Major changes on PTE scores – Big winners for 485, student, partner visa applicants – GSM 190/491/189 heavily impacted

By Chris Johnston Updated

Major changes on PTE scores – Big winners for 485, student, partner visa applicants – GSM 190/491/189 heavily impacted

What is the 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.

PTE IELTS Tables Changes DifferentColours TABLE1 sf

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.

PTE IELTS Tables Changes DifferentColours TABLE1 sf

Comment by Chris Johnston: Registered Migration Agent and Lawyer

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

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?

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

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(08) 8351 9956 or +61 8 8351 9956 or [email protected]

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Sources

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