IELTS Score English Requirement for Australian Visa Application

English Language Requirement For Australian Visa Application

As you already know there is an english language requirement for Australian visa application. The English Language test is called “International English Language Testing System” also known as (IELTS). You will be required to take an IELTS test before applying for a visa to prove your English Language ability.

There are many different types of Australian  visas and for each visa there is a different level of English required. Therefore your English Language ability will determine which visa you will be able to apply for.

There are four different levels of English:

• Superior English

• Proficient English

• Competent English

• Functional English

You will need to make sure that you book your English Language test in advance before applying for your Australian visa as it can take some time to make a booking and to receive your results.

To apply for a General Skilled visa you would have to show that you meet the english language requirement for Australian visa application and have your results. English tests that have been taken up to three years before your visa application will be accepted by the Department of Immigration and Border protection. If your visa requires Functional English then your English Language test would have to been done at the most one year before lodgement.

Below is more information about the different English levels:

1. Superior English For Skilled Independent Visa – Other Australian Work Visas

If you can show you have superior English by scoring at least 8 out of 9 on all four components of the IELTS test or an A pass in all 4 components of the Occupational English Test.

If you demonstrate proficient English, this will give the maximum of 20 points for English language ability.

2. Proficient English For Australian Work Visas

You can show you have proficient English ability by scoring at least 7 out of 9 on all four components of the IELTS test.

It is also possible to show proficient English by obtaining a B pass in all 4 components of the Occupational English Test.

If you demonstrate proficient English, this will give you 10 points for English language ability.

Even native English speakers must undertake English language testing to obtain points for proficient English or higher.

3. Competent English For Skilled Migration

For most skilled visas, you will need to show at least Competent English to meet the threshold criteria.

You can establish a competent level of English by:

• Obtaining a score of at least 6 out of 9 for all four components of the IELTS test; or

• Holding a passport from one of the following 5 countries:

  1. Canada

  2. New Zealand

  3. United Kingdom

  4. United States

  5. Ireland

Competent English gives you 0 points in the Skilled Migration Points Test, but is an essential requirement to be able to lodge a skilled visa. If you would like to apply a graduate visa or working visa (permanent), you will need at least Competent English to meet the criteria.

4. Functional English

If your spouse or partner has less than functional English, then you would need to pay the “English Education Charge” to cover English language tuition in applying for skilled migration.

You can show you have functional English ability by providing evidence of one of the following:

1. Completion of a degree, higher degree, diploma or trade certificate that required at least 2 years of study in English medium

2. Completion of all years of primary education and at least 3 years of secondary education in English medium; or

3. Completion of at least 5 years of secondary education in English medium; or

4. Scoring at least 4.5 averaged over the four components of the IELTS test within the 12 months before application, or during processing; or

5. Completion in Australia of at least 1 year of full-time study or equivalent part-time study towards a degree, higher degree, diploma, or associate diploma in English medium.

6. In some circumstances, functional English can be established via interview

Acceptable Test To Show You Meet The English Language Requirement For Australian Visa Application – New update – Other than IELTS test for Australian Visa

The Occupational English Test (OET) will be accepted as evidence of English Language ability but is only appropriate for medical and allied health professionals.

From November 2014, the department will accept English language test scores from the Test of English as a Foreign Language internet-based test (TOEFL iBT) and the Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE Academic) across the Temporary Graduate, Skilled, Former Resident and Work and Holiday visa programs. Scores from the Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE) test will also be accepted from early 2015.

These tests are alternatives to the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) and Occupational English Test (OET), and have been accepted in the Student visa program since 2011.

Student visa applicants can continue to provide scores from IELTS, OET, TOEFL iBT, PTE Academic or Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE).

The International English Language Testing System is known to be one of the most common ways of evidencing English language ability. You will be required to obtain a certain score (depending on the English level required) in each band of the International English Language Testing System (Reading, Writing, Listening and speaking) in a single sitting.

The Department of Immigration and Border protection has extended the new option to other visa categories including Employer Nomination Scheme, Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme, Business Innovation & Investment (provisional), Skilled – Independent, Skilled – Nominated, Work and Holiday (temporary), Skilled – Recognised Graduate and Temporary Graduate.

Make sure you prepare before booking for your next test. When you’re ready, there are no restrictions how many tests you can take and how soon after you take a test, you book and sit for another test.

For more information on IELTS and the IELTS scores you need for certain visas, please contact ONE derland Consulting by visiting our website, www.onederland.com.au, email us at [email protected] or give us a call at +61 (08) 9477 5831.