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/



363 comments
Shahadat Hossain
September 24, 2011 at 9:26 am (UTC -5)
Sir
How are you? I’ve already completed HSC examination. I want to go to Australia for obtaining higher education in Economics. But I’ve no idea about processing. Please give me information about processing.
USMAN
September 24, 2011 at 2:59 am (UTC -5)
SIR I AM DIPLOMA IN CIVIL ENGINEERING CAN I APPLY FOR AUSTRALIA…..
gaurav kuamar
September 23, 2011 at 4:21 am (UTC -5)
i am plumber how i can apply pr for aus.
can u give me information about it
sanam
September 24, 2011 at 2:46 am (UTC -5)
Dear Gaurav,
Please mail us your detailed resume at contact@abhinav.com for appropriate advise
samia noor
September 23, 2011 at 12:59 am (UTC -5)
hi
i’m 36 years old, and divorced woman, i completed my graduation in 1993, now i want to go australia for more studies, for this purpose i attend the ielts calsses now a days, please suggest me is this possible or not to get admission and visa for australia .
thank you
sanam
September 24, 2011 at 2:56 am (UTC -5)
Dear Samia,
Student Visa you can apply anytime.
Amit
September 19, 2011 at 5:12 pm (UTC -5)
I had completed my grduation in arts stream, I got 5.5 band in Ielts and now I am planning for MBA in Australia. Is it possible? Please help and suggest me some universities in Malborne and Sydney,if it is possible
Thanks
Raghuramreddy
September 18, 2011 at 6:18 am (UTC -5)
Dear Sir/madam,
I am Raghuram I hav completed my MBA and i hav IELTS over all Band score of 6. I hav my Father’s brother in australia and he is staying from 1969,if my uncle sponcer’s me do i get Permenent Residency of australia. Please Reply .. Thank you
Giriraj Banshiwala
September 17, 2011 at 3:20 am (UTC -5)
Hi Team,
I am B.E passout from Information Technology . Currently i am working in Software industry from past 2 years. Can i apply for Australia Permanent residency.
Or is it some particular years of exp. required to apply for that ?
I am single and looking for same software oppurtunities in australia.
I am currently working in java/j2ee technology.
Thanks.
honey walia
September 17, 2011 at 2:04 am (UTC -5)
i have completed my graduation in arts,,,,,i got 5.5 band ,,,eligible to apply in Australia? Thanks..
Thet Thet
September 15, 2011 at 11:45 am (UTC -5)
Which version of the IELTS should I take? The Academic or the General Version? to apply for “Australia Skilled Immigration Visa (Permanent Resident)”.
Can I apply for it if I got IELTS marks under 7?
Ram
September 14, 2011 at 6:21 am (UTC -5)
Hello,
I have 4+ years exp with BE and i am part of SOL-1 list.
I heard from a consultant that if i am part of SOL-1 list and my experience is more than 4+ , i will get 20 (superior) in English language point system. is that correct?
Thanks
Ram
Tarun Kumar
September 12, 2011 at 1:39 pm (UTC -5)
hi,
i am applying for Australian General Skilled Visa. How much IELTS Score should i need. Should i go for Academic or General. Can i give exam in Academic? Because i am going through Academic Training. Please reply me as soon as possible. As i m going to apply very soon. i will be great if you email me on tarunbhargav83@gmail.com.
sanam
September 14, 2011 at 1:21 am (UTC -5)
Dear Tarun,
For Australia it depends upon the occupation whether to appear for General or Academic IELTS..also minimum requirement is 7 in each bands.
Please write us at contact@abhinav.com with your detailed resume for appropriate advise.
usman
September 12, 2011 at 8:48 am (UTC -5)
my IELTS score is 5.0 can i apply in Australia for vocational.
jyoti dahal
September 11, 2011 at 4:11 am (UTC -5)
sir
my ilets score is 6.5.can i apply for austriala visa for my master degree in nurseing and for settelment?
plz reply
sanam
September 14, 2011 at 1:49 am (UTC -5)
Dear Jyoti,
Minimum requirement for IELTS is 7 in each band.
Swapan Ray
September 7, 2011 at 10:11 am (UTC -5)
Sir,
I have achieved B.Com (Hons) in Accountancy from University of Calcutta and M.Com (Business Administration) from Gurughasidas University ( Central University) India. I have about 8 years working experience in Accounts & Finance. I wish to Immigrant in Australia. My IELTS score 6 in each Brand. Am i eligible or not. please provide your consultation in this subject. Thanks.
sanam
September 14, 2011 at 1:50 am (UTC -5)
Dear Swapan,
Please mail us your detailed resume for assessment at contact@abhinav.com
samer
August 28, 2011 at 6:11 am (UTC -5)
hi iam sameer my ielts score is academic 4.5 total its possible to apply for student visa from Australia any one tell me plz iam waiting u r reply
Kamesh
August 26, 2011 at 12:59 am (UTC -5)
My ACS result is suitable for migration under ANZSCO code 261312 (developer programmer)
IELTS score is L6.5 S6.5 R6 W6.5 overall 6.5
Am I eligible for State sponsorship?
sanam
August 29, 2011 at 5:08 am (UTC -5)
Dear Kamesh,
As per this brief information provided by you, It is unlikely for you to qualify for SA state sponsorship as they need 6.5 in each module. Also you need to meet 60 points criteria.
Kindly send us your detailed resume at contact@abhinav.com for appropriate advice.
Joyson Johny
August 23, 2011 at 7:23 am (UTC -5)
Dear Sir,
My IELTS score is overall 8.5bands. But in individual it is L-9 R-9 W-7.5 S-7.5 . Acc to the check-list for PR points, its written 20 points for BAND 8 in each module. I do understand that I am not eligible for that. By any chance do i stand eligible for that? or am I only eligible for 10points as Band 7 in each module?
lamhe
August 22, 2011 at 6:35 pm (UTC -5)
Dear Sir/Madam,
I would like to work or migrate to Australia as Permanent Resident.
Currently I am working in Norfolk Island (Territory of Australia) as a Kitchen Hand in one of the Italian Resturant and Legal Secretary in lawyers firm as a part time employee.
Would you please advice me more on this.
Many thanks and Warm Regards
Romila
Sanjay
August 19, 2011 at 4:22 am (UTC -5)
Dear Sir,
I would like to migrate to Australia as Permanent Resident.
A. I got IELTS band score of L7.5, R8.0, W7.5, S7.0
B. 13 years of total experience in Information Technology
can u please guide me to proceed further
Thanks in advance for you reply
Rgds, Sanjay
charles
August 18, 2011 at 8:58 am (UTC -5)
hi. i’m a registered nurse in the philippines. can u please tell me, what is more accurate in taking ielts for australian visa – the academic or general training? by the way, i only have a year experience. would they consider me? if so, i would take the ielts asap, or may follow your good advice.
Mansoor
August 15, 2011 at 3:45 am (UTC -5)
Dear ,
I need to know weather i am eligible for immigration to aus. i got 6 band each in IELTS ( A.cad) , i am working in textile and my total work experience is about 8-9 years , my age is 27 ( 1984) ,
Please check and advice at your earliest on my email id : mansoorboy84@yahoo.com
Awaits your feedback.
Regards
Mansoor
Sriram
August 13, 2011 at 8:23 am (UTC -5)
Sir/Mam,
I Sriram i did my Bachelor Degree in Commerce (Accountancy) in my home town in chennai,write now i am working in Saudi Arabia in Payroll Department for past two years. Now i am going complete my Master Degree in Finance (MBA).Please give me some advice what are all the steps i want to do to get a work visa in Australia.
Regards,
Sri.
azhar
August 13, 2011 at 4:12 am (UTC -5)
i am a doctor , what band i need for getting visa and later on job ?
Kalai Selvan
August 8, 2011 at 12:53 pm (UTC -5)
Sir I’ve just finished B.E in civil engg! Do I have any chance to work in Australia? If so what are the steps that I’ve to take?
sanam
August 11, 2011 at 12:15 am (UTC -5)
Dear Selvan,
You need minimum 3-4 years of work experience to qualify for Permanent Residency.
farhatullah
August 7, 2011 at 7:00 pm (UTC -5)
Respected /sir/Madam!
I have obtained 6.5 bands in ielts with 6 each. Can I receive the offer from any of the state from Australian states or not? Furthermore, I am database admin (IT) with more than 5 years exp.
Reply me please.
Thanks
sanam
August 11, 2011 at 1:14 am (UTC -5)
Dear Farhat,
Yes, there are few states who accepts 6 in each band. Kindly write us at contact@abhinav.com for appropriate advice.
Selvakumar
August 7, 2011 at 3:12 am (UTC -5)
Hello Sir,
Greetings!
I have scored listening 6.5, Reading 5.5,Writing 5 and speaking 7. and i hold diploma in mechanical Engineering technical degree.
and i have 5 yrs of experience in wind energy field. is this enough to get australian migration? kindly help me ..
sanam
August 11, 2011 at 12:37 am (UTC -5)
Dear Selva,
You need minimum 7 in each band. Kindly send your detailed resume for assessment at contact@abhinav.com
prabh rad
August 1, 2011 at 10:07 pm (UTC -5)
hi this is prabh…i wanna ask u that i m finishing my bachelor of nursing in decmeber ..so am i eligible for temporary residence without getting registration in nursing
khanghar
July 31, 2011 at 8:54 am (UTC -5)
i am nurse holding 7 bands in ielts now to work in australia.
i need way how to apply
Keen Naranja
July 30, 2011 at 5:55 pm (UTC -5)
Hi!
I am a BS-Hotel and restaurant management graduate here in Philippines and got a 2 years exp. in one of the 6 star hotel here. I have relatives in Australia and they wanted me to study there. I just wondering what band score do I need to get for my IELTS exam? Because, I am really planning to go there to study in Melbourne Institute Technology. I am hoping for your immediate response! thanks xx
saad ali mirza
July 30, 2011 at 8:25 am (UTC -5)
hi,im a student of ACCA.and now i want to apply for my visa in australia..how many bands of IELTS are required???kindly please give me the safe rply..
Sanjeewa
July 23, 2011 at 8:23 pm (UTC -5)
Hi There,
I am NZ PR Holder. Telecommunication Technian
What is the band score required for Australian PR?
I like to move Western Australia.
dani
July 22, 2011 at 11:44 am (UTC -5)
Hi
I am a nurse,i would like to migrate with my family in Australia.for IELTS,what score i needed?academic is must or not?
Any feed back appreciated……..
Thank you.
manori
July 21, 2011 at 11:16 am (UTC -5)
Hi,
I want to apply for HSMP visa.So i want to know which IELTS exam i should take?(General/Acadamic)
sanam
July 22, 2011 at 3:57 am (UTC -5)
Hi,
HSMP visa for UK has been closed in December 2010.
Rainier
July 17, 2011 at 8:09 pm (UTC -5)
Hi!
Im a nurse in the Philippines w/ 1 year experience. i wanted to apply for 475 visa to be sponsored by my Aunt in NSW but i am concerned w/ my ielts scores: listening=8, reading=6, writing=6.5, speaking=7.5.. Overall Band Score= 7
does the above scores allowed to file for the 475 Visa?
any feedback is appreciated..
THANKS
lasboy
July 14, 2011 at 2:18 am (UTC -5)
Hi,
I am a mechanical engineer and been working for over 4 years. I have IELTS result of speaking = 7.0, reading = 6.5, listening = 6.5, and writing = 6.5. Am i eligible to apply for indepent skilled migration in any state of Australia? Thanks..
harry
July 10, 2011 at 7:06 am (UTC -5)
Hi Can u tell me,what is the requirement for visa 457 ? please advice very urgent
Rajan
July 9, 2011 at 10:55 am (UTC -5)
Hi Sir/Ma’am,
I am software engineer with 3.5 years of experience.
I did my engineering in Electronics and Communications(B.Tech).
In my course their are few subjects related to software engineer.
Is i am eligible for PR as Skilled employment.
Thanks
Rajan
nikhil soni
July 8, 2011 at 8:31 am (UTC -5)
hi friends i need a help plz tell me overall bands process with result listening-5 reading-4 speaking-4 writing-4 plz give me answer urgent thank u
stephen karanja
July 7, 2011 at 7:39 am (UTC -5)
hi, i applied for immigration to Australia and my skills assessment turned positive under general skilled migration. i was later told by the agent that the IELTS test had changed from 5.5 to 6 in all the four bands. i have repeated the test for two times and got a average band of 5.5. do i still have a chance with these?
Mizba
July 2, 2011 at 5:37 am (UTC -5)
Hi man/wman
i want 2 come aus through student visa.i want 2 study to accounting subject.so hw much ielts points i need?
Plz reply as soon as possible
Karan
June 28, 2011 at 2:40 am (UTC -5)
hi there,
I am looking to get my PR OR TR status for Australia. Have done my bachelors in eco and finance (3yrs) and Masters in Finance (1 yr) in Melbourne. I am aware that my degrees are not accounting so would make it hard to get PR. Any advice ? I am currently in Melbourne with my student visa expiring end of Aug.
Further to that, my IELTS results are 8 for writing and listening, 8.5 for speaking and 6.5 for reading. My 2nd time doing IELTS and vie become unstuck at the reading. Any way that a minimum 6 would do and I can proceed to apply for a TR at least?
I don’t want to sit for another ielts, hate it, waste of time
Any advice guys?
thanks
Karan
ash
June 25, 2011 at 1:04 pm (UTC -5)
hi,
i studied electrical engineering( EEE) and have been working as a software engineer (my experience is 3 yrs) in India. Am i eligible to apply for PR?
Regards,
Ash
Vijayakumar
June 24, 2011 at 7:14 am (UTC -5)
Hi, I have a confused, I got a band score of (5.5,6.0, 6.0 and 4.5) and overall of 5.50. I got a sponser from australia for temporary visa long stay. Whether this result is find to provide for the immegration agent to get the visa or I need to take the test again to achieve 5.0 for all models, please advice very urgent
Sujith Girija
June 23, 2011 at 7:06 pm (UTC -5)
Hi,
I am a student currently living in Ireland for the past 4 years.I am planning to migrate to Australia to do an undergraduate course in aerospace engineering.I was wondering would i need to write IELTS exams again as i am processing to Australia from an English speaking country.
Thanks,
Sujith Girija
tris
June 22, 2011 at 12:58 pm (UTC -5)
hello,
i would like to ask what is the IELTS requirement for TR application? Thanks
zach
June 21, 2011 at 5:19 am (UTC -5)
hello, i was wondering which type of IELTS test for accounting major, general training or academic test ? thanks.
JAY
June 21, 2011 at 3:40 am (UTC -5)
Hi, I come from the Philippines & I’ve been living in New Zealand as a resident for the last 3 years & have came over to Australia because of the earthquakes in Christchurch, this is also where I had been working as a nurse all that time, I sat my IELTS in 2007 & passed with an overall band score of 8.0, now I have sponosrship for a subclass 457 & am looking to start work asap but I need to know if AU immigration would still require me to sit/resit the test?
I also have 2 children born in NZ.
thank you.
Amit Shah
June 20, 2011 at 4:27 am (UTC -5)
hai i am Amit from india my Brother in Law is australian citizen.
i am a B.Com graduate i am working 11 years i am Marketings concern what is the minimum band of ielts i need???please reply.
saba
June 19, 2011 at 7:01 pm (UTC -5)
IELTS talks about two types of tests..Academic and General….As per the new points table effective from July 2011, which exam one we should take?
Sukhdeep Dhaliwal
June 19, 2011 at 11:07 am (UTC -5)
Sir/Madam
I did BA.LLB(Hons) from Rajiv Gandhi national university of law with first division. Am I eligible for australian permanent residency. I did my specialization in criminal law and my course duration was 2006 to 2011
« Previous 1 … 4 5 6 7 Next »