Tighter English Language Requirements for Australian Visas

In May last year the Minister for Immigration and Citizenship for Australia announced a change in the English Language requirement for all General Skilled Migration (GSM) visa applicants.

Any applications made on or after the 1st January 2010 will be subject to this new change. There are four parts to the International English Language Test System (IELTS), and a pass mark of 6.0 of higher is now required for all skilled worker applicants. Previously the requirement was for an average score of 5.0 across all sections.

If you applied for a visa before 1st January 2010, but did not get an acceptance before 14th September 2009, the new English standards will also apply.

Not all visa applications require an IELTS grade – this is dependent on the category of visa being applied for, but whatever the visa it is preferable to have at least a conversational knowledge of the English language, if you are choosing to live in Australia.  If you wish to work there, you will need the IELTS grading.
Australia’s immigration and visa system is one of the most stringent and complicated of all countries; it is based on a points system according to your skills and your financial independence.  You score higher on points if you are, for example, a doctor or a nurse.  The regulations do change from time to time as the Australians adjust their requirements for the skills considered to enhance their employee base.