and difficult immigration exams required to be passed to gain entry. Consisting of 4 separate sections made up of listening, speaking, reading and writing, each immigrant must take the exam whose scores range from 1 to 9 and need a score greater than 6 to pass.

While the IELTS is standard for Britain and Australia, it is currently only used in Canada for immigrants who are planning on attending university. This however is planning to change as Canada is working on an amendment to its immigration rules which would make the IELTS a requirement for everyone who would want to make Canada their new permanent home.

The rigidness of the exam has divided many people. Supporters love the idea of a high standard where an immigrant can show their commitment to living in their country by learning to speak and write their language. While on the other side of the coin, many feel that this test will only those properly educated to pass and deny entry to many skilled people who do not have a formal education to support passing this type of exam.

While current rules allow for no exemptions to this examination, all three countries are considering implementing an exception for people who have completed high school, lived for more than 10 years in an English speaking country or have a passport.

www.ielts.org