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
| English Language proficiency level | Test component | IELTS | TOEFL iBT | PTE Academic | Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE)* | OET |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Functional | Average/total/overall across test components only | 4.5 | 32 | 30 | 147 | n/a |
| Vocational | Listening | 5.0 | 4 | 36 | 154 | B |
| Reading | 5.0 | 4 | 36 | 154 | B | |
| Writing | 5.0 | 14 | 36 | 154 | B | |
| Speaking | 5.0 | 14 | 36 | 154 | B | |
| Competent | Listening | 6.0 | 12 | 50 | 169 | B |
| Reading | 6.0 | 13 | 50 | 169 | B | |
| Writing | 6.0 | 21 | 50 | 169 | B | |
| Speaking | 6.0 | 18 | 50 | 169 | B | |
| Proficient (for points tested Skilled visas) | Listening | 7.0 | 24 | 65 | 185 | B |
| Reading | 7.0 | 24 | 65 | 185 | B | |
| Writing | 7.0 | 27 | 65 | 185 | B | |
| Speaking | 7.0 | 23 | 65 | 185 | B | |
| Superior (for points tested Skilled visas) | Listening | 8.0 | 28 | 79 | 200 | A |
| Reading | 8.0 | 29 | 79 | 200 | A | |
| Writing | 8.0 | 30 | 79 | 200 | A | |
| Speaking | 8.0 | 26 | 79 | 200 | A |
*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