English Language Testing arrangements for use under the Australian Migration Regulations
The Australian Department of Immigration and Citizenship (the department) is seeking to expand the number of English language tests that are accepted as evidence of English language proficiency.
As such, the department is seeking submissions from interested test owners on their ability to provide English Language testing for Australian visa applications.
Under the Australian Migration Regulations 1994 (the Regulations), certain applicants are required to undertake English language tests for a range of Australian visa applications. The Regulations specify English language tests that can be accepted by the department.
The attached benchmarks set out the criteria the department will use to assess submissions made to recognise further English language tests for the purposes of the Regulations. To make a submission to the department, test owners should address their capacity to meet each of the benchmarks in respect of their English language test/s. Test owners must provide evidence to support all claims made in addressing the benchmarks. Submissions will be accepted until 31 December 2009.
See: Benchmarks for Alternative English Language Proficiency Tests (65KB PDF file)
Further information on Australia’s current visa policies and processes can be obtained from the department’s website.
See: Visas & Immigration
Queries regarding submissions should contain ‘English Language Tests’ in the subject line and be sent to:
Email: studentvisa@immi.gov.au
Where to send submissions
Submissions should be sent to the following postal address.
Department of Immigration and Citizenship
English Language Tests
Education and Tourism Branch
Migration and Visa Policy Division
PO Box 25
Belconnen ACT 2617
Australia
Any decision to pursue this process should be made on the understanding that the Australian Government reserves the right to change visa policy in the future and cannot guarantee any level of demand for English tests.
There is no obligation on the department to accept tests submitted against the benchmarks.
While the department will be guided by advice on assessment of submissions, the decision to designate a particular test as acceptable remains solely and absolutely at the discretion of the Minister for Immigration and Citizenship (the Minister).
The department will undertake periodic reviews of English language tests that have been accepted as meeting the requirements detailed in the benchmarks. The Minister reserves the right to remove tests and organisations from the Regulations for any reason that the Minister considers relevant.