ENGLISH REQUIREMENT
Information about the English Exams.
English is the native language of Australia, hence it’s one the most important criterion when selecting an application for temporary or permanent migration. In fact, it is so important the the government has allocated extra points for higher English scores.
The following blog entails detailed information about the same.
Q) Which tests are accepted?
There are several English tests that the Department of Immigration accepts for an applicant to demonstrate their English ability. They include the following:
- IELTS test
- Occupational English Test (OET)
- Pearson Academic Test of English (Pearson PTE)
- TOEFL Internet Based Test (TOEFL iBT)
- Cambridge Test of English
IELTS (International English Language Testing System) IELTS is the most popular test that applicants undertake to demonstrate their English language ability. The Department of Immigration accepts both, General Training and Academic test for assessment purposes. However, it is important to note that some skills assessment authorities require the applicant to undertake the academic version only. The IELTS test results are available after 14 days of the exam date.
OET (Occupation English Test) The OET accesses the English proficiency for individuals in themedical and health care industry. The test should not be undertaken by individuals who wish to apply for a visa in an occupation not related to the medical or health care industry.
PTE (Pearson Academic Test of English) The Pearson test is similar to the IELTS test in terms of components: speaking, writing, listening and reading. Except it’sa Computer Based Test (which is generally a good thing). The key benefit for undertaking the PTE is that the results are issued within 5 days.
TOEFL Internet Based Test (TOEFL iBT) TOEFL is an Internet Based Test and has a number of test centers across the world. The duration of the test is 4.5 hours which is longer than IELTS and Pearson. The test results are available after 10 days of the exam date which is similar to the IELTS test.
Q) What score should I achieve and how many points do I receive? English test results are divided into 5 main categories: Vocational, Functional, Competent, Proficient and Superior. Your minimum requirement differs according to the visa you are applying. However, for the “points test” following is the points allotment:
| Vocational | Minimum requirement for ENS and RSMS (Temporary Residence Transitional stream). |
| Functional | Only for Secondary Applicants. |
| Competent Level | Minimum requirement for ENS/RSMS (direct Entry) and GSM. |
| Proficient Level | 10 points |
| Superior Level | 20 points |
*GSM- General Skilled Migration
ENS- Employer Nomination Scheme
RSMS- Regional Sponsorship.
It should be noted that if you hold a passport from Canada, New Zealand, United States, United Kingdom and Ireland you achieve a competent level of English without undertaking the English test.
Functional English Functional English is the minimum level of English that a secondary applicant(s) have to demonstrate at the time of application. However, if they are unable to achieve the required score, it doesn’t risk the primary applicant’s application.
It only means that they will have to pay an “English Education Charge” of about $4080 (If they achieve the score, then secondary applicant charge is only is $1800- this reduces further for subsequent applicants). Functional English can be proven in many ways (not just through English Exam):
1. Successful completion of- (Australian equivalent) diploma/ trade certificate, higher degree, high school where the medium of teaching was English. OR
3. Successful completion of at least 5 years of secondary education in English medium OR
4. Completion of at least 1 year full time study in Australia or equivalent part-time study towards a vocational degree, higher degree or an English Course.
5. Achieving the desired score in an English Exam (mentioned below):
| Test component | Average across test components only |
| IELTS | 4.5 |
| TOEFL iBT | 8 |
| PTE Academic | 30 |
| OET | n/a |
| Cambridge (CAE) | 147 |
Vocational Level of EnglishThis is the minimum score required to obtain ENS and RSMS visa through the Temporary Residence Transitional stream. The score required to achieve a vocational level of English for each test is tabled below.
| Test Type | Speaking | Reading | Listening | Writing |
| IELTS | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| TOEFL | 4 | 4 | 14 | 14 |
| OET | B | B | B | B |
| Cambridge | 154 | 154 | 154 | 154 |
| PTE | 36 | 36 | 36 | 36 |
Competent Level of EnglishIf you demonstrate competent level of English, you will not receive any points but it will make you eligible to apply for a skilled visa.The score required to achieve a competent level of English for each test is tabled below.
| Test Type | Speaking | Reading | Listening | Writing |
| IELTS | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 |
| TOEFL | 18 | 13 | 12 | 21 |
| OET | B | B | B | B |
| Cambridge | 169 | 169 | 169 | 169 |
| PTE | 50 | 50 | 50 | 50 |
Proficient Level of EnglishIf you demonstrate proficient level of English, you get 10 extra points for the English Language component of the points test. The score required to achieve a proficient level of English for each test is tabled below.
| Test Type | Speaking | Reading | Listening | Writing |
| IELTS | 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 |
| TOEFL | 23 | 24 | 24 | 27 |
| OET | B | B | B | B |
| Cambridge | 185 | 185 | 185 | 185 |
| PTE | 65 | 65 | 65 | 65 |
Superior Level of English.If you demonstrate superior level of English, you get 20 extra points for the English Language component of the points test. The score required to achieve a proficient level of English for each test is tabled below.
| Test Type | Speaking | Reading | Listening | Writing |
| IELTS | 8 | 8 | 8 | 8 |
| TOEFL | 28 | 29 | 30 | 26 |
| OET | A | A | A | A |
| Cambridge | 200 | 200 | 200 | 200 |
| PTE | 79 | 79 | 79 | 79 |
Validity?Most of the aforementioned test are valid up to 3 years. Only exception is “Functional English” requirement for secondary applicants- it is mandatory for them to take the test (if that’s how they want to prove their level) 12 months prior to lodgement of the application.
NOTE: This update or any previous updates on our website do not constitute "legal advice". It's advisable to call our office on +61 28815 58135 to seek professional advice from our MARA registered lawyers before acting on any information provided on this page
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