IELTS Excellence: Your Key to Australian Permanent Residency

Posted by Nationwide Immigration Services on October 20th, 2023

Which IELTS test should I take for my Australia PR application?

For your Australian Permanent Residency (PR) application, you will typically need to take the General Training version of the IELTS (International English Language Testing System) test. The General Training IELTS is the appropriate test format for immigration purposes and is the one that the Australian Department of Home Affairs accepts.

When registering for the IELTS test, make sure you specify that you are taking the General Training test, as this is the version required for Australian PR applications. You will need to achieve the minimum IELTS requirement for Australia PR to meet the language proficiency requirements for your PR visa application.

What is the process for booking and taking the IELTS test?

Step 1 - Find a Test Center

Start by locating an authorized IELTS test center near your location. You can find a list of test centers on the official IELTS website. As an Indian moving to Australia you can even seek the assistance of one of the top immigration consultants in Delhi Nationwide Visas. 

Step 2- Register Online

Create an online account on the official IELTS website or the website of your chosen test center. Complete the registration form, providing your personal details and contact information.

Step 3 - Select Test Type

Choose the appropriate test type, which, for Australian PR purposes, would be the "General Training" IELTS. Ensure you select the correct version when registering.

Step 4 - Select Test Date and Location

After registering, you can choose your preferred test date and test center location. It's essential to book your test well in advance, as test dates can fill up quickly.

Step 5 - Payment

Pay the IELTS test fee, which can vary depending on the test center and location. Payment is typically made online during the registration process.

Step 6 - Confirmation

After completing the registration and payment, you will receive a confirmation email with details about your test date, time, and location. Make sure to keep this confirmation for reference.

Step 7 - Test Day

Arrive at the test center on your scheduled test date. Bring your identification (usually a passport or national ID card), the same identification you used during registration, and any other items specified in the test center's guidelines.

Step 8 - Taking the Test

The IELTS test consists of four components: Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking. The Listening, Reading, and Writing components are usually completed on the same day, while the Speaking component may be on the same day or within a week before or after the other components.

Step 9 - Receiving Your Results

IELTS test results are typically available online 13 days after taking the test. You will receive a Test Report Form (TRF) with your scores, which you can view and download from the IELTS website. If you have a problem while following the IELTS test process you can take the aid of top immigration consultants in Delhi who are currently Nationwide Visas. 

Step 10 - Sending Scores

You can request that your IELTS scores be sent directly to the institution or organization where you are applying, such as the Australian Department of Home Affairs if you are applying for a PR visa.

Is the required IELTS score the same for primary applicants and their dependents when applying for Australian PR?

Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189)

For the Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189), both primary applicants and their dependents (e.g., spouses, partners, and children) may need to meet the same minimum IELTS score requirement for Australia PR visa. Each applicant may be required to demonstrate a specific level of English language proficiency.

Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190) and Skilled Regional (Provisional) Visa (Subclass 491)

Similar to the Subclass 189 visa, both primary applicants and their dependents typically need to meet the same IELTS score requirement for Australia PR visa subclasses.

Employer-Sponsored Visas (e.g., Subclass 186, 187, or 482)

In some cases, primary applicants may be required to meet specific IELTS score requirements, while their dependents may have different requirements or may be exempt from demonstrating English language proficiency.

Family Reunion Visas

If you are applying for a family reunion visa, the English language requirements for dependents may be different from those of the primary applicant. 

Other options to immigrate to Australia with low IELTS score

Regional or State-Specific Visas

Some regional or state-specific visa programs may have slightly lower IELTS requirement for Australia PR compared to other skilled visas. These programs are designed to attract skilled workers to specific regions in Australia.

Professional Year Programs

Completing a Professional Year program in Australia can be an alternative option. These programs are designed for recent graduates in certain professions, and they include an English language component. Successful completion of the program can earn additional points for immigration purposes.

Employer Sponsorship

If you have a job offer from an Australian employer, they may be able to sponsor you for a work visa, such as the Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) Visa (Subclass 482). In some cases, the employer's sponsorship can help mitigate lower English language proficiency.

Partner or Family Sponsorship

If you have a spouse or family member who is an Australian citizen or permanent resident, they may be able to sponsor you for a family reunion visa. In some cases, these visas do not have strict English language requirements.

Investor and Business Visas

Some investor and business visas have lower or no English language requirements. If you have a significant amount of capital to invest in Australia or plan to start and manage a business, these options may be worth exploring.

 Conclusion 

The IELTS requirement for Australia PR visa is designed to ensure that immigrants can participate fully in Australian life and contribute to the country's multicultural and diverse society. It's important to carefully review the requirements for your specific visa subclass and plan your IELTS preparation accordingly.