Australian Department of Immigration and citizenship has fixed the English language norms keeping in mind a simple fact that Immigrants who are fluent in the English language will be able to find a job in the Australian economy soon. Not to mention, this will also help the new immigrants in social networking in a distant land. However, poor language skills can be devastating to the likelihood of their career success, even if they qualify through all the necessary requirements of the job.
Skill levels based on the IELTS score
Accordingly, Australia requires all prospective economic migrants to take an IELTS test. Speaking, reading, writing and listening are the four main components of this test, on the basis of which, the language skills of the applicants is evaluated. To be eligible to apply for one of the permanent General Skilled Migration (GSM) visa categories, the main applicant must have ‘competent’ English or ‘vocational’ English, if they nominate for a skilled trade occupation.
The Australian immigration regulations identify seven English skill levels after assessing the fluency and competence of the applicant in the Queen’s language under the General Skilled Migration (GSM) visas:
1. Proficient English – Applicants who score a minimum of 7 points in their IELTS test score in each of the 4 components of the test are honoured to be included in this skill level, which is the highest in the test score. The applicant of this level are awarded 25 points in the GSM points test.
2. Competent English – Applicant of this level are the ones who have an IELTS test score of at least 6 points on each of the 4 components of the test. They are granted 15 points in the GSM points test.
3. Concessional Competent English – This level comprise in the applicants with the average band score of 5.5 in their IELTS score. The applicant is given 15 points in the GSM points test, if they have applied for the Skilled – Regional Sponsored visa and has paid a fee to attend English language tuition in a participating State or Territory.
4. “Vocational” or “Better than functional” English – Applicants with an IELTS score of at least 5 points in each of the 4 components of the test are included in this level. The applicant gets 15 points in the GSM points test, if they nominate for a skilled trade occupation. This is the minimum English requirement for Skilled sponsored applicants and a requirement for the Employer nomination scheme.
5. Functional English – Applicants who obtain an IELTS average band score of at least 4.5 points is listed under this skill level. These applicants do not get any points in the GSM points test.
6. Limited English – An IELTS average band score of at least 4 based on the 4 test components causes the applicant to be included under this skill level and not get any points benefit in the GSM points test.
7. No English – Applicants listed in this level usually have very limited understanding of English language skills. These applicants are not given any points in the GSM points test.
An IELTS report is normally valid for two years only and the Australian Immigration regulations require that the applicants undergo a fresh test if his earlier test report has expired and is more than two years old.
It is important to note that some occupations have minimum prescribed IELTS score requirements and applicants must obtain that minimum score to be eligible to apply for visa for such a nominated occupation. Two of such most common occupations are Engineers and teachers.
While Engineers need to have a minimum band of 6 in each of the IELTS testing modules in general training test, the minimum requirement for teachers is a band of 7 in each of the IELTS testing modules in Academic training test. These two occupations also require the applicant to appear in and provide the IELTS result as a part of the immigration assessment process.
Visa Application Charge
Anyone who is 18 years or above and have less than ‘functional’ English and applied under the below mentioned visa classes, is required to pay a second instalment and any other charge due, before they are granted a visa. The visa officer will tell you when and how to pay.
– Skilled – Independent
– Skilled – Sponsored
– Skilled – Regional Sponsored
– Business skills
– Employer nomination (excluding religious workers)
– Labour agreement (excluding religious workers)
– Distinguished talent
– Former resident
– Former citizen
– Family of New Zealand citizen
It is thereby strongly recommended that the applicant take preparatory classes before appearing in an IELTS test.
Summary: IELTS test is an integral part of the Immigration process under the Australia General Skilled Migration Visa. This test is required for the principal applicant as well as spouse and adult dependents above 18 years of age, unless you are lucky to be included in the category of people who are exempted to appear for the IELTS test.
For More Information, Visit : http://www.abhinav.com/
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363 comments
Amira
May 15, 2012 at 1:48 am (UTC -5)
I am an accountant i hope to immigrate to Australia inorder to continue my studies there .I will take with me my husband and my two children.I already did an IELTS exam I took overal band 6
L:6.5 R:5.5 W:6.5 S:6.5
So is this band will be suitable to apply for a visa???
Please send me an answer
Shamim
May 11, 2012 at 1:10 am (UTC -5)
I am Engineer (B.Sc in Civil Engineering), I would like to migrate to Australia as soon as possible . Which IELTS (Academic/General) is required and What is the Individual Band Score.
Professionally I am a Engineer with more than 6 and 1/2 years experience.
BR//
Shamim
mohit
May 10, 2012 at 7:29 am (UTC -5)
Hello,
I got 5 bands in IELTS and i want to apply for australian PR, is there any state who can accept 5 bands in IELTS. i have 8 years of experience in software development.
dr tushar
May 6, 2012 at 5:02 am (UTC -5)
Hello,
I am a doctor ,to be more specific , a Gynaecologist, having DIPLOMA IN OBSTETRICS & GYNAECOLOGY, and Diploma in Endoscopy,from Kiel School of Endoscopy, Germany ,having work experience of 28 yrs , wants to know ,whether there are any chances for a doctor like me in Austrellia
Raysh
May 2, 2012 at 5:54 am (UTC -5)
I would like to migrate to Australia .IELTS Academic or General Is required and What is the Individual Band Score . Professionally I am a Librarian with more than 6 years experience
krishna
April 21, 2012 at 4:54 am (UTC -5)
I am planning to migrate to australia with my family my question is what is the band score required in IELTS for general training (for first class welder)in order to migrate to australia is it 5 in all moudules or 6 is required.please do reply at the earliest.
gauresh patel
April 17, 2012 at 7:36 am (UTC -5)
sir, i got r-5, l-5, s-5, w- 5.5 and over all 5 band score so sir i will appear for Australia emigration>
Basant Ghimre
April 17, 2012 at 2:20 am (UTC -5)
Dear sir,
I got overall 5.5,
W.5.5, R.5.5, S.6 & L.5.5,
I am a chef and i am going to apply for a sponsor visa, is it possible or not?
hiten
April 14, 2012 at 3:43 am (UTC -5)
Can we provide two ielts marksheet if in either one of them we score less in a different module. For example if the requirement is 8 in all band., 1st test L8 R8 W7.5 S8, 2nd test L7.5 R8, W8 and S8?
bahar
April 7, 2012 at 10:29 am (UTC -5)
hi
I took an IELTS ( academic) exam and i got 7 score each skill , i wonder if i can apply for immigration or i should
take General too ?
Mohsen Kh.
March 31, 2012 at 3:33 am (UTC -5)
Hi,
I am a civil engineer in Geotechnical branch and have been working over 3 years. I ‘ve got my MS. Degree and want to continue my education and work in australia…I am getting ready for IELTS exam , Could you mind directing me howmuch score i need for each one , whether the studing or the working?
Thanks in Advance
Mohsen Kh.
psaung oo
March 23, 2012 at 4:34 pm (UTC -5)
Dear Sir,
I really need to apply for a visa to Papua New Guinea as soon as possible.But I feel shy that I get Low score in IELTS band 4.5 only.My mission is taking care the children in a small village.Please let me know that is it possible or not.
Longing to hear for reply
with much prayer
Psaung
hamidul kabir
March 23, 2012 at 12:57 am (UTC -5)
dear sir,
I am a secondary school teacher. I want to know about IELTS requirement for applying as a school teacher.
By the way,i scored overall 7 in IELTS gt.
Will I have to sit fr IELTS again for the purpose of applying.
If so,what score will I have to gain?
plz inform
Baljinder
March 4, 2012 at 1:39 am (UTC -5)
Hi there i got 7 each in ielts nd completed Diploma in hairdressing can i apply for direct PR?
Ashley
March 2, 2012 at 10:16 am (UTC -5)
I got R-5.5,W-6.5,L-7,T-7 TOTAL BAND SCORE 6.5 CAN I APPLY FOR A VISA
sanam
March 16, 2012 at 5:00 am (UTC -5)
Dear Ashley,
I assume you are asking for Australia Immigration.
Please note for Australia Immigration one need to score minimum 7 in each band. Kindly write us at sanam@abhinav.com for appropriate advise.
parag
March 2, 2012 at 5:54 am (UTC -5)
hi i am chartered accountant from India having experience of 10+ years. I have obtained ielts band as L-6.5, R-7.00, S-6.5, W-6.00 overall band 6.5. Whether can i get any mark for my ielts result for australia immigration.?
cheryl li
March 1, 2012 at 1:43 am (UTC -5)
Hi
I am wondering which IELTS exam I should take if I wish to apply for the Skilled – Graduate (Temporary) Visa (Subclass 485). ie. the general training or the academic version.
Thanks in advance.
Regards,
Cheryl
srilatha
February 22, 2012 at 1:59 am (UTC -5)
Hi
I got 6.5 band score in IELTS. Iam a Database administrator with 5+ exp.Am i eligible for immigration
Nasir Majeed
February 1, 2012 at 4:12 am (UTC -5)
hi to all i have submitted my Australian immigration case since 15 may 2011. my visa is 176 sponsor visa and i needed just 100 points to continue my process which was completed with out IELTS now tomorrow i have received one mail from immigration officer and he refused my case with the objection of IELTS 21 of jan i took the IELTS exam and 3rd of feb i will received my result please advise me which kind of reply i can send to immigration officer please advise me
Md. Alamgir Hossain
January 26, 2012 at 4:35 am (UTC -5)
Hello!! I completed my graduation in Electrical & Electronic Engineering & having 6+ years experience in telecommunication. I’ve an IELTS score 5.5. Am I able to apply for immigration an any state/province in Australia?
Sharier Prakash
January 14, 2012 at 1:26 pm (UTC -5)
i got overall 5.5 band L=5.5 R=4 s=6 writing=6.5 I have 13 yrs experience as a Sales Manager. I am 39 yrs old , married . But I want to get migration or work visa for going alone (without family)in Australia or canada.could I get it?
asma
December 31, 2011 at 6:48 am (UTC -5)
i have ielts score of 6 can i apply for australia immigration and i am a doctor and i have sonography ardms also.i dont know is it acceptable or not.
nisha
December 28, 2011 at 7:01 am (UTC -5)
Hi,
I hv done B.sc. degree in interior designing and having 4 yrs exp.in the same field. Nw i m preparing ielts test. Cud u plz let me know how much ielts bands are required for skilled migration??
Rdards
Nisha.
janak raj pathak
December 23, 2011 at 11:45 am (UTC -5)
dear sir/madam
i have just score overall 5.5 (L=5.5, R=4, W=6.5, S=6). Can I apply for work visa? And I also have five years experience in cooking. Does it is sufficient for me to visa? Please suggest me and give me some information about processing for working visa for Australia. Please mail me at janak_glg@yahoo.com.
thank you
Sincerely yours
janak
dinesh
December 18, 2011 at 4:26 am (UTC -5)
hi,
i am Dinesh from Nepal. I have 4 yrs of civil engineering graduation degree and 4 yrs of experience in construction section, and my Ielts score is 6( r-5.5, s-6, w-6, l-6.5) can i apply in Australia?
With regards
Dinesh
Anand
December 16, 2011 at 9:26 pm (UTC -5)
I want to move to Australia in skilled immigration visa how much band i should take pls reply me basically i have completed my diploma and seven years have experience how much band is required for work permit
sanam
December 22, 2011 at 4:03 am (UTC -5)
Dear Anand,
Please send us your detailed resume at sanam@abhinav.com for appropriate advise on the same.
Vishal THakur
December 8, 2011 at 9:30 pm (UTC -5)
Respected sir, My name is vishal Thakur .I did my intermidiate in commerce with 56% marks.I had also taken ielts test and scored Overall 6 bands ,listening 7, Reading 5.5, writing 5 and speaking 5.5 bands . So please suugest me that i can apply for diploma course foR australia.
zaid
December 8, 2011 at 1:16 pm (UTC -5)
IM resident doctor ,,,want to immigrat to australia…which part of IELTS test sholud i do ,,,the general or the academic one…hope to get ahelpful answer…
Dr. Sharmina Rahman
December 8, 2011 at 11:50 am (UTC -5)
Hi;
I’m a doctor from Bangladesh. i wanna apply for PR in Australia. IELTS score 7 is required for PR. but my question is…….is it general or academic module requires for doctor? plzzzzzz reply. it’s very urgent for me.
waiting for your reply.
………………………………….
Dr. Sharmina Rahman
Sindhu p.s
December 1, 2011 at 6:28 am (UTC -5)
i got overall 6 band L=6 R=5 s=5.5 writing=6.5 I have 3 yrs experience as a teacher in schools. I am 39 yrs old , married . But I want to get migration or work visa for going alone (without family)in Australia or canada.could I get it?
sanam
December 9, 2011 at 4:16 am (UTC -5)
Hi Sindhu,
Minimum 7(academic)in each band is required to apply for Australia.
Angeline P
November 23, 2011 at 8:27 pm (UTC -5)
Hi, do I need ielts if I have just graduate a diploma in early child education and special needs study this year 2011?it was conducted in English. I am the main applicant for migration sub class 163
my husband has done his ielts last year.
Anticipating your reply and thank you.
Pramey
November 30, 2011 at 6:22 am (UTC -5)
I have got overall ielts band 7.5 with L-8.5, R-6.5, W-7, S-7. Can i apply for australian PR. I am software engg with 8+ years of work exp. I understand that 7 in every band is required. pls suggest.
sanam
December 9, 2011 at 4:18 am (UTC -5)
Hi Pramey,
Your understanding is correct you need minimum 7 in each band.
You can write us at contact@abhinav.com for further assistance.
gursharn singh
November 20, 2011 at 3:29 am (UTC -5)
i got 5 overall 5 band w.5.5,s.5,l.4.5 and r4…can i apply australian student visa?
jai parkash
November 18, 2011 at 9:45 am (UTC -5)
i got 5 overall 5 band L4.50R-5S-5R5 CAN I GET AUSTRALIAN STUDY VISA?
Moideen
November 16, 2011 at 8:56 pm (UTC -5)
I am a studing furninture design(carpentry) course in Australia. What is the minimum IELTS score for PR under this qualification?
deepak kalia
October 22, 2011 at 8:06 am (UTC -5)
as i got in ielts -L5,R-4,W-5.5,S-6 OVERALL 5.
do i qualify for australian family immigration
sanam
November 3, 2011 at 7:19 am (UTC -5)
Dear Deepak,
For Australian PR 7 in each band is the minimum requirement.
Anne G.
October 11, 2011 at 10:13 am (UTC -5)
hi im applying for skilled migration to australia.. im a primary school teacher… what type of IELTS test should i take? thank you.
romanawaseem
October 9, 2011 at 1:47 pm (UTC -5)
plz i studies ielts plz help me i and my family go to australia
Anu
September 24, 2011 at 10:06 pm (UTC -5)
Hi,
I am having 5+ years of experience in Manual testing, trying for Australian Work visa .Got overall IELTS score 7 ,L-7.5,R-7,W-6.5 and S-6.5.I do understand from the website that 7 in each module is required, still I want to check out the chance for processing Australian Visa.Also My .husband is having 7+ years of DBA experience.He has got IELTS overall band 5.5 . Please advice us on visa requirements.
Thanks in advance.
Regards,
Anu
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