http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/information/applications/guides/EG74.asp
I have provided the official Canadian webpage on immigration for your answers, as it contains everything that you need to know, and you will be certian the information is the most accurate and up to date.
In the center of the page, under the most popular section, there is a link for Application forms and guides. Here is the direct link for that section. http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/information/applications/index.asp
IELTS is never required, though it is considered the best way to prove language proficiency. You can also prove through supporting documentation. The link that explains this is here: http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/information/applications/guides/EG74.asp