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WHICH ENGLISH TEST IS THE BEST FOR AUSTRALIAN MIGRATION?

2018 IELTS UPDATE: IELTS now offering computer-delivered English tests for visa applicants in AustraliaIELTS now offering computer-delivered English tests for visa applicants in Australia

New tests are available for Australian Migration, giving you more options!

Since 23 November 2014 the Department of Immigration and Border Protection (DIBP) has accepted other forms of English tests other than IELTS and the OET for Temporary Graduate, Skilled, Former Resident and Work and Holiday visa applications.  In our earlier article we mentioned that in addition to IELTS and OET, applicants can now use TOEFL and PTE Academic for visa application purposes (CAE to be accepted 1 Jan 2015 onwards).  Click here for our earlier article regarding the newly accepted English exams and the relevant scoring benchmarks.

So applicants now have options to the type of English exam they wish to take for their visa application. 

The options include:

• IELTS
• TOEFL iBT
• Pearson - PTE Academic
• Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE)

WHICH ENGLISH TEST is Easiest and Best for You?

Are all the English exams the same? 

Are the structures of some exams more compatible for the person taking the exam? 

TOEFL is all done talking to the computer, whereas IELTS is paper based for writing and you have to speak to a person.

Watch this video of a student who have done all the different exams and what he thinks about them.  You can hear him speak about the differences between TOEFL and IELTS at the 3:31 mark: 

“I scored much better on the TOEFL test than I did the IELTS. So the difference was quite big.  So apparently for me the TOEFL was better.  So for the IELTS test I had an overall average of 7.5... For the TOEFL test I scored...  for the internet based test I scored 114 out of 120”

Another video provides more details on the preparation for the exams (2:55 mark):

“These (preparation leaflets) are very important because they really give you... put you at ease when you are in front of the exam so I would really recommend reading those. So even if you don’t really prepare your English at least you prepare the way you have to take you exam so that would help you a lot.”

On the exam format (6:34 mark):

“... in TOEFL lots of it were in multiple choice except for the writing section and in the IELTS you have to write even when you are listening and also when you are reading you have to write...”

For a detailed description of the exam formats and differences you can watch this video and find out what tasks await you in the different exams.  There are also many tips and video guides on specific sections for the exams on YouTube.  You can also find more descriptions online for the other English exams such as Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE) that is now accepted for visa applications.

Now that you know the exams are different, do find out and try the specimen exam materials for the different tests to see which suits you better.  Complications in fulfilling the English requirements can delay your visa application and affect your eligibility.  Act now to find your best English test and obtain the scores required to start your new life in Australia!

Comments by Chris Johnston – Principal Lawyer at Work Visa Lawyers:

With the recent opening of new test for many Australian visas, I have spoken with many of my client’s.  Some are sticking with the IELTS as they are used to its structure. 

There is also strong interest in the TOEFL IBT due to it being done on a computer at a testing centre.  I will do further blogs in which I comment on the feedback provided by my clients about which test they prefer.

Source:

From Fulbright Belgium

Applying to US Universities: Comparing the GRE, GMAT, TOEFL and IELTS Tests

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=agBQrQOWPAo

TOEFL vs IELTS: Comparing English Language Proficiency Tests

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yk2hMlRW99g

TOEFL - IELTS: Compare TOEFL vs IELTS and take the right one https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2CFBXg4H3fU

Warning:

 This information is accurate on the 11 January 2015.

Do You Need Help with Australia Migration?

At Work Visa Lawyers we are experienced in assisting applicants with the Expression of Interest, State Sponsorship and Visa application process for state sponsored subclasses 190 and 489.  We can also assist with the Independent 189.

If you require further information regarding an application or your Australian visa options you can contact us through:

(08) 7225 5091 or +61 8 7225 5091 

or   This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Yeah!  New English Tests now acceptable for many Australian visa applications - TOEFL iBT and PTE Academic witn CAE to follow in January!

The Department of Immigration has been sending this news release out today:

“Expansion of three additional English language tests across visa programmes from 23 November 2014

From 23 November 2014 the department will accept test scores from two additional tests to IELTS across the Temporary Graduate, Skilled, Former Resident and Work and Holiday programmes. These are the Test of English as a Foreign Language internet-based test (TOEFL iBT) and the Pearson Test of English (PTE) Academic. The department will also accept scores from the Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE) test undertaken from 1 January 2015. Further information about these alternative tests is available from the department’s website www.immi.gov.au/News/Pages/aelt.aspx.

The department will not accept test scores from TOEFL iBT, PTE Academic or Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE) tests for Temporary Work (Skilled) (subclass 457) visas as evidence of English language ability.”

Here are the English Score Equivalencies in a Table

*From 1 January 2015 and only for a Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE) test taken on or after 1 January 2015.

Sources:

DIBP website:

http://www.immi.gov.au/News/Pages/aelt.aspx 

Warning:

 This information is accurate on the 24 November 2014.  State/Territory Bodies and DIBP will change requirements in an ongoing manner and all current requirements must be established prior to lodging an application. 

Do You Need Help with  Australia Migration?

At Work Visa Lawyers we are experience in assisting applicants with the Expression of Interest, State Sponsorship and Visa application process for state sponsored subclasses 190 and 489.  We can also assist with the Independent 189.

If you require further information regarding an application or your Australian visa options

you can contact us through:

 (08) 7225 5091 or +61 8 7225 5091  

or      This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Accountant Skills Assessment for Australian Migration- New English Tests TOEFL and PTE Academic are now acceptable  

The Institute of Chartered Accountants Australia announced the following on the 31 October 2014:

“English language requirements

From 1 November 2014 we will be recognising the following programs or tests as meeting the English language requirement for the specific types of assessments we undertake.

IELTS

PTE Academic 

TOEFL iBT

Minimum scores of each of the components will need to be achieved and are listed below:

Permanent residency

Temporary Visa Subclass 485

There are no exemptions for any criteria for migration purposes. All applicant’s will be assessed against the same assessing criteria, including the English language requirement.  You will need to ensure that you meet the English language requirement as listed above.”

Sources:

The Institute of Chartered Accountants Australia website:

http://www.charteredaccountants.com.au/The-Institute/Migration-assessment/About-migration-assessment.aspx

Warning:

 This information is accurate on the 05 November 2014.  State/Territory Bodies and DIBP will change requirements in an ongoing manner and all current requirements must be established prior to lodging an application. 

Do You Need Help with  Australia Migration?

At Work Visa Lawyers we are experience in assisting applicants with the Expression of Interest, State Sponsorship and Visa application process for state sponsored subclasses 190 and 489.  We can also assist with the Independent 189.

If you require further information regarding an application or your Australian visa options

you can contact us through:

 (08) 7225 5091 or +61 8 7225 5091  

or     This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Five tips for the IELTS test by English tutor Fran Reid.

1.      Know what the examiners want for each section of the test.

Each section of the test is marked according to certain criteria, knowing what the examiner is looking for will help you to target your responses.

2.      Speak, listen, read and write English as much as possible.

‘Using’ English in your everyday life will improve your confidence in using English in a relaxed way.

3.      Practice the test on a regular basis.

Practice gives you a feel for the timing of the test and increases your self confidence by giving you a realistic idea of your English capabilities.

         4.   Manage your time so you have a quiet space for practice.

Make sure you are in a good position to prepare for the test. Work and family responsibilities often get in the way of studies so plan for this study period.

5.      Engage a tutor or not?

Taking IELTS preparation classes provides you with a controlled environment where a tutor will monitor your work and give you feedback to help you understand where you need to improve.

Do You Need Help with the IELTS Test?

At MarketPlaceEnglish I assist people with the IELTS Test using authentic practice materials and providing constructive feedback.

I am a qualified and experienced tutor having helped hundreds of people gain their desired band score.

I provide English tuition in the city of Adelaide in South Australia.

If I can be of assistance or you require further information and would like to make a booking please contact Frances on:

Phone: 042 117 8286

Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. 

457 visas changes Announced by Australia Government:

The Australian Federal Government has announced on 14 October 2014 that the following changes will be made:

“The Government will reform the 457 visa programme for skilled migrants, while maintaining strong safeguards against abuse.

The 457 programme must be a means of filling genuine skills gaps in the local labour market while not placing unnecessary administrative burdens on business.

An effectively managed skilled migration programme ensures foreign workers supplement rather than substitute Australian workers. A business that is forced to close because it is unable to access the labour that it requires employs no-one.  That is a lose–lose situation for both employers and employees.

Following an independent review of the 457 programme, the Government will:

·         streamline the processing of sponsorship, nomination and visa applications to reward low risk applicants and refocus compliance and monitoring activities on high risk applicants;

·         increase the sponsorship approval period from 12 to 18 months for start-up businesses, to give start-ups more time to make their businesses sustainable;

·         provide greater flexibility in relation to English language testing and skill requirements for 457 applicants, to ensure that the standards required are appropriate for the industries and occupations being sought; and

·         retain the Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold at $53 900, ahead of a review within the next two years.

Safeguards will remain in place to ensure that the 457 visa programme is not rorted. It will continue to be a requirement that a foreign worker receives at least the same market rates and conditions that are paid to an Australian doing the same job in the same workplace”

Comment by Chris Johnston, Principal Solicitor with Work Visa Lawyers:

The announced planned changes will be welcomed by businesses and by potential visa applicants.

The area of greatest interest for visa applicants will be in relation to the proposed greater flexibility in relation to English language requirements.

The 457 Report recommended the English language requirement be amended to an average score. For example, in relation to International English Language Testing System, the 457 applicant should have an average of 5 across the four competencies (or the equivalent for an alternative English language testing provider).

So this averaging system mentioned in the 457 Report could be the greater flexibility, but we will have to wait until the actual changes are enacted.

The date of the 457 changes has not been provided.  The Federal Government has said that there “will soon make further announcements on the recommendations of reviews”.

Work Visa Lawyers will keep you posted in our news section.

Sources:

Joint media release with Prime Minister Tony Abbott, Minister for Industry Ian McFarlane and Minister for Immigration and Border Protection Scott Morrison.:

http://www.minister.immi.gov.au/media/sm/2014/sm218547.htm

Warning -This information is accurate on the 18 October 2014.  

DIBP will change visa requirements in an ongoing manner and all current requirements must be established prior to lodging an application. 

Do you Need Help with the 457 process, to be approved as a business sponsor or to get an Australian Visa for an employee?

If you require further information regarding an employer sponsored visa applications , either as an employer or an applicant, we can help you.

Contact us on (08) 7225 5091 or +61 8 7225 5091

or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

 The Government of Western Australia have recently released new criteria for WA state sponsorship for subclass 190 and 489 visas.

The following are significant changes to the criteria:

- English Requirements:

Managers and Professionals (Group 1 and 2 in ANZSCO)  who are on the WA State Migration Plan must obtain at least 7,7,7,7 in the IELTS or a minimum of all Bs on the OET test. Other groups of occupations still require just 6,6,6,6.

There are still English requirement exemptions those holding a UK, USA, Canada, Ireland or NZ passport.

- Work Experience Requirements:

 All applicants must meet the minimum work experience requirement of:

        ◦ at least one year of Australian work experience in the nominated (or closely related) occupation over the last ten years; or

        ◦ at least three years of overseas work experience in the nominated (or closely related) occupation over the last ten years; and

- Job Offered Required even for Offshore applicants:

If your occupation is on Schedule 2 of the WASMOL you must have a job offer for both a 489 and a 190 application, even if you are applying from overseas.

Source and Accuracy

Source: http://www.migration.wa.gov.au/SiteCollectionDocuments/skilled_migration_criteria_2013-2014%20(4).pdf

This information is accurate on the 02 February 2014.  States and Territories will change requirements in an ongoing manner and all current requirements must be established prior to lodging an application. 

Need Help?

At Work Visa Lawyers we are experience in assisting applicants with the Expression of Interest, State Sponsorship and Visa application process for state sponsored subclasses 190 and 489.

If you require further information regarding an application or your Australian visa options you contact our offices on (08) 7225 5091 or +61 8 7225 5091  

Scott Morrison is likely to be announced as the new Minister for Immigration.  He was the Shadow Minister for Immigration  and Citizenship from 8 up until the Federal election on the 7th September 2013.

This is what Scott Morrison has previously said in relation to:

• Skilled Migration
• 457 visas
• English language requirements

Skilled Migration:

At the Brisbane Resource Industry Migration Forum for AMMA on the 8 August 2013:

"The Coalition believes in a well run migration program that focuses on skills and creates jobs for Australians," Mr Morrison said.

Source:

http://www.amma.org.au/newsroom/media-releases/3394-coalition-s-skilled-migration-program-will-restore-business-confidence-scott-morrison

Paper by Scott Morrison to Address to the Affinity Intercultural Foundation, Sydney

Wednesday 17 July 2013.  At page 4:

“During the Howard years skills based migration increased from less than 30% of the permanent

program under Paul Keating to almost 70% by the time they left office. The Howard Government

also introduced the temporary skilled visa, the 457.

Research by Monash University showed that during the Howard years the percentage of Australians

who were concerned about immigration levels being too high almost halved, from more than two

thirds to just over one third. Over the same period our permanent immigration intake doubled.”

http://www.affinity.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/Morrison-Doing-far-more-to-build-our-nation-170713.pdf

On 457 Policy under Brendan O’Connor

Scott Morrison was highly critical of the statements made by Brendan O’Connor in relation to claimed 457 rorts.

In a radio interview on the 2 May 2013 Scott Morrison said:

 “Well this report obtained by the Coalition under freedom of information demonstrates some fairly routine housekeeping changed to the 457 scheme. 

It certainly doesn't anywhere justify the sort of inflammatory rhetoric and trash talking of skilled migration that the Prime Minster and Minister O'Connor have engaged in, nor does it in any way provide any evidentiary basis for the sort of claims they've made about 10,000 people rorting the system and so on.”

http://www.abc.net.au/pm/content/2013/s3750563.htm

At the Brisbane Resource Industry Migration Forum for AMMA on the 8 August 2013:

“Until this year the skilled migration program enjoyed bipartisan support. Labor’s attack on skilled

migration through the measuresintroduced to choke the 457 migration program with union red

tape was nothing more than economic vandalism,” he said.

http://www.amma.org.au/assets/media/2013MediaReleases/Aug/MEDIA%20RELEASE_Coalitions_killed_migration_program_will_restore_business_confidence_Scott_Morrison.pdf

Skilled Migration and English Language Requirements

On English Language Testing:

Paper by Scott Morrison to Address to the Affinity Intercultural Foundation, Sydney

Wednesday 17 July 2013.  At pages 6 and 7:

“IELTS is a quality program – used by more than 6,000 organisations across 135 countries, including

immigration departments and authorities in Australia, Canada, New Zealand and the UK. IELTS

conduct around 1.9 million tests per year.

But we must be wary of creating a closed shop on English language testing or having English

language testing used as a non-tariff barrier by trade unions trying to crash the skilled migration

programme as an industrial tactic.

We should be moving towards a more competitive framework.

Australia needs to have the capacity to have progressive levels of English language capability. We

also need greater flexibility; the notion of having an English language test that is fit for purpose,

instead of a one size fits all.

There can be no argument that English skills are important. They are critical not only for personal

safety but also for participation and social cohesion.

English language skills are important to ensure awareness of compliance with occupational health

and safety rules. They are also important in allowing a visa holder to communicate and connect with

their employer, their colleagues and their community.

Temporary migrants, whether they are students or workers, can be highly vulnerable to abuse. An

understanding of English helps them access services and understand the protections available to

them, whether they are trying to rent a flat, understand the terms and conditions of their

employment, open a bank account or take out a loan.

The United Kingdom accepts over 30 language assessment systems in addition to the IELTS.

One of those providers is the renowned Cambridge English Language Assessment – formerly the

ESOL – with 4 million candidates sitting the tests in 130 countries.

The rationale behind Cambridge is that “tests need to be fit for purpose, offering users a range of

solutions that meet diverse needs”.

The level of language skills required of someone applying to come to Australia should also take into

account how long they intend to stay.

We also need more than a one-off time freeze snapshot. If a person has been living, working and

actively engaging in Australia over a number of years, it is in their interests as well as that of the

community that as their active engagement grows, their level of proficiency does not stay static;

ideally it would develop and improve over this time.”

The 457 and English Language Testing:

In an address to the National Press Club Mr Morrison said:
"There is also a need to revise the English language test that now requires a score of at least five in all four categories of the IELTS test," he told the NPC.

"These tests can be used a little like a non tariff barrier to trade by unions seeking to crash the system as an industrial system."

Source: article by  Malcolm Farr, National Political Editor, 30 March 2011, news.com.au

Comments by Chris Johnston Principal of Work Visa Lawyers:

The information above is statements made by Scott Morrison in the lead up to the 2013 elections .  The extent to which promises made prior to an election will result in government policies is an unknown.

In relation to 457 visas, it is clear that Scott Morrison is a critic of the 457 policies when he was a shadow Minster. 

The open question is whether the 457 labour market testing measures will come into effect.   The relevant Legislation is the Migration Amendment (Temporary Sponsored Visas) Bill 2013.  The legislation will come into effect within 6 months of the Act receiving royal assent and the last day for this to happen would be the 29 December 2013.

The Migration Amendment (Temporary Sponsored Visas) Bill allows for occupations to be exempted from LMT.  The new Coalition Government could chose to make a large range or all occupations exempted from LTM, to avoid the LMT legislation having any practical effects.

Sources:

AMMA Media Release, 8 August 2013

http://www.amma.org.au/newsroom/media-releases/3394-coalition-s-skilled-migration-program-will-restore-business-confidence-scott-morrison

http://www.affinity.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/Morrison-Doing-far-more-to-build-our-nation-170713.pdf

http://www.abc.net.au/pm/content/2013/s3750563.htm

Article by  Malcolm Farr, National Political Editor, 30 March 2011, news.com.au

Do You Need Help in Relation to Australian Visas?

If you require further information regarding Australian Visa application charges or your Australian visa options you contact our offices on (08) 7225 5091 or +61 8 7225 5091  

This information is accurate on the 09 September 2013. 

Here are some of the changes introduced from the 1 July 2013 that are important to 457 visa applicants:

English Requirements now more difficult for many

English levels of Functional English must now be proved for all levels of occupations nominated from the CSOL:

-      an International English Language Testing System (IELTS) test score of at least 5 in each of the four test components of speaking, reading, writing and listening, or

-      a score of at least 'B' in each of the four components of an Occupational English Test (OET).

Prior to 1 July, the requiements only applied to trade level position such as cook, baker and mechanic.  Now the apply to all positions on the CSOL, nominated for a 457. For example, now Civil and Mechanical Engineers, Marketing Specialists and Software Engineers.

TSMIT Up

TSMIT is now $53,900 and all nominations must be paid TSMIT or higher.  Please note, that Market Salary is also a relevant guide for the amount to be paid to the nominated position.

Market Salary Exemption Up

Market Salary – the exemption from Market Salary requirements has been increased from $180,000 to $250,000.

More Discretion to Refuse based on Skills and Qualifications

The Department has strengthen the skills requirements for Subclass 457 visas by requiring the Subclass 457 visa applicant to have the skills, qualifications and employment background that the Minister considers necessary to perform the tasks of the nominated occupation.

In my opinion this will help make the Department feel more comfortable in refusing an application without requesting further information.

Genuine Test – More discretion to refuse

Introduction of a ‘genuineness test’ to be conducted by departmental officers to ensure that the position associated with the nominated occupation is genuinely required to address skills shortages in Australia.

Condition Requiring Licencing Post Grant

457 visa holders must seek to obtain any mandatory registration, licence or membership for their occupation within 28 days.  The licensing requirement will effect occupations such as electricians.

All Electronic Lodgement

All applications for standard business sponsorship, approval of nominations and Subclass 457 (Temporary Work (Skilled)) visas to be lodged electronically.  The backup system to this is said to be lodgement by email. My comment, this sounds like it could be a real mess when the system crashes, like it does the last day of the program year almost every year late June.

Workers have more time to find another sponsor after ending employment

Workers have been given more time to find another sponsor after ceasing employment.  This time have been extended from 28 days to 90 days.

Fees Up

457 Sponsorship remains the same at $420

457 Nomination from $85 to $330.

457 Visa applicant – primary applicant now termed base applicant from $455 to $900

457 Visa applicant, secondary applicant over age of 18 from $0 to $900

457 Visa applicant, secondary aged under 18, from $0 to $225

New fee - Subsequent temporary application fee will apply in some circumstances, $700 per applicant.

Refer to this blog for an example of 457 fee costs post 1 July 2013.

http://www.workvisalawyers.com.au/news/entry/explanation-of-new-australian-visa-charges-system-based-on-number-of-applicants-and-the-new-subsequent-temporary-application-charge.html

Source: DIAC website

http://www.immi.gov.au/skilled/changes-457-program.htm

Need Help?

If you require further information regarding a 457 application or your Australian visa options you contact our offices on (08) 7225 5091 or +61 8 7225 5091  

This information isaccurate on the 30 July 2013.  DIAC will changes visa requirements in an ongoing manner and all current requirements must be established prior to lodging an application. 

On 9 March DIAC announced there will be changes to the permanent employer sponsored program to be implemented from the 1 July 2012.  

The reforms will reduce the number of visa classes in the Permanent Employer-Sponsored Visa Program from six to two.

The two new consolidated subclasses will be:

• ENS subclass 186
• RSMS subclass 187

Within each subclass there will be three streams:

1. Temporary Residence Transition Stream – for qualifying 457 visa holders.
2. Direct Entry Stream – for a range of applicants including non-qualifying 457 visa holders, those completing studies on student visas and offshore applicants.
3. Agreement stream – replacing labour agreements.

In the process, there are changes to the age, English and Skills requirements for ENS and RSMS.

The 457, a common temporary working visa, will become more integrated into the Permanent Employer-Sponsored Visa Program.

Those most likely to be negatively affected by the changes may include:

•  Higher English requirements for RSMS may make it harder to apply for some:
  • For RSMS Temporary Residence Transition Stream the English language requirements will be 5.0 in each of the four components of IELTS test.  Current RSMS requirements are IELTS band score 4.5.
  • For RSMS Direct Entry Stream the English language requirements will be 6.0 in each of the four components of IELTS test.  Current RSMS requirements are IELTS band score 4.5.
• Skills assessments required for RSMS applicants with overseas trade level qualifications or experience.
• May be more difficult for those that are over 50:
  • With the age limit for RSMS and ENS being raised to 50, there may also be less flexibility for persons over 50.
• Skill level four no longer available under 457 and direct stream for RSMS:
  • Skill level four, such as Mobile Plant Operators and Drillers will not be able to apply for RSMS anymore. They will only be able to be able to apply through the Agreements stream.  Agreements can take a long time to arrange and are usually for large employers.  Currently such skill level four, can apply under exceptional circumstances of RSMSM