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Unless English is your first language, you will almost always be required to sit an English language proficiency test as part of your visa application for Australia. International English Language Test System (IELTS), Pearson Test of English (PTE Academic) and Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) are the three most accepted tests that you can complete to meet this requirement. All are different in their approach, so you should think carefully about which one you choose.
Furthermore, if you are applying for a points-tested Skilled visa, a positive result in an English test will secure you more points towards your eligibility status. For this reason, it is advisable to sit the English exam as soon as possible to ensure you have enough points to lodge your Expression of Interest.
Being a native English speaker, completing a Degree in English, or holding a passport from an English-speaking country, does not give you points for English Language.
WHAT TEST DO I NEED TO SIT?
There are several English Language Tests accepted by the Department of Home Affairs (DOHA) for Skilled visas. Below are three tests you can choose to sit:
- Test of English as a Foreign Language internet-based Test (TOEFL iBT)
- Pearson Test of English (PTE Academic)
- International English Language Testing System (IELTS )
The websites have test papers and guidance on how to prepare for the test. You will need to contact the test providers directly to book your test. Practice papers are available from the providers.
POINTS | SECTIONS | IELTS | PTE Academic | TOEFL iBT |
0 | Speaking | 6 | 50 | 18 |
Reading | 6 | 50 | 13 | |
Writing | 6 | 50 | 21 | |
Listening | 6 | 50 | 12 | |
10 | Speaking | 7 | 65 | 23 |
Reading | 7 | 65 | 24 | |
Writing | 7 | 65 | 27 | |
Listening | 7 | 65 | 24 | |
20 | Speaking | 8 | 79 | 26 |
Reading | 8 | 79 | 29 | |
Writing | 8 | 79 | 30 | |
Listening | 8 | 79 | 28 |
*The scores in the above table are the minimum scores required and must be achieved in ONE sitting. Overall scores are not considered when claiming points.
Questions and Answers:
CAN I RESIT THE TEST IF I DONT GET THE SCORES I NEED?
You can sit these tests as many times as you like, BUT you pay a new fee EACH time, so it is best to prepare as much as possible to avoid additional costs.
WHAT DO I DO ONCE I GET MY RESULTS?
Once you have achieved the scores needed to claim extra points, then get in touch with us to reassess your eligibility for a Skilled visa.
HOW LONG IS the English test valid for?
The English test is valid for 3 years.
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Sue was a dream to deal with and thoroughly checked over all of our documents ensuring that everything was of the exacting standards of the Australian Government. We could not have completed process without Sue. Thank you once again for all of your help.
Sue was amazing throughout, keeping us updated each step of the way, and providing detailed guidance at the start of each stage, which enabled us to start preparing and collating everything needed for the next part when the time came. Sue’s replies to the many emails that I've sent her way over the course of this process, were always prompt and patient, and nothing ever seemed to much trouble. Sue’s experience and understanding of the processes, timelines and the strict format in which things had to be done, meant that she was able to advise us and provide guidelines, which meant that when we submitted each stage, we were not having to worry about delays due to incomplete applications.
18 months on from that initial meeting - we have now been living and working in Australia for 8 months, and have recently changed onto a permanent visa.
We are extremely glad that we chose to work with Visa Go, and want to say a massive thank you to Sue, Darren and the team for all of their support and assistance throughout.
Darren always took the time to answer any questions and help me through the process.
Within weeks he had my partner visa submitted and now I have my permanent residency!
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My case officer, Sue, has been very professional and knowledgeable throughout the process providing great customer service, from providing the documents required to promptly replying to all queries.
So, to Darren, Kimberley and Sue, thank you all for your support to achieve my Visa.
Our visa process took 11 months (as expected for the visa we applied for) and Sue kept us on track and up to date all the time, extremely organised and always happy to help and provide us with her support.
I highly recommend Visa Go Australia, we couldn't imagine trying to go through this process without Sues help and guidance. Samantha Mills
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They made sure we had all the information at every step of they way and nothing was ever a problem if I called or emailed.
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