IELTS Training for Student Visas in Canada

Travelling to Canada is perfect. The weather is cool, the scenery is breathtaking and the people are warm and kind. Also, there are a lot of Filipinos who are living in Canada and having the great time in their lives. Aside from travelling, Canada has been one destination of students who are applying for graduate or post-graduate studies. It is every student’s dream to be educated in prestigious universities other than here in the Philippines.

Canada student visa

Filing for a student visa in Canada is easy if you have all the required requirements. These requirements include the following:

• Proof of acceptance
• Proof of identity
• Proof of financial support
• Letter of explanation
• Visa fee to be payable by Bank draft
• Copies of Academic Mark sheets and Certificates
• Work Experience certificates, if applicable
• English proficiency examination (IELTS)

Since Canada speaks English, it is not surprising that they require their applicants to take the IELTS or the International English Language Testing System examination. Applicants need to take the Academic Module and get an overall band score of 6 with no less than 6.5 on the four subtests. To be able to get this required score, here are some easy and effective ways to train yourself for the IELTS. For more information about the IELTS score, please visit this page.

1. Make each day a day for learning English. Find situations where you can speak the language. It will help you build confidence and practice speaking at the same time.

2. Read magazines and newspaper. Be familiar with more words to help you choose better vocabulary in speaking and writing. Further, a good vocabulary bank makes it easier to understand passages in the exam.

3. Listen to news online. Practice speaking like news anchors emphasizing on the stress and pronunciation.

4. Download listening audios in different English accents. The test uses a variety of this so you have to get ready for that.

5. Watch English movies. Learning does not have to be always from books; movies teach expressions and it is a good practice for listening too.

6. Practice writing essays. Choose simple topics at first until you can write longer and more complicated ones.

7. Since it is the Academic module, study graphs, diagrams and tables. These are topics to be used in the writing task.

8. Review your grammar lessons. Understand sentence construction and the proper usage of punctuations.

9. Do mock exams to record your progress with your course.

10. Find a teacher to help you build skills for the IELTS. Better yet, enrol in IELTS review centers before taking the real IELTS exam.

Students should not panic for the IELTS test. Preparation is needed as well as exposure to the right review materials where IELTS review centers have it all.

US Immigrant Visa Fee Now Reduced to $345

Starting September 12, 2014, the fee for the U.S. immigrant visa is now reduced to $345 from $405. For more information, please visit http://www.jroozreview.com/nvc-fee-bill-reduction/.

Qualifications for Filipinos as Butcher in New Zealand

Filipinos are known for their hard work and perseverance at work. They are very skilled at their own expertise. This is the very reason why a lot of global companies and institutions are giving priority to Filipinos on every job opportunity. Aside from that, Filipinos can also speak English very well. 

 

In New Zealand, not only medical professionals are given a lot of opportunities but as well as people who are skilled in butchery. Like any other working professionals, individuals who want to land a good job in New Zealand working as a butcher should be qualified. Here are some qualifications one should know.

1. Getting a lot of training here in the Philippines is very important. Companies abroad look for individuals that are already equipped with the right knowledge and skills in the said skill. The Philippine government has made programs which are offered by TESDA or the Technical Education and Skills Development Agency. All candidates need to comply with the requirements to avail the said training.

2. It is an advantage if an applicant already has an experience in butchery. Some companies in New Zealand may require at least 3 years of experience while some do not. Candidates should be able to know the minimum experience requirements for the job.

3. A butcher should be in good health. Health certifications are needed as part of the requirement. Being a butcher is not an easy job. You will need to be on your feet most of the day. This is a test of one’s stamina and energy to do the job. In addition, for a butcher to work effectively, he or she needs to have good eyesight to ensure safety within the work area. 

 

4. As a butcher to be working in an English speaking country, one must undergo an English proficiency examination. The IELTS or the International English Language Testing System examination is a requirement for butchers. They need to get an overall score of 5 in the examination to be able to lodge their applications. Failure to do so means a halt in their processing.

Moreover, there is a huge importance in getting an IELTS score of 5 as some butchery training programs are given for free if their applicant already got a 5. This exam is very important as companies need to be sure that their hires are going to be productive at work and will be able to communicate with other workers who are English speakers.

Thus, it is important for Filipino butchers to take IELTS review courses to pass the IELTS examination.

How to Pass the NPTE in One Shot?

As a working professional, we all want the best in our careers. There are a lot of great opportunities here in the Philippines; however, let us admit the fact that working overseas offers a better salary and a better life for everyone. This is one reason why a lot of Filipino physical therapists are reviewing for the NPTE or the National Physical Therapist Examination. What is the NPTE?

The NPTE is a licensure examination taken by Filipino physical therapists who want to practice their profession in the United States of America. With this examination, Filipino physical therapist can work and get a lot of benefits from the institutions they are working for. Taking the NPTE can really be costly as Filipinos need to fly overseas to be able to take the examination. Hence, there is a big pressure on passing the exam only in one sitting. The question now is: how can a Filipino physical therapist pass the NPTE in one shot?

Here are some ways on passing the NPTE with success:

1. Plan a course of study months before the examination. This will give you a lot of time to gather review materials you need. Moreover, research on some books that will help in covering topics for the NPTE.

2. Know the aspects or categories in physical therapy that are usually included in the examination. Have a checklist and try to arrange them according to how well you are familiar with these topics.

3. Prioritize subjects to be studied. Start with those that are difficult for you to understand. This will give you more time to review on the topics and be enlightened on the discussions.

4. Do not force yourself to memorize all facts in just a day. Learning takes time so review on these daily.

5. Read the latest cases on your field. Be familiar with new diagnoses that might be a part of your examination.

6. Keep track of your progress. Check on the things you have already covered for two weeks and review on them. This will help you remember all the stuff you have been feeding your brain.

7. Take practice tests weekly. This will gauge the improvement on your studies.

8. Have a study group with fellow physical therapists. It is best to learn more about your field with fellow physical therapists.

9. Give your brain a time to rest after long hours of review.

10. If you have a difficult time organizing your time, enroll in NPTE review centers. They have scheduled classes and practice tests to monitor your learning once you are in the program.

Passing the NPTE is possible with the right amount of knowledge, skill and practice. Start reviewing as early as today and be surprised of the advantages this can give you on your exam day.

Filipino Physical Therapists (PT) in Need by the U.S. as the Country's PT Shortage is Growing

Good news to all Filipino physical therapists. It is projected that there will be a 36% growth on the shortage of PTs in the U.S. by 2022. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics of the U.S. Department of Labor, the shortage is much faster than the average of all occupations. Read source here.  For more information about the news, please visit http://www.jroozreview.com/us-pt-shortage-growing/.

Apart from physical therapists, other medical professions are affected like occupational therapy assistants, nurse practitioners and midwives, dental hygienists, optometrists and podiatrist. 

a Filipino PT in the U.S.

For those who wanted to practice their profession as physical therapists in the U.S., one needs to pass the NPTE or the National Physical Therapy Exam. For the NPTE requirements, please visit https://www.fsbpt.org/SecondaryPages/ExamCandidates/NationalExam%28NPTE%29/EligibilityRequirements.aspx.

a Filipina PT working in the U.S.

Apart from having that license, one also needs to pass certain requirements like an English proficiency certificate (usually TOEFL), H1 Visas, and other pertinent documents to work in the U.S. 

There are recruitment agencies that you consult to like Grandison Management.

10 Facts You Need to Know about the TOEFL Requirements for Australia Visas

Starting November of 2014, the Australian immigration department will be accepting TOEFL or the Test of English as a Foreign Language scores for Temporary Graduate, Skilled, Former Resident and Work and Holiday visa applications. This is good news to all applicants as they are now given an option to choose TOEFL over other English proficiency examinations like the IELTS.

 

In the Philippines, IELTS and TOEFL are two English language tests that are common and well-known. There are a lot on professionals and students who have already challenged the test, and an increasing number of candidates are now preparing to take either of the two tests. With Australia now accepting TOEFL scores, more applicants are to be expected to take the TOEFL.

Here are some things you should know about the TOEFL requirements in Australia:

1. The following visa subclasses from the Skilled, Former Resident, Temporary Graduate, and Work and Holiday visa programmes will accept a TOEFL iBT or PTE Academic test score as evidence of English ability from November 2014:

• Distinguished Talent (Australian support) (subclass 124)
• Business Talent (subclass 132)
• Former Resident (subclass 151)
• Business Owner (provisional) (subclass 160)*
• Senior Executive (provisional) (subclass 161)*
• Investor (provisional) (subclass 162)*
• State/Territory Sponsored Business Owner (provisional) (subclass 163)*
• State/Territory Sponsored Senior Executive (provisional) (subclass 164)*
• State/Territory Sponsored Investor (provisional) (subclass 165)*
• Employer Nomination Scheme (subclass 186)
• Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme (subclass 187)
• Business Innovation & Investment (provisional) (subclass 188)
• Skilled – Independent (subclass 189)
• Skilled – Nominated (subclass 190)
• Work and Holiday (temporary) (subclass 462)
• Skilled – Recognised Graduate (subclass 476)
• Temporary Graduate (subclass 485)
• Skilled – Regional (provisional) (subclass 489)
• Distinguished Talent (subclass 858)
• Skilled – Regional (subclass 887)
• Business Innovation and Investment (permanent) (subclass 888)
• Business Owner (Residence) (subclass 890)
• Investor (Residence) (subclass 891)
• State/Territory Sponsored Business owner (Residence) (subclass 892)
• State/Territory Sponsored Investor (Residence) (subclass 893) 

*Closed to new applications, but family members can apply
 

2. The Student visa programme still continues to accept scores from TOEFL iBT. Student visa applicants can continue to provide scores from IELTS and OET as well.

3. The TOEFL test is an alternative to IELTS and OET exams.

4. The Temporary Work (Skilled) visa (subclass 457) does not accept TOEFL yet as it is still undergoing independent review.

5. The exact start date in November is still to be announced.

6. Here is the test equivalent scores you need to know for the TOEFL

English Language Proficiency Level	TOEFL iBT Score
Functional	32
Vocational	L: 4 R: 4 W: 14 S: 14
Competent	L: 12 R: 13 W: 21 S: 18
Proficient (for points tested skilled visas)	L: 24 R: 24 W: 27 S: 23
Superior (for points tested skilled visas)	L: 28 R: 29 W: 30 S: 26

7. TOEFL scores will be accepted for Expressions of Interest (EOI) lodged through SkillSelect by November 2014.

8. Filipino candidates can register for their TOEFL examination in the Philippines. Check on possible dates in the ETS TOEFL website.

9. Candidates are expected to meet the score requirements before lodging the application.

10. Any new updates will be published on the department’s website.

For more information, visit http://www.immi.gov.au/News/Pages/aelt.aspx.

Changes to the Occupational Ceilings for 2014-2015 (Australia Immigration)

Filipinos who have their eyes on working in Australia have been increasing over the years. Australia is very popular among Filipinos who are finding better employment. The country has been hiring more and more Filipinos to fill in positions they need in their country. With this, Filipinos are very eager to gain more skills here in the country and even complete all necessary requirements necessary for these positions like taking an English proficiency examination like the IELTS or the International English Language Testing System examination.

 

 

If you are applying for a position in Australia, you must have heard about occupational ceilings. For those who are unfamiliar with this, occupational ceiling is a limit on the number of invitations issued through SkillSelect each year. This means that though there are a good number of jobs in Australia, they have put a limit on the number of invitations to thoroughly screen qualified applicants. This occupation ceiling is applicable on these visa types: (1) skilled independent visas, (2) skilled regional visas, and (3) skilled or business state or territory sponsored visas. When the limit has been reached on these visa types, an invitation will not be sent to the applicant.

An important announcement has been released recently regarding changes in the occupational ceiling of these visa types. The said ceiling is no longer applicable to State Nominated visas. It will only be applicable to Skilled – Independent Subclass 189 visas and family sponsored Skilled Regional 489 visas. Meaning to say, each state can nominate occupations even if the ceiling has already been reached – more opportunities to people applying for a job. The occupational ceilings are published for Skilled Occupations List, which means not all occupations on the Consolidated Sponsored Occupations List will have a ceiling.

Here is the number of places available for certain occupations as published in the announcement:

• Engineers (additional 2,530 places)
• Accountants (reduction of 4,242 places)
• Teachers (reduction of 1,170 places)
• IT professionals (additional of 1,132 places)
• Construction Trades (reduction of 2,168 places)
• Chefs (reduction of 1,353)
• Registered Nurses (increase of 15,042)

The changes have taken for 2014 – 2015 Financial year in Australia. The changes have been made to accommodate job positions that have been seen to receive more applications for the past year. The others have been reduced since there were a few applications in the previous year. For more information on these changes and the visa types that are affected with this change, visit Australia’s immigration website - http://www.immi.gov.au/Work/Pages/skilled-occupations-lists/sol.aspx, http://www.immi.gov.au/faqs/Pages/what-is-an-occupation-ceiling.aspx and http://www.immi.gov.au/Work/Pages/skilled-occupations-lists/csol.aspx.

What type of IELTS Exam is for Teaching Certificate in New Zealand?

Education is very important. With this, we can say that being a teacher is a noble profession. Anywhere in the world, teachers are given respect as they mold the young minds of children at their early age. They serve as second parents to children. Having said this, a lot of individuals want to be teachers not only here in the Philippines but also to other countries as well.

photo source

Being in the teaching profession in other countries is not an easy job. Nowadays, there is a growing number of people applying for a teaching certificate in New Zealand. What is this teaching certificate?

To be able to become a teacher in New Zealand, one must meet certain academic entry requirements and be fluent in English. Applicants should first choose their sector. Deciding on a particular sector will help determine the choice of International Teacher Education (ITE) program. These are early childhood education from 0 to 5 years of age, Maori immersion, primary or secondary.

Entry requirements include:

a. Academic entry requirements

Applicants below 20 years of age who are looking to do a diploma or degree programme will need University Entrance (UE). International students must have an equivalent qualification. Candidates above 20, each ITE provider sets literacy and numeracy requirements equivalent of those entering UE.

b. English language competency

Candidates must take the International English Language Testing System examination (IELTS) with a score of no lower than 7.0 in the Academic Module.

Once an applicant gets a teacher registration, he or she is an official member of the teaching profession in New Zealand. When one is awarded with this, it assures employers, parents and the public that the person has been satisfactorily, of good character ad fit to practice as a teacher.

For Filipino teachers, having the certificate to teach here in the Philippines is an advantage. Since IELTS is very important, Filipino teachers need to undergo training for this. There are a lot of IELTS review centers in the country nowadays. Choosing one will not be a huge problem as candidates can make a comparison between their course programs. What is important is the training teachers get from the centers.

Skills should be apt for the test as well as techniques in making responses are needed to be developed. Furthermore, candidates should invest in reading a lot of materials to improve their vocabulary for the test.

Getting a teaching certificate will not be a problem as long as teachers satisfy the requirements of New Zealand. Better opportunities lie overseas so it is better to stop honing the skills today.