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Alternative to IELTS from 24 November 2014

Visa applicants will be able to use the Test of English as a Foreign Language internet-based test (TOEFL iBT)  and the Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE Academic) for a range of visas from 24 November 2014. These tests have been accepted in the student visa program for over three years now, as well as the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) and the Occupational English Test (OET).

The visa subclasses now accepting the TOEFL iBT and Pearson, as well as the OET and IELTS include:

Distinguished Talent (Australian Support) Subclass 124

  • Business Talent Subclass 132
  • Former Resident Subclass 151
  • Employer Nomination Scheme Subclass 186
  • Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme Subclass 187
  • Business Innovation & Investment (provisional) Subclass 188
  • Skilled – Independent Subclass 189
  • Skilled – Nominated Subclass 190
  • Work and Holiday (temporary) Subclass 462
  • Skilled – Recognised Graduate Subclass 476
  • Temporary Graduate Subclass 485
  • Skilled – Regional (provisional) Subclass 489
  • Distinguished Talent Subclass 858
  • Skilled – Regional Subclass 887
  • Business Innovation and Investment (permanent) Subclass 888
  • Business Owner (residence) Subclass 890
  • Investor (residence) Subclass 891
  • State/Territory Sponsored Business Owner (residence) Subclass 892
  • State/Territory Sponsored Investor (residence) Subclass 893

The alternative tests will also be accepted for the following closed subclasses (family members can apply):

  • Business Owner (provisional) Subclass 160
  • Senior Executive (provisional) Subclass 161
  • Investor (provisional) Subclass 162
  • State/Territory Sponsored Business Owner (provisional) Subclass 163
  • State/Territory Sponsored Senior Executive (provisional) Subclass 164
  • State/Territory Sponsored Investor (provisional) Subclass 165

The Subclass 457 visa program will not allow the use of the alternative tests at the present time as the visa program is currently under review.  We expect the Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE) test to be accepted at a date to be announced in January 2015.

For information about the alternative tests and the scores you need to achieve, please contact us today!

 

Disclaimer: The contents of this article are for reference purposes only. The contents do not constitute legal advice and should not be relied upon as such. Specific legal advice about your personal circumstances should always be sought separately before taking any action based on this publication or otherwise.