9. Do I need to have my English language ability tested?
If you are applying for General Skilled Migration, you must have sufficient English language ability to be able to work in Australia. This is known as ´vocational English´. Additional points on the points test can be awarded if you demonstrate that you have higher than ´vocational´ level English language ability.
However, if you are applying for either the Skilled-Designated Area Sponsored or Skill Matching categories you may be able to satisfy the English requirement with a lower level of English language ability.
A higher level than ´vocational´ English is required for certain occupations where English language ability forms part of the skills assessment. You can find out the required level of English for your occupation by contacting the relevant assessing authority for your nominated occupation. Contact details for assessing bodies are available at the end of the Skilled Occupation List.
See: Form 1121i, Skilled Occupation List (SOL), Sydney and Selected Areas Skills Shortage List (SSASSL) and Employer Nominated Skilled Occupation List (ENSOL).
There are three main methods of demonstrating your English language ability:
* submit the results of an International English Language Testing System (IELTS) test taken within 12 months of applying for your General Skilled Migration visa. To demonstrate vocational English you must achieve a band score of at least five on all four components of the test - speaking, reading, listening and writing.
* submit the results of an Occupational English Test, or equivalent. Some assessing authorities may require you to sit this test as part of your skills assessment. A pass result on this test will be accepted as evidence that you meet the vocational English requirement and means that you can be awarded points for competent English under the General Skilled Migration points test.
* Provide evidence that you are a native English speaker in order to demonstrate vocational or competent English language ability. A native English speaker is a person whose first spoken language was English and who is the holder of a passport of the United Kingdom (UK), Canada, New Zealand, United States of America (USA) or the Republic of Ireland.
If there is any doubt about your English language ability, you may be requested to undertake an IELTS test if you have not already done so. This decision is at the discretion of your case officer.
It is your responsibility to contact an IELTS test centre to make arrangements. You do not need a letter of introduction or referral from the department to take the IELTS test. For the most up-to-date list of IELTS centres, you should see the IELTS website.
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