As immigration lawyers and registered migration agents, we are writing to consider the recent Daryl Maguire issues revealed in an ICAC enquiry in terms of the Australian Migration Act.

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On 01 December 2020, Pearson PTE has made major changes on PTE test score range. Thousands of international students and visa applicants may potentially impacted by such changes. 

By the time of writing this blog on 04 December 2020, the Department of Home Affairs have not yet made any changes to Australian visa English requirements in response to PTE Academic changes on score range.

What is PTE test?

PTE Academic stands for Pearson Test of English Academic which is a computer-based English to assess and validate non-native English speakers’ English language ability in an academic context.

PTE Academic takes 3 hours long, which consists of Reading, Writing, Listening and  Speaking skills tests.

Meeting a certain level of English is generally a core eligibility criteria for many Australian visas. Many visa applicants take PTE Academic to meet this English requirement for their visa and migration purposes.

Apart from PTE Academic, the Department of Home Affairs also accepts other following English tests:

• International English Language Testing System (IELTS)
• Test of English as a Foreign Language internet-based Test (TOEFL iBT)
• Occupational English Test (OET)
• Cambridge C1 Advanced test

What changes have been made?

According to the 2020 PTE and IELTS Concordance Report, PTE Academic scores are only adjusted in comparison with IELTS Academic tests. The alignment of PTE Academic to TOEFL and the industry-standard used to describe language proficiency, the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR), has not changed. 

At IELTS 6.5 and below the concordant PTE Academic scores, while in the same range, are at some points lower on the scale.

At IELTS 7.5 and above, the concordant PTE Academic scores, while in the same range, are at some points higher on the scale.

Comment by Chris Johnston: Registered Migration Agent and Lawyer

PTE score range changes will benefit for those visa applications whose visas only require IETLS 6.5 banks or below, including:

• Student visa Subclass 500
• Temporary Graduate visa Subclass 485
• Partner Visas
• Temporary Skill Shortage visa subclass 482
• Employer Nomination Scheme visa Subclass 186
• Distinguished Talent visa Subclass 858
• Training visa (subclass 407)
• Temporary Activity visa (subclass 408)

Those visa applicants who want to have equivalent IETLS 8 bands will be heavily impacted. As they now need to achieve PTE 84 points instead of 79 points. Those people who want to get extra English points to increase their chance to apply for General Skilled Migration Program visas Subclass 189/190/491. They will be negatively impacted by PTE changes.  

The Department of Home Affairs has not changing PTE scores on the official website, but  may manke changes in 2021. As Pearson PTE has notified the Home Affairs for the changes, it is matter of time the Department of Home Affairs to make the change accordingly.  

Those who already lodged their visas can be reassured, as they will not get affected by the changes. However, those who wait for their invitations may need to retake the PTE test.

Do you need help?

Our team of experienced Immigration Lawyers and Migration Agents look forward to assisting you with your Australian visa or appeal.

Based in Adelaide South Australia, we provide Australian Immigration advice to people and businesses from all over the world.

If you require further information regarding your Australia visa options you can contact us through:

(08) 8351 9956 or +61 8 8351 9956 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

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Sources

https://pearsonpte.com/articles/2020-pte-and-ielts-concordance-report-summary-and-faqs/

Changes to ENS 186 and RSMS 187 for 457 & 482 visa holders affected by  COVID-19 Pandemic.

The Department of Home Affairs has recently announced new changes to the COVID-19 pandemic.

This is good news for 457 and 482 visa-holders who are looking to apply for a permanent employer-sponsored visa through the Temporary Residence Transition stream.

Trades Recognition Australia, also known as TRA, is the skill assessment authority for trade occupations. For example, occupations such as chefs, bricklayers, electricians and plumbers are all assessed by TRA.

TRA assesses whether the applicant’s qualifications, skills and employments meet Australian standards for migration purposes.

There are several assessment pathways and it is important that you choose the correct one to apply for.

Many employer-sponsored visa holders experienced changes to their employment as a result of the COVID-19. These unprecedented times have presented many challenges for these visa holders, including questions as to how their visas will be affected by these changes.

We have compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions to answer some of these questions.