english_requirement

The Australian Dept of Immigration and Citizenship administers the immigration act and regulations as passed by parliament. Parliament has decreed that skilled migrants, to settle successfully and find employment, will need to speak English. It is a proven predictor of success in the settlement process. It forms part of the points system application to skilled migration and is part of the non points tested skill and business visa criteria, with only very few exceptions permitted.

IELTS (International English Language Testing System) is widely used to assess language for migration purposes. The Occupational English Test (OET) does supplant IELTS for some professional groups. Its only in a handful of countries where there are no IELTS testing facilities is the TOEFL acceptable but then it is supplemented by interview.

The IELTS system is one of very careful calibration of individually set examinations each sitting, co-ordinated worldwide, by a governing body. It has a careful process of identity verification. It is relied upon by educational bodies, professional bodies and employers. It is the cornerstone on the Australian Immigration process as regards English language assessment.

THE IELTS TEST AND ITS CLASSIFICATIONS

There is a choice of Modules.

	· The General Module is the one prescribed for migration purposes.
	· The Academic Module is prescribed as necessary by some occupation assessing bodies and has a higher degree of difficulty in one of the tests.

Each Module has four components or tests: listening, reading, writing and speaking.

Listening

Time: approximately 30 minutes

Candidates listen to a number of recorded texts, which increase in difficulty as the test progresses. These include a mixture of monologues and conversations and feature a variety of English accents and dialects.

The recording is heard only once (note it will not be repeated on request, but candidates are given time to read the questions and write down their answers.

If there are any hearing disabilities IELTS administrators can make allowances with medical evidence.

Reading

	Time: 60 minutes
	The texts are based on the type of material candidates would be expected to encounter on a daily basis in an English speaking country. They are taken from sources such as newspapers, advertisements, instruction manuals and books, and test the candidate’s ability to understand and use information. The test includes one longer text, which is descriptive rather than argumentative.

Writing

	Time: 60 minutes
	The first task requires candidates to write a letter of around 150 words either asking for information or explaining a situation.
	The second task is a short essay of around 250 words, and is written in response to a given point of view or problem. Candidates are expected to be able to present their own ideas and challenge other ideas, using appropriate tone and register.

Speaking

Time: 11-14 minutes

The test takes the form of a face to face interview. Candidates are assessed on their use of spoken English to answer short questions, to speak at length on a familiar topic, and also to interact with the examiner.

If there are any speech disorders such as stuttering IELTS Administrators can make allowances with medical evidence.

Scoring

The maximum score on any single test component is 9.

	Band score of 9 Expert User where there is fully operational command of the language: appropriate, accurate and fluent with complete understanding.
	Band score of 8 Very Good User where there is only occasional unsystematic inaccuracies and inappropriacies (sic!). Misunderstandings may occur in unfamiliar situations. Able to handle complex detailed argumentation well.
	Band score of 7 Good User where there is operational command of the language, though with occasional inaccuracies, inappropriacies and misunderstandings in some situations. Generally handles complex language well and understands detailed reasoning.
	Band score of 6 Competent User where generally there is effective command of the language despite some inaccuracies, inappropriacies and misunderstandings. Able to use and understand fairly complex language, particularly in familiar situations.
	Band score of 5 Modest User where there is partial command of the language, coping with overall meaning in most situations, though is likely to make many mistakes. Able to handle basic communication in their own field.
	Band score of 4 Limited User where basic competence is limited to familiar situations. Can have frequent problems in understanding and expression and is not able to use complex language.
	Band score of 3 Extremely Limited User where only the general meaning can be conveyed and understood in very familiar situations. Frequent breakdown in communications can occur.
	Band score of 2 Intermittent User where no real communication is possible except for the most basic information using isolated words or short formulae in familiar situations and to meet immediate needs. Has great difficulty understanding spoken and written English.
	Band score of 1 Non User where there essentially no ability to use the language beyond possibly a few isolated words.

AUSTRALIAN IMMIGRATION CLASSIFICATIONS DERIVED FROM THE IELTS

A classification of English language ability, Proficient, was introduced in September 2007.

It was introduced as a means of earning more points in the points tested skill visas. Those scoring 7 on each of the four tests: speaking, listening, reading and writing, can obtain 25 points. (Those scoring at the competent level only, still get 15 points in the points test.) It recognises a greater ability to settle successfully. Native English speakers, whether or not English was their first language or they hold university qualifications, still need to sit the IELTS for the extra 10 points in the points test.

The Migration Regulations now provide that the following IELTS scores are required for the defined levels that may apply to a particular visa category or score in the points test. Note that the IELTS test should be have sat for no earlier than 2 years before the visa application is lodged.

PROFICIENT	IELTS score of 7 on each of four test components meets this standard. It is not an average across the scores but a minimum of 7 on each test. The Minister has also specified a score of “B” on each component on the OET also suffices. Score of 25 points awarded in a points tested visa application.
COMPETENT	IELTS score of 6 on each of the four test components meets this standard. It is not an average across the scores but a minimum of 6 on each test. Those holding a passport of the United Kingdom, Canada, New Zealand, the USA and the Irish Republic are assumed to have this level of capability. The Minister has also specified a score of “B” on each component on the OET also suffices. Score of 15 points awarded in a points tested visa application.
CONCESSIONAL COMPETENT	IELTS score of 5.5 for applicants for some regional visas where there is state or territory sponsorship or nomination and the state has language training programmes in place.
VOCATIONAL	IELTS score of 5 on each of the tests meets this standard. It is not an average across the scores but a minimum of 5 on each test. An applicant for a skills visa claiming an occupation in the trades category is given 15 points in a points tested application.
FUNCTIONAL (Adult secondary applicants for skilled visas)	IELTS score of 4.5 average across the 4 component tests. There is a waiver of the IELTS evidence requirement if the secondary applicant can show two years of tertiary education or trade qualifications, with instruction in English. A waiver is also possible if the secondary applicant can show both primary and secondary schooling was conducted in English. Notes: 1.Where spouses or adult children in the family unit of skilled migrants do not meet this standard there is an opportunity to pay an additional visa application charge entitling them to excellent language training after arrival.
	2.Those applying as a primary applicant for a 457 temporary work visa as a trades person and chef, offered below a certain salary, need to score at least 5 in each module of the IELTS test (less than 2 years old) before applying.

PRE-APPLICATION SKILL ASSESSMENT MAY HAVE HIGHER REQUIREMENTS

Note that there may be higher standards set by certain assessing bodies (and state bodies sponsoring) determining if an occupation is held by those being assessed. The Medical profession is a case in point and an IELTS score of 7.5 for example is the requirement for a nurse assessment. Apart from the health care professions generally, the teaching and engineering occupations require an IELTS score of 7. The occupation assessment is a prerequisite to a skilled visa application, to “start” the points test. It is already a requirement for 457 temporary work visas that the applicant needing licensing by authorities, meets the language standard set by that assessing body/licensing body.

Engage Hallmark Immigration to provide advice on the language requirement that applies to your specific situation in the timeframe of your application and processing.