When it comes to proving your English language proficiency for immigration purposes, there are a number of language tests to choose from. The Department stipulates which tests are approved and for how long they will be considered valid for the purposes of the visa.  Sometimes it is 12 months, and for others it is 3 years.  The options include IELTS, PTE, OET, CAE, and TOEFL iBT. While all of these tests are designed to assess your ability to communicate in English, they each have their unique features and benefits.
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​In this blog, we'll explore the key differences between these tests, their advantages and disadvantages, and help you decide which one might be the best fit for you.

IELTS is one of the most widely recognized English proficiency tests worldwide. It is available in two formats: the Academic version (for higher education or professional purposes) and the General Training version (for migration or work purposes).

• Listening (30 minutes)
• Reading (60 minutes)
• Writing (60 minutes)
• Speaking (11-14 minutes, face-to-face interview)

• Widely Accepted: Accepted by over 11,000 institutions in more than 140 countries, including universities, employers, and governments.
• Face-to-Face Speaking Test: The speaking component is conducted in person with an examiner, which can feel more natural and less stressful than a computer-based test.
• Global Recognition: A globally recognized standard of English proficiency, especially in the UK, Australia, and Canada.

• Time-Consuming: The test can be lengthy, especially when accounting for the in-person speaking component.
• Subjective Scoring in Speaking and Writing: Scoring can be influenced by the examiner's interpretation, leading to slight variations in scores.

Related article: The Australian Citizenship Test

PTE is a computer-based test that assesses the English proficiency of non-native speakers, focusing on real-life, academic, and professional contexts.

• Speaking and Writing (77–93 minutes)
• Reading (32–41 minutes)
• Listening (45–57 minutes)

• Quick Results: PTE provides results typically within 48 hours, which is much faster than IELTS or TOEFL.
• Fully Computer-Based: No human examiner in any section. This removes the potential for subjective bias in speaking or writing assessments.
• Flexible Testing Locations: Available at more than 200 test centers globally, making it accessible to a wide range of candidates.

• Less Face-to-Face Interaction: While some people appreciate the objective nature of a computer-based test, others may find it lacks the personal touch of a human examiner.
• Fewer Test Locations: Although rapidly growing, PTE test centers may not be as widespread as IELTS or TOEFL in certain countries.

OET is a specialized English proficiency test designed specifically for healthcare professionals. It assesses English language skills in medical contexts.

• Listening (approximately 40 minutes)
• Reading (approximately 60 minutes)
• Writing (45 minutes)
• Speaking (approximately 20 minutes)

• Tailored for Healthcare Professionals: OET is ideal for doctors, nurses, dentists, and other healthcare professionals who need to prove their English proficiency in medical settings.
• Practical and Relevant: The test content focuses on medical and clinical scenarios, which means it’s directly applicable to your professional life.
• Global Recognition for Healthcare: Accepted by medical boards and healthcare employers in countries like the UK, Australia, and New Zealand.

• Limited Scope: OET is really only relevant for those in the healthcare sector. If you plan to use English for other professional or academic purposes, this may not be the right test.

The CAE is a high-level English proficiency exam for learners who wish to demonstrate that they can use English effectively for professional and academic purposes. It is one of the Cambridge English Qualifications.

• Reading and Use of English (1 hour 30 minutes)
• Writing (1 hour 30 minutes)
• Listening (approximately 40 minutes)
• Speaking (15 minutes)

• High-Level Recognition: CAE is recognized by universities, employers, and governments around the world, particularly in Europe.
• Comprehensive Assessment: The test evaluates grammar, vocabulary, writing, listening, speaking, and reading in academic and professional contexts.
• Long-Term Validity: CAE results are valid for a lifetime, meaning you don’t need to retake it every few years.

• Challenging: As a high-level test (C1 on the CEFR scale), CAE can be difficult for candidates who are not yet fluent in English.
• Less Popular in Some Regions: While it is widely accepted in Europe, it may be less recognized in countries like the USA and Canada, where IELTS and TOEFL are preferred.

TOEFL is a popular English language proficiency test for academic purposes, widely used by universities and institutions, especially in the United States.

• Reading (60–80 minutes)
• Listening (60–90 minutes)
• Speaking (20 minutes)
• Writing (50 minutes)

• Study support: TOEFL offers excellent free study resources.  And even more benefits after you pay the test fee to continue your preparation.
• Computer-Based: The test is conducted entirely on a computer, making it efficient and fast. 
• Clear and Structured Format: The TOEFL has a very predictable structure, which makes it easier for candidates to prepare.

• Long Duration: The TOEFL is a lengthy test, taking approximately 4 hours to complete, which can be tiring for some test-takers.
• Computer-Based: Unlike IELTS where you speak to a person, TOEFL’s speaking section is also computer-based, so some feel this as impersonal.  However, there are still “human raters” for the speaking and writing components who will also score you.

Choosing between IELTS, PTE, OET, CAE, and TOEFL iBT depends on your specific goals, profession, and the region where you plan to study or work.

• If you’re aiming for study or work in the UK, Australia, or Canada, IELTS is popular.
• If you need fast results and a computer-based test, PTE might be ideal.
• If you’re a healthcare professional, particularly in the medical field, OET is the most relevant.
• If you’re pursuing higher education in the US or looking for a globally recognized, academic-focused test, TOEFL is a solid option.
• For those with advanced English skills, CAE is a good choice if you're looking to demonstrate proficiency for academic or professional purposes.
  
  

As with anything in life,  your decision should be based on your specific needs and preferences.
Whatever your choice, proper preparation is key to achieving your desired score and reaching your goals.

Great Australian Migration is here to assist you to chose the right English Test and for all your visa needs!
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Contact us today for a personalised consultation!

The Department of Home Affairs has legislated a new visa available to accomplished Indian nationals.  An exact commencement date has not been provided; however it is expected to be released by the end of this year, which is only NEXT MONTH!

You will have achieved a minimum Bachelor’s Degree or higher educational standard, comparable to Australia. The degree must be from an approved educational institution within the following industries:

• renewable energy
• mining
• engineering
• ICT
• artificial intelligence
• financial technology
• agricultural technology

There are 100 educational providers on the list.  Please email us with your details and we can advise if your degree meets requirements.

The accepted English standard tests are:

• IELTS – Overall score of at least 6, but no less than 5 in each band
• PTE Academic – Overall score of at least 50, but no less than 36 in each band
• OET – Minimum C in each band
• CAE – Overall score of at least 169, but no less than 154 in each band
• TOEFL iBT – Score overall of at least 64, listening and reading at least 4; speaking and writing at least 14.

Unless undertaking OET, the test must be conducted in one sitting.  No one-take re-sits permitted. The test must also have been sat no more than 1 year before the visa application is lodged or decision made on the visa.

Upon grant of the visa, you will have 1 year to enter the country to activate it.  You will then be permitted to live and work in Australia for 2 years.  The visa will allow for multiple travel entry, allowing you to depart for holidays etc. however the period of stay will not be extended.

This is a 2 stage process.  First a ballot system with a $25AUD registration fee will be used.  This will allow time for people to register and then a random draw will take place.  It is not a case of “first in, first granted”.  This is also to ensure that people only register when they have met the criteria. 

To register for the ballot you will declare that you meet the criteria.  So do not register if you have not yet graduated from your course or have not accomplished the required English test result. This will lead to you giving a false declaration and certain refusal of your visa if selected to apply.

Registration must be made online with your Indian passport.  Ensure it is valid for a good period of time!  You will also need your PAN card.  You can’t register more than once.  There will be a window period in which all registrations will be received.  If you are unable to lodge, or are not selected, you will need to wait until the following year to try again.

If you are selected from the ballot you move on to stage 2.  You will receive a selection letter and be you will be given 30 days to make an application.

The visa application fee is $365 AUD for anyone over 18 years, and $95 AUD for those under 18 years.
Great Australian Migration is offering you a discounted special GOLD package service for only $1000AUD (normally $1500AUD - that's a 33% discount!!!) to advise and lodge the visa for you...just mention this blog post.  

As always, Great Australian Migration is here to assist with all your visa needs, and keeping up to date with new and amended laws and regulations.  Contact us today!

Recently I read an article about a Citizenship Applicant who is due to sit their test for the 6th time!
This left me wondering – how can I help you pass it the first time?  I feel that if you engage me as your agent to assist and lodge your application then I should do more to ensure even the very last step is successful.  Yes I will make sure you will be successful in moving to the test stage, but I should also ensure you are ready to pass the test and achieve formal Citizenship success!

Citizenship is valuable in more ways than just saying “I’m Australian”.  It allows you the right to vote and even one day become Prime Minister yourself if you have that aspiration.  It will give you access to certain government services through the NDIS, Medicare and other social services.  You will also hold an Australian passport and no need to apply for a Resident Return Visa ever again!

The test assesses a person’s basic English level and knowledge of Australia’s history, values, rights and responsibilities.  It wants to ensure that those seeking to become Australian truly reflect what it is to be an Australian, not just a passport holder.

The test is issued in English only and consists of 20 multiple-choice questions, with a pass mark of 75% (15 correct answers).  Of those 20 questions, 5 are specific about Australian Values and must be answered correctly to pass.

Key areas tested, include:

• Australia, it’s people and history
• Government and legal systems
• Rights and responsibilities of citizenship
• Australian culture and values

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You will be given 45 mins to complete the test.

Unfortunately you can’t have a support person with you. Computers and tablet devices have headsets for audio, so if you can’t read English well, you can choose to listen to the questions also.  

However - If you indicate in your application that you do require assistance and explain why, the Department might offer you an Assisted Test.  The criteria to show this will be that you have completed at least 400 hours of English language tuition under the Adult Migrant English Program (AMEP); or you have an impairment at the time of the test that means you need additional time.  An Assisted Test will provide you with 90 minutes to complete the test.

Absolutely!  Even those of us who are Australian and take the practice tests online can find the questions difficult (Me included!). I can only imagine those who do not have English as their first language and have not been living in Australia for an extended period of time, can feel overwhelmed by it all. 

​There is an official book called “Australian Citizenship: Our Common Bond” that is provided by the Department of Home Affairs and includes all the essential information and sample questions.  You can also download only the testable part of the book so you can focus your studies better.  There are also translated versions of the book so you can cross-reference your understanding.  Remember the test is in English.

There is a podcast issued by the Department and there are also third party websites like the Australian Citizenship Test website that have practice tests available.  Doing these can help calm your nerves.
Go to this website for more practice and help!

You may also look to your local community resources such as your local library that may run sessions for prospective citizens where they share tips and resources.

• Create a Study Plan: Set aside regular study times leading up to the test.  Perhaps just 15 minutes reading and studying one chapter of the guide per day.
  
• Practice Tests: Taking the practice tests to familiarize yourself with the question format and use of a computer can show you where you need improvement.
  
• Don’t Rush: Take your time to read each question carefully as you won’t be able to go back once you have selected your answer.  Do not make hasty decisions.
  
• ​Inadequate Preparation: Take time to study and prepare for the test. Don’t just start studying the night before!

With the right preparation you shouldn’t have any stress when coming to take the test.  Look to it as a positive experience and that passing the test is just another significant step toward citizenship.  Good Luck (even though you don’t need it)!

Great Australian Migration can assist with all your Citizenship needs - contact us today!