Stuck below CLB 9 in IELTS writing? Switch to computer-delivered and simplify

CanadaProvincial Nominee Programimmigration 0 views
By VisaBuddies Communityvia community — compiled from public visa forums

Documents Needed

  • Reference letters (per employer)

    SINP asked for additional reference letters covering each of the applicant's four employers.

  • Bank statements and balance proof

    Requested alongside pay slips to assess credentials and settlement funds.

  • Pay slips and salary breakdowns

    Used to corroborate the employment reference letters.

  • Tax records

    Part of the supporting evidence set requested during SINP nomination.

Step-by-Step

This thread follows an applicant who took IELTS four times over several years, repeatedly scoring 6.5-7 in writing while needing CLB 9, before finally reaching CLB 9 on a computer-delivered test in February 2020 and pursuing PR via Saskatchewan's PNP (SINP).

What worked, per the thread:

  1. Switch to computer-delivered IELTS if writing is your weak band. Members listed concrete advantages for writing: automatic word count, the ability to edit your answer after finishing, and faster typing speed compared to handwriting.

  2. Keep writing simple. The advice that finally worked was to keep answers simple and avoid silly mistakes, rather than attempting overly complex language.

  3. Build your own technique rather than copying one instructor. Watch multiple instructors, collect the techniques that suit you, and cater preparation to your own strengths and weaknesses.

  4. Expect a heavy document request at SINP nomination stage. The applicant, who had worked for four different companies, reported SINP requested a large document set (~50+ items): additional reference letters, bank statements, pay slips, salary breakdowns, tax records, bank balance proof, and any other documents that could help assess credentials.


Note on timing: this account is historical (2016-2020). IELTS formats, SINP streams, and document checklists may have changed since - verify current requirements on the official SINP and IRCC pages before relying on specifics.

Dos, Don'ts & Tips

  • Do: Take computer-delivered IELTS if writing is your weak band - auto word count and post-draft editing are real advantages.
  • Do: Keep writing answers simple and error-free rather than showing off complex language.
  • Tip: If you have multiple past employers, prepare reference letters, pay slips, and tax records for each before a PNP nomination request arrives.
  • Don't: Don't lock onto a single IELTS instructor's method - collect techniques from several and use what fits your weaknesses.

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