Demonstrating “Competent” English for Australian visa purposes
Certain Australian visa types require applicants to be able to demonstrate a “Competent” level of English. Applicants can demonstrate they meet this requirement by meeting one of the following:
- Holding a valid passport (and Citizenship) of either the United Kingdom, the United States of America, Canada, New Zealand or the Republic of Ireland; or
- Undertaking and passing one of the English Language tests accepted by the Department of Immigration.
English Language tests accepted by the Department
There are currently five tests accepted by the Department for visa eligibility purposes, these are:
- International English Language Testing System (IELTS)
- Occupational English Test (OET)
- Test of English as a Foreign Language internet-Based Test (TOEFL iBT)
- Pearson Test of English (PTE) Academic
- Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE) test (also known as Certificate in Advanced English).
English test score requirements
The following table outlines the scores required (by test) in order to demonstrate Competent English:
Type of Test | Test Validity | Test Component (minimum scores) | |||
Listening | Reading | Writing | Speaking | ||
IELTS | Test must have been undertaken in the three (3) years immediately prior to lodging the visa application | 6.0 | 6.0 | 6.0 | 6.0 |
OET | Test must have been undertaken in the three (3) years immediately prior to lodging the visa application | B | B | B | B |
TOEFL iBT | Test must have been undertaken in the three (3) years immediately prior to lodging the visa application | 12 | 13 | 21 | 18 |
PTE Academic | Test must have been undertaken in the three (3) years immediately prior to lodging the visa application | 50 | 50 | 50 | 50 |
CAE | Test must have been undertaken on or after 1 January 2015 and prior to lodging the visa application | 169 | 169 | 169 | 169 |
Do you need to score a 7 in IELTS?
If you do then you should attend our IELTS Preparation Classes on Wednesday nights at our Perth CBD office.
Here is what our first class of graduates had to say about the course
_______________________
When I started this course I had no idea what to expect and to be honest when I left after the first night I felt daunted by how much I needed to learn. This has changed now and I am more confident about performing well on IELTS. The other advantage is that I have learned news skills that will help me to communicate more effectively in other areas of my life.
Declan Barr, Ireland
________________________
This course allows you to understand what you need to do on the test. The most important thing is that you should understand the expectations of the test. For example, by analysing the marking keys you know exactly what is required.
Ankit Padiyar, India
________________________
The IELTS Target 7.0 Course helps you to build strategies so you are prepared for what will happen on the test. Most of my friends told me IELTS was very tough, but now I am no longer afraid of the test. If you are prepared and you can work on your weaknesses such as spelling and grammar you can greatly improve your chances.
Oscar Volpe, Venezuela
________________________
If you want to join our next class which starts Wednesday 15th February 2017 at 5pm please contact Emma on 08 9221 4888
#passIELTS #AustralianMigrationMadeEasy
For more information or to determine your individual visa eligibility, please make an enquiry with one of our qualified and knowledgeable Migration Consultants.
Disclaimer: The information on this website should be read in conjunction with our Website Disclaimer.