I'm Australian and got very close to needing an English test to get Residency in Canada. I was getting residency because I was working as an Engineer and my company was sponsoring me. I have an Engineering degree from an English-speaking country (Australia), and had been working for the company for ~2 years, of course in English. Both of those things counted for nothing.

I would have had to to fly ~2500km, pay for the tests etc. (I was living in Northern Canada.. weekend trips to Alaska means driving due South)

I spoke to multiple people on the phone and in person (in English) and not a single one was able in any way to do anything to intervene. There was no possibility of me doing the test over skype video chat to avoid the expensive flight

Rules are rules, don't dare to interpret their intent. This applies doubly when dealing with Immigration.

Canada have now tightened the rules significantly, and it's my understanding if I applied now, I would be forced to take that English test.