Functional English - changes

Functional English proficiency can be demonstrated if the applicant can provide evidence of:

• having completed all years of primary education and at least 3 years of secondary education at educational institutions in which all instruction was conducted in English; or
• having completed at least 5 years of secondary education at institutions in which all instruction was conducted in English; or
• having achieved an IELTS average band score of at least 4.5, based on the four test components of speaking, reading, writing and listening in a test conducted:

             - not more than 12 months before lodging the relevant application to migrate; or

             - at the time of the processing of the relevant application to migrate; or

• having successfully completed, in Australia, at least 1 year of full-time study or equivalent part-time study towards a degree, higher degree, diploma, or associate diploma, at an institution or institutions where all the instruction was conducted in English.
• having achieved a Test of English as a Foreign Language internet-Based Test (TOEFL iBT) total band score of at least 32, based on the four test components of speaking, reading, writing and listening in a test conducted:

          - not more than 12 months before lodging the relevant application to migrate; or

          - at the time of the processing of the relevant application to migrate; or

• having achieved a Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE Academic) overall band score of at least 30, based on the four test components of speaking, reading, writing and listening in a test conducted:

          - not more than 12 months before lodging the relevant application to migrate; or
          - at the time of the processing of the relevant application to migrate; or

• having achieved a Cambridge English Advanced (CAE) overall score of at least 147 based on the four test components of speaking, reading, writing and listening in a test conducted

          - not more than 12 months before lodging the relevant application to migrate; or

          - at the time of the processing of the relevant application to migrate; or

• holding valid passport issued by the United Kingdom, the United States of America, Canada, New Zealand or the Republic of Ireland, to a citizen of that country.

Read More»

Functional English - legal definition updated for Australian migration purposes

The methods for demonstrating "functional" English for para 5(2)(b)​ of the Migration Act 1958 have been updated.

The following tests and scores for demonstrating functional English will now be accepted:

• An average score of at least 4.5 in an IELTS test.
• A total band score of at least 32 in a TOEFL iBT test 
• An overall band score of 30 in a Pearsons (PTE) test 

Read More»

How can I prove I have 'functional' English?

Proof that confirms your ability to communicate in functional English includes:

·         an International English Language Testing System (IELTS) average score of at least 4.5 for the four test components (speaking, reading, listening and writing)

·         an Occupational English Test score which is at least equivalent to an IELTS 4.5, and the test was relevant to your nominated occupation

·         your first language is English and you have a current passport from the United Kingdom, the United States, Canada, New Zealand or the Republic of Ireland

·         a positive assessment by an Adult Migrant English Program service provider in Australia

·         a trade, diploma or higher qualification awarded by an institution in or outside Australia which involved at least two years of full-time study and all instruction was in English

·         completion of at least one year of full-time or equivalent study in Australia for a diploma or higher qualification and all instruction was in English.

Read More»