Calling successful candidates who used TOEFL as lang proof

[hsmp_aug]

Hi Forum,

In view of ambiguity and haze sourrounding the TOEFL as acceptable equivalent of IELTS Level 6, I am opening this new thread to get some inputs from applicants who have actually cleared the approval process with TOEFL certificate.

I gave TOEFL last year in Aug. Score 293/300 but seeing few rejections based on TOEFL, I'm circumspect now.

There are 2 links that clearly establish the equivalence:
1. Official TOEFL newsletter:
http://www.eu.toefl.eu/toefl-sites/toef ... no_cache=1

2. Official HSMP FAQ (Q:39)
http://www.workingintheuk.gov.uk/workin ... p_faq.html

Both state that TOEFL can be used for language proof. Despite this, we are seeing rejections with reason: "We do not accept TOEFL".

I am yet to apply so need some inputs from you all.

Thanks...

[pantaiema]

I herewith provide direct quotation
39. Do TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) English language qualifications satisfy the English Language requirements for HSMP?
Yes, TOEFL certificates satisfy the English language criteria where they are of a level equivalent to IELTS level 6 and were awarded prior to you making your application.

From this quatation, it is apparently that they will accept if they are equivalent IELTS level 6. In the guidelines it is mentioned that it need to be justified form NARIC. So it is true they accept given that NARIC have confirmed that.

I think the main point here is that in TOEFL U could opt not to take 'Speaking Test', you might get high score on CBT TOEFL but your speaking ability have noit been assessed.

It is good to see the real experience form People using TOEFL. If you provide answer please provide further# information:

-What kind of test did you take: Paper & Pencil Test or CBT TOEFL
-Did you take speaking Test ?

If this information is provided than we could draw the right conclusion.

Hi Forum,

2. Official HSMP FAQ (Q:39)
http://www.workingintheuk.gov.uk/workin ... p_faq.html

Both state that TOEFL can be used for language proof. Despite this, we are seeing rejections with reason: "We do not accept TOEFL".

I am yet to apply so need some inputs from you all.

Thanks...

[hsmp_aug]

Hi pantaiema,
I had taken CBT which does not have speaking test. Speaking test was introduced in TOEFL as part of IBT (Internet based testing).
The paper based testing also does not have a speaking test but in the TOEFL newsletter it is clearly mentioned that TOEFL (Paper based and IBT) are recognized as IELTS Level 6 equivalent.

Here is the para from the toefl newsletter link that I mentioned in last post:

"An enquiry was undertaken and as a result, the TOEFL test (both paper-based and Internet versions) was found equivalent to the required IELTS level 6 standard. Henceforth, applicants possessing TOEFL qualifications will also meet the mandatory English requirement."

Does this not mean that speaking is not the required criteria for TOEFL equivalence to IELTS?

I think someone with real TOEFL experience with HSMP can throw more light on this..

[pantaiema]

hsmp_aug

U probably have missed the point.
It is not what is mentioned by TOEFL website that will determine whether TOEFL is acceptable as english proof for HSMP. U need to refer to HSMP guidelines as well as HO/BIA I have mentioned it in my previous postings that it is acceptab;e given that it is recognised by NARIC as equivalent with IELTS level 6.0. This is still a grey area and every caseworker might have different interpreatation. But your chance will be much higher if the TOEFL have speaking test component.

But you could always try your luck if you want. Also we still need to hear the experience from other people who has succesfully applied using TOEFL.


YOu should learn form this experience:
http://www.immigrationboards.com/viewto ... 1&start=20
The caseworker have confirmed all point unless english proof.


Hope this help.

Hi pantaiema,
I had taken CBT which does not have speaking test. Speaking test was introduced in TOEFL as part of IBT (Internet based testing).
The paper based testing also does not have a speaking test but in the TOEFL newsletter it is clearly mentioned that TOEFL (Paper based and IBT) are recognized as IELTS Level 6 equivalent.

Here is the para from the toefl newsletter link that I mentioned in last post:

"An enquiry was undertaken and as a result, the TOEFL test (both paper-based and Internet versions) was found equivalent to the required IELTS level 6 standard. Henceforth, applicants possessing TOEFL qualifications will also meet the mandatory English requirement."

Does this not mean that speaking is not the required criteria for TOEFL equivalence to IELTS?

I think someone with real TOEFL experience with HSMP can throw more light on this..

[cdraina]

That's my case and I will agree with pantaiema.

Play safe, write IELTS!

[pantaiema]

This is ot true, even before CBT was introduced, you could always take speking test BUT you need to pay on the top of your TOEFL registration. It is not part of TOEFL test pay but it is also organised by ETS and you could register together with your TOEFL.
I remember a person took Paper and Pencil TOEFL (paper based TOEFL) they have an option whether they want to tak speking test but for this they need to pay more.

I think many people takt TOEFL without opt for speaking test ecuase if U apply a course at the unieversties in the US U r not required to do speaking test.

Hi pantaiema,
I had taken CBT which does not have speaking test. Speaking test was introduced in TOEFL as part of IBT (Internet based testing).
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Does this not mean that speaking is not the required criteria for TOEFL equivalence to IELTS?

I think someone with real TOEFL experience with HSMP can throw more light on this..

[hsmp_aug]

Ok.. it seems i have 2 good options.
1. Get a certificate from my college director that my degree was taught in English. Can someone please give me a standard format of this letter so I can try pushing my director to write the same?

2. Write IELTS.. Now my concern is.. how much time does it take to receive IELTS report coz I dont want to wait for entire month just to get that piece of paper.

Also please suggest.. which of the above is better in my case? I think both are acceptable and college letter should take lesser time.

CD.. Im also waiting for ur result.. All the VERY BEST Dude!!

[cdraina]

Dude,

1. Letter should be from the UNIVERSITY, not the college

2. You can enrol for IELTS with a day's notice and usually it takes 15 days for the transcript.

Waiting for my papers, Airmail seems to take forever.

Cheers!
Cd

[cdraina]

Papers have finally come.

PANTAIEMA was right again!!

The reason for refusal is as follows:

"Your TOEFL comprises of three sections: Reading, listening, writing. For it to be equivalent to IELTS, we would require an additional SPEAKING section testing."

So I don't stand a chance in the review as well. I think I should better write IELTS.

I wonder what are the options for vocally dumb (mute) Higly Skilled individual???

[hsmp_aug]

CD.. thats really sad.. nowhere they mentioned abt this criteria.. anyways.. nothing can be done now..

So finally we have demystified the TOEFL dilemma..
Only IBT can be used as a valid replacement of IELTS..

CD.. Why dont u try getting univ letter..? Think that would be fast and cheap.

Next available date for IELTS here is 18th.. They conduct tests only on Saturdays it seems.. wht do they do on other weekdays?

[cdraina]

IELTS is paper-based test and involves a lot of logistics. (Similar to University exams.)

There aren't many test-takers to justify the cost conducting IELTS everyday. So they conduct it mostly on weekends. At many places IELTS is also conducted on weekdays.

I am not sure if I will be re-applying soon. Have dropped the plan for review also, simply no point in it.

[pantaiema]

THis is a good case example. Now we fully understand the reason for TOEFL rejection. Good luck then with new application.

Papers have finally come.

PANTAIEMA was right again!!

The reason for refusal is as follows:

"Your TOEFL comprises of three sections: Reading, listening, writing. For it to be equivalent to IELTS, we would require an additional SPEAKING section testing."

So I don't stand a chance in the review as well. I think I should better write IELTS.

I wonder what are the options for vocally dumb (mute) Higly Skilled individual???