TOEFL and TOEIC Suspended for UK Visa Applications

Two of the authorized English proficiency examinations accepted in the United Kingdom are the TOEFL or the Test of English as a Foreign Language and TOEIC or the Test of English as International Communication. Both of these examinations are given by the ETS – Educational Testing Service, the world’s largest private non-profit educational testing and assessment organization.

For those who are wondering what these tests are, TOEFL is an English proficiency examination that covers academic English. It evaluates an individual’s expertise to understand and use English in an academic setting. The TOEIC is also an English proficiency examination that measures an individual’s English skill using business English. Unlike the TOEFL, the TOEIC speaking and the writing examinations are taken separately by the candidate.

Since its reliability in assessing the individual’s English level has been proven over the years, it has been a demand in visa applications in the United Kingdom for quite some time until it has been suspended recently for some reasons.

The reason for this suspension is a BBC program's revealing a fraud in TOEIC testing. ETS has been very particular with the issue of security with their examinations; hence, both TOEIC and TOEFL has been suspended in UK visa applications. It has been said that certain fraudulent activities of some third party contractor has been made known. To prevent more potential problems with this issue, ETS has come into a decision not to extend the Secure English Language Testing License with the Home Office.

As investigation continues, ETS has already released a statement saying candidates who have already registered for the exams will be given a refund. Since the two tests are essential in visa applications, certain solutions have been given by ETS.
Individuals who intend to take the said examinations for immigration application can take other English proficiency examinations like Cambridge English or the International English Language Testing System examination. Pending applications should contact their institution as soon as possible. They are also advised to wait for the letter from the Home Office indicating how to continue with the application. People who need to make an extension should contact their institution right away. There are some options to be given before the immigration permission expires.

Both tests may have been suspended; however, options are being given by ETS to their clients. Looking at the brighter side of it, this suspension only upholds the integrity of ETS in giving fair and reliable English tests for all.

Changes to the Study Permit Rules in Canada for June 1, 2014

Planning to study in Canada? The Canadian government has recently made changes in granting study permits to any immigrant planning to study in the country.

 

Studying in Canada has been made easier with the recently made changes of the government effective on the first of June 2014. Let us look at these changes and be ready in preparing those applications for study permits in Canada.

First, applicants should be able to present a proof that they are already enrolled in an academic institution in Canada. Unlike before which students only needed to show their intention in studying, students now have to acquire a Certificate of Enrollment from their chosen school. The applicant should be able to comply with the requirements of the school prior being granted with a certification.

In addition, academic institutions where you are applying for should be authorized to accept international students. Students have to check online whether their choice is on the list. The list is constantly updated until June 1st. Moreover, if applicants are applying within Canada, applicants can apply for study permits while on a visitor visa (temporary resident visa - TRV). Again, applicants must be aware of the entry requirements of the school they are applying for. Any individual granted with the permit should stay in the program or else there is a risk of having the permit revoked. Study permits are good for 90 days after the program ends.

 

This study permit allows any holder to work off-campus unlike before where one had to apply for a permit to work. The individual is given 20 hours a week while on regular school days and up to 40 hours on breaks like Christmas. Also, you have to be someone enrolled in a degree, diploma, or certificate program not longer than six months to be able to work off-campus. Additionally, Co-Op permits can now be used in designated institutions. You cannot use it in other schools but to a course integral to your study. Finally, it is now possible to work while waiting for your post-graduate work permit called the implied status.

These new changes are to bring more foreign nationals studying in Canada. The changes are a good opportunity for those students overseas to experience studying in Canada. Moreover, it is a good chance for them to experience a new culture not only in academics but also in the society. What applicants must always bear in mind is the variety of requirements their school require. Double check on this and processing for the study permit will be on a smooth flow.

Top Five Tips When Applying for a Visa

Are you interested in traveling overseas? Do you want to explore the different tourist spots in other countries?

People always dream of visiting other countries both for work and pleasure. There is a great personal satisfaction in exploring different cities abroad and experiencing their culture through their architecture, food, and art. Some people say that travelling overseas cost a lot as you have to spend money for accommodation, food, fees on museum and other attractions, plane tickets and even visa application. There are some countries which require a visa before entry. Here are some good tips when applying for a visa.

· Keep all your personal documents in a safe place.

One requirement in visa application is personal documents. These documents are needed to verify your eligibility to travel overseas. Have these documents photocopied, scanned and always keep number of copies of these.

The usual documents asked are: (1) NSO certified birth certificate – make sure this is certified from the NSO or National Statistics office. (2) Income Tax Return (3) ID pictures – be sure to have your latest ID picture taken.

NSO birth certificate

· Preparedness for an interview is a must.


Most of the time, an interview is a part of the visa processing. Applicants have to go to the embassy and appear in front of an immigration officer for an interview. Once in the interview, always be clear to the responses you give. Your answers should be the same to your written application. Eye contact should be established. Always maintain your composure and never feel nervous about it.

· Knowledge in English is a must. 

sample IELTS certificate

English is now commonly spoken in many countries worldwide. Hence, visa applicants are sure to be interviewed in English and most of the time, required to present an English language proficiency certification. The IELTS or the International English Language Testing System is an English language test authorized and accepted by many countries.

· Document countries you have visited before.

Always keep a diary where you list all the countries you have been to before. As much as possible, keep ticket details, accommodation details and even photos of your travel to provide proof of your previous travel overseas.

· Have a checklist of all visa requirements.



To avoid missing a requirements, have a list of all the things that you need. Double check on this list and make sure that everything is taken care of before lodging the application. Always keep extra copies of all the forms that you are sending.

Travelling abroad should be fun and hassle-free. Keep in mind these tips and your visa application will not be a burden.

How to Avoid Fraud When it Comes Choosing the Right Immigration Consultancy Firms

Fraud is a crime and is punishable by law. Fraud can happen in many forms and can affect anyone. In the Philippines, fraud is one of the crimes that have victimized a lot of people. Because of this, Filipinos have become more vigilant most especially when it comes to choosing the right immigration consultancy firms.

 

Some Filipinos have dreams of working, studying or even living abroad. Due to this, they prepare their requirements to meet the needs of acquiring this visa overseas. For some, finding an immigration consultancy firm is important as it provides them more information and essential details about their plans of going overseas. The problem in finding the right one is the reality that some immigration consultancy firms are bogus. It is a huge challenge for any Filipino to find a good one to avoid fraud. Now, here are some tips on how to avoid fraud in choosing your immigration consultancy firm.

1. Promises of good outcome in your application.

Some firms promises that everything that will be alright in your application. Everything seems to be positive about your application. A piece of advice for all Filipinos: no one can guarantee a good outcome with your application.

2. The connection game

Some consultancy firms boast of having connections in the immigration. Some even ask for additional fee to make the application faster. If your consultancy firm offers this, then it is time to back off. Never give bribes or fall into this as this is also considered a crime. A good consultation firm should undergo the right process without bribing any officials in the immigration bureau.

3. Demand a certification

Your consultation firm should be legal and authorized. Make sure they have an existing and valid license. Check their business name and if they are paying taxes. Some even do a background check of their consultancy firms to assure that they are investing their time and money to an authorized firm.

4. Fake Guarantees

Are you promised that the application for a visa is free? Then, it is time to think twice on this. No visa application is free of charge. Immigration bureaus of different countries advise individuals not to deal with these firms and report them to government officials.

5. Insufficient requirement need

If you are asked not to take an English proficiency examination like the IELTS or the International English Language Testing System examination, then you have to ask the reason why. In most cases, countries like the United States of America, the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia and New Zealand need an IELTS certification to provide proof of the individual’s fluency in the English language.

Choosing the right and legal consultation firm is important as time and money are spent while processing one’s documents. To avoid fraud, visit the immigration sites of the country you are planning to apply for and search for accredited firms and agencies of these countries.

Required TOEFL Score for EB2 Visa

Going to the United States of America requires a lot of preparation and involves quite an amount of money. Preparing the requirements takes time; hence, Filipinos start as early as possible when they are decided to go to the US. Getting a visa involves both time and money. In addition, Filipinos need to know what type of visa they are getting before they process their application.

One of the most applied visa to the Unites States of America is EB2 visa. There are three different kinds of EB2 visa:

1. EB-2(A): This is for foreign nationals professionals with an advanced degree like masters or higher offered a job from a US company.

2. EB-2(B): This is for foreign nationals with “exceptional ability” in the field of science, business, or arts offered a job from a US company.

3. EB-2(C): This is for foreign nationals with exceptional ability, or an advanced degree who can be of substantially benefit to the US national interest.

It is safe to say that EB-2 visas are for professionals that have been offered a job in the US. In addition, they need to have a labor certification issued by the Department of Labor (DOL). This government agency makes it sure that foreign nationals who are seeking work in the US will not displace qualified US workers.

Here is a list of documents or requirements an individual has to present. Three of the following are needed:

• Health Worker Certificate
• Professions that require at least a master’s degree to practice
• Must hold an advanced degree
• Substantial equivalency to current PT educational standards (for PT applicants)
• Verification of eligibility to practice in country of education
• Sponsoring employer needed initially
• Progressive employment – this means that applicants must show that they are promoted in their field of expertise

An English proficiency score is also needed. Applicants should take the TOEFL or Test of English as a Foreign Language. The applicant should get a score of 26 in the speaking part and an overall score of 63 from the other parts: reading, listening and writing.

Since the TOEFL is a needed requirement, more and more individuals attend TOEFL classes in TOEFL review centers. In these review centers, candidates are taught necessary skills and strategies to get the target score most especially in the speaking assessment.

Here is a sample image of US EB2 Visa. 

 

For more information on this type of visa, visit http://www.workpermit.com/us/employer_eb2.htm.

What is a Visa Screen?

Ever heard of a Visa Screen?

Every year, healthcare professionals like nurses leave the country for work overseas. One known destination of these professionals is the United States of America. The US has always been a city of opportunities and great success. Each year, hundreds of Filipinos go to the US to work professionally as nurses. From the day of application, these professionals gather all their credentials and one thing that they need to consider and know of is the Visa Screen. What exactly is a Visa Screen?

According to the Visa Screen Application Handbook, Visa Screen is an assessment that is composed of the applicant’s educational evaluation, licensure validation, an English language proficiency examination and for registered nurses, it is an examination of their nursing knowledge. For nurses, the Visa Screen certificate is needed and required from all foreign nurses who are wishing to have a green card to work in the US. What candidates need to do is to pass either the NCLEX-RN or National Council Licensure Exam - Registered Nurse or CGFNS or Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools exam.

As what is mentioned earlier, educational evaluation is part of the screening. The individual’s secondary and tertiary education should meet all the applicable statutory and regulatory requirements for the profession that they intend to practice. It is to make sure that the individual’s education is comparable with the US education.

License validation is also included. Here, the licenses will be confirmed and evaluated whether the individual has completed all the requirements needed and the license is still valid and legal.

In any application to an English-speaking country such as the US, an English language proficiency examination is very important. This test will determine the applicant’s competency in the English language. This will show that he or she can be productive and competitive. English proficiency tests such as the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) and the International English Language Testing System examination (IELTS) are recognized. For the IELTS, candidates need to double check whether they need to take the Academic or the General Training module.

For registered nurses, they need a score of 83 in the TOEFL with a score of 26 in speaking. If they choose to take the IELTS, they need to get an overall band score of 6.5 from the Academic Module with a speaking score of 7.

For healthcare professionals targeting the US, the Visa Screen is a very important process that they should not miss. For more information in Visa Screen, follow this link http://www.cgfns.org/wp-content/uploads/VSHandbook.pdf.