An Introduction to the IELTS Exam

by IDP

In this, the first of a three-part series, we will take you through the ins and outs of the International English Language Testing System (IELTS). We will talk about who should take the IELTS, what the test is, where you can take the test, why you need it, and when you can expect your results.

In future installments, we will talk about how you can best prepare for the test and what to expect on the day of the test.

Now that you have decided to study in or migrate to an English-speaking country, how can you demonstrate your language skills?

Having a standardized English test score may be important for you if you are applying to an academic institution in a country where English is the official language. It could also be important if you are migrating to an English speaking country. IELTS is a reliable and internationally recognized test score that can help you to achieve your goals.

What is IELTS?

IELTS was developed in the 1980s to test an individual’s English language proficiency.

IELTS is jointly owned by the British Council, IDP: IELTS Australia and Cambridge English Language Assessment. The combined expertise of these three international partners is what makes the test secure, reliable, and the most popular high-stakes English-language test. The test assesses the English language levels of people whose language skills range from beginner to expert in four language areas. Here are a few details about the IELTS:

• International:
  • IELTS is accepted in 140 countries.
  • The test provides results to more than 9,000 institutions and organizations worldwide.
  • The results can be used for work, study, or migration purposes.
• English skills assessment:
  • Listening
  • Reading
  • Writing
  • Speaking
• Testing info:
  • There is a nine-point band scale that allows you to demonstrate how accurately you can use your English skills.
  • The entire test takes 2 hours and 44 minutes.
  • In most cases, you will be able to complete all four sections of the test on the same day, but you may have to take the speaking portion of the test on another day.
• System:
  • There are a range of scores that you can obtain in each of the four skill areas.
  • Four different aspects are considered in the writing and speaking areas.
  • There are two different versions of the tests: Academic and General Training.

Who should take the IELTS test?

IELTS scores can be required for a variety of reasons. You may need to provide an academic institution with a standardized English test score. Some professional associations require a standardized English test score for official registration purposes. Governments in Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom specifically require IELTS scores when granting work visas and citizenship.

Which version of the test is right for me?

There are two versions of the IELTS test: Academic and General.

• Academic IELTS is designed for:
  • university or college applicants
  • those seeking registration in a professional association
  • individuals whose strengths are in literacy
• General Training IELTS is designed for:
  • those who are planning to study abroad at high school or in a vocational program
  • visa requirements for people migrating to Australia, Canada, New Zealand, or the UK
  • individuals whose strengths may be in numeracy

Be sure to confirm which version is best for your particular situation, but be sure to consider General Training IELTS if it is an option.

Where do I take the IELTS exam?

The IELTS test is conducted at a test centre. Once you have booked an exam at your preferred test centre, you will need to go to the centre on your chosen date. All parts of the test are conducted at the centre and you will interact with people instead of computers.

How do I register for IELTS?

There are more than 450 IELTS test locations worldwide. More than 90 of these locations are in Canada—click here to find test locations by province.

Outside of Canada—click here to find global test locations.

Most IELTS test centres offer a convenient online booking system that is easy to use. To book online, you will need a clear, colour scan or photo of your passport and a credit card.

Most centres accept online registration, but a few centres will accept paper-based registration forms. To register for IELTS, you will need a valid passport or a Canadian Permanent Resident card if you are in Canada.

The test can be booked online by going to IELTS Essentials and clicking Book.

When can I take the IELTS test?

• There are 48 test dates each year.
• The Academic test is offered on all 48 dates.
• The General Training test is offered on 24 dates.
•  Availability at centres may vary depending on local demand.

When can I get my results?

• Results are available 13 days after the test.
• Unofficial results can be viewed online.
• Official results or Test Report Forms (TRFs) are sent to receiving institutions (for example, universities and professional bodies).
• One copy of the TRF will be sent directly to you; or two copies will be sent if you are applying for immigration or visas for Canada and the UK.
• Candidates can request up to five (5) additional TRFs at no cost within 30 days of the test.
• TRFs can be requested at any time within two years of the test date.
• There is a correlation between IELTS scores and Canadian Language Benchmarks (CLB): CLB compared to IELTS score.

IELTS is an important tool to help you demonstrate and present your English language skills that are necessary for academic and migration acceptance. The IELTS system has a network of support and resources to help you with your journey towards achieving your educational and professional goals.

Be sure to read part two of this blog series, Preparing for the IELTS Exam, for info on preparation best practices, access to free test-prep resources, and more.

Source: WES.org

Canadian Banking: How Newcomers Can Build Credit

by Ivy Chiu

Moving to a new country presents allows you to pursue new personal and professional opportunities. By taking time to understand the financial system, immigrants can create a solid foundation for their new life. This could mean the difference between surviving and thriving during the first few years. While most newcomers are aware that Canada’s banking system differs from that of their home country, they often do not know what those differences entail.

Keep reading to see tips on how to bank and build credit in Canada:

Open a Bank Account Even if You Do Not Have a Job Yet

Many newcomers are surprised to learn that they can open a bank account without having a job. In their home country, they might not have been able to do so without being employed with a steady income. However, in Canada, opening a bank account is one of the first things newcomers should do—even if no funds are deposited right away.

The main types of accounts in Canada are chequing and savings accounts:

• A chequing account is for day-to-day banking. You will use the money in this account to make everyday purchases. With this account, you can deposit and withdraw at any time. This makes it a convenient and safe place to keep money.
• A savings account is ideal for setting aside money for larger costs, such as education or home furnishings. The balance in this account will earn interest and you can easily access your money when you need it.

When exploring options, ask about bill payments and the number of transactions that can be made every month without fees. Be sure to compare fees and interest rates for the different accounts, as well as features and offers. For example, RBC offers no monthly fees for newcomers for a period of time to help with settling in a new country. As long as you keep your account open for 90 days, there is no fee to close the account if your situation changes or you decide not to live in Canada permanently.

Start Building Credit Immediately

Many newcomers understand that building credit history is necessary to settling in Canada. But they may not know exactly how it works.

Credit history in Canada is a key factor to determine eligibility for a loan.

Canada’s central credit bureaus use credit history to provide a score that reflects credit worthiness. A credit score is built through financial transactions, such as the first time newcomers ask for a loan, set up utilities, or purchase a mobile plan—and it is built over time. The score is determined based on the evidence of how finances and repayment were managed. This is influenced, for example, by whether monthly bills are paid in a timely manner.

A good credit score helps newcomers qualify for loans and might lead to lower interest rates. This is helpful when buying a car, getting a mortgage, paying for school, and more.

Here are a few more important points about building and maintaining a credit score:

• Everyone has their own credit score. If the credit card, car loan, or mortgage is in your spouse’s name only, the activity relates to the spouse’s credit score. Each person should build their own credit history.
• Pay your bills on time. Credit reporting agencies track credit scores, so they know if you pay your bills on time: including your utilities, mobile phone, and credit card. This is why it is important to pay at least the minimum payment on time.
• Regularly check your credit score. RBC personal banking clients can access their credit score right through the TransUnion CreditView Dashboard in their RBC online banking portal. Checking your credit score at least once a year helps detect any errors and protects against identity fraud by ensuring the information is accurate.

While every newcomer to Canada has their own set of distinct goals and circumstances, most are eager to learn how to navigate the Canadian financial language and landscape.  Do not hesitate to ask your bank’s client advisors about any questions you may have.

Starting a new life in Canada will be easier with a solid understanding of how to manage finances and build credit history. A promising future awaits.

Source: WES.org