THE ENGLISH LANGUAGE REQUIREMENT
The IELTS is the International English Language Testing System. It measures ability to communicate in English across all four language skills – listening, reading, writing and speaking – for people who intend to study or work where English is the language of communication.
With over 700,000 tests taken every year across 120 countries, the IELTS is one of the fastest growing English language tests in the world, and sets the standard in integrity, research and innovation.
If you do not have a passport from the United Kingdom, United States of America, Canada, New Zealand or Republic of Ireland, you will need to sit the IELTS exam as part of your application for a skilled visa. There are two versions of the exam, and you need to take the General Module.
Prior to 1 September 2007 you need a score of 5 out of 9 on each component of the IELTS test to satisfy the basic requirements for the skilled visa. After 1 September 2006 you will need to get a score of 6 out of 9 on each part of the test. If you score 7 out of 10 on each part of the test yoiu will score additional points in the points test.
Although the IELTS is a requirement for the visa, depending on your occupation you will not have to take the IELTS exam until six to eight months after you apply for the visa. If this applies to you, you will have more time to prepare for your exam and obtain the score you need.
For an assessment of your eligibility for a visa please contact VisAustralia.
