Immigration to Canada or Australia in your thoughts? You will need to demonstrate your proficiency in English by taking an English language test. MilkyWay Immigration Consultants, premier Immigration Consultants in Saudi Arabia, brings to you an insight into the types of English language tests accepted for Australia and Canada Immigration.
English Tests for Canada Immigration
Apart from spousal sponsorship and temporary immigration programs like International Experience Canada (IEC), proof of language is mandatory for immigration to Canada. This is proven by an authorized language test in English.
The main tests are:
- International English Language Testing System (IELTS) General – For Canadian immigration, IELTS is accepted by educational organizations, professional associations, and employers across Canada. Most universities and colleges as well as all professional associations that have set minimum language requirements for professional registration in Canada accept IELTS scores.
- Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program (CELPIP) General – This test evaluates the English listening, reading, writing, and speaking skills of candidates. CELPIP is officially assigned for permanent residence applications by Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). It is also accepted for professional designations.
Both tests are equally acceptable for your immigration application in Canada.
English Tests for Australia Immigration
Five English language tests are accepted for visa applications in Australia:
- The most common way of proving English language ability is the IELTS test. General Training or Academic versions of the test are recognized by the Department of Immigration, but for some skills assessing authorities, applicants need to sit for the Academic version. The minimum score is required in each section of the IELTS (Reading, Writing, Listening, Speaking) in a single sitting.
- The Occupational English Test (OET) is also recognized as proof of proficient and superior levels of English. The OET is only considered suitable for Medical and allied health professionals.
- Nowadays, the TOEFL Internet-Based Test (TOEFL iBT) & the Pearson Academic Test of English (Pearson PTE) are accepted in Australia. These tests are suitable for all skilled subclasses in most state and territory governments and skills assessment authorities.
- The Cambridge Test of English is also accepted now.
The test results are accepted only if the test has been completed not more than two years before the application is made.
Test Scores
Scores required for different tests are:
Vocational English
|
| Listening | Reading | Writing | Speaking |
| IELTS | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| TOEFL iBT | 4 | 4 | 14 | 14 |
| PTE Academic | 36 | 36 | 36 | 36 |
| OET | B | B | B | B |
| Cambridge (CAE) | 154 | 154 | 154 | 154 |
Competent English
For most skilled visas, you will need to show at least Competent English to meet the threshold criteria.
| Listening | Reading | Writing | Speaking | |
| IELTS | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 |
| TOEFL iBT | 12 | 13 | 21 | 18 |
| PTE Academic | 50 | 50 | 50 | 50 |
| OET | B | B | B | B |
| Cambridge (CAE) | 169 | 169 | 169 | 169 |
Proficient English
|
| Listening | Reading | Writing | Speaking |
| IELTS | 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 |
| TOEFL iBT | 24 | 24 | 27 | 23 |
| PTE Academic | 65 | 65 | 65 | 65 |
| OET | B | B | B | B |
| Cambridge (CAE) | 185 | 185 | 185 | 185 |
Superior English
| Listening | Reading | Writing | Speaking | |
| IELTS | 8 | 8 | 8 | 8 |
| TOEFL iBT | 28 | 29 | 30 | 26 |
| PTE Academic | 79 | 79 | 79 | 79 |
| OET | A | A | A | A |
| Cambridge (CAE) | 200 | 200 | 200 | 200 |
Functional English
| Test component | Average across test components only |
| IELTS | 4.5 |
| TOEFL iBT | 8 |
| PTE Academic | 30 |
| OET | n/a |
| Cambridge (CAE) | 147 |
At times scores above the minimum are needed to meet skill assessment, registration, or points test requirements in some cases. We recommend speaking with a Immigration Consultant in Saudi Arabia like MilkyWay Immigration Consultants to help assess your English language testing needs before booking a test.
