When applying for a General Skilled Migration Visa (temporary or permanent) an IELTS examination is required by the primary visa applicant at the time of application.

Prior to the recent legislative changes providing an IELTS examination to illustrate your English language ability was only required at the time of decision. This meant an individual could apply for a General Skilled Migration Visa and provide their IELTS examination several months after lodgment.

If you were a native English speaker you automatically receive the minimum of 15 points for your English language ability. If however you wish to rely on the maximum 25 points for English you need to sit an IELTS examination (or equivalent approved examination).

For English speakers it is possible to lodge your General Skilled Visa application without your IELTS examination because you will satisfy the threshold requirement of English automatically.

You will need to provide your IELTS examination at the time of decision BECAUSE the requirement that you satisfy the points for the relevant visa (i.e. 120 points for permanent residency) is found at the time of decision.

Quick Migration Update

• From 31 October 2007 individuals who hold valid USA passports are able to apply via internet or paper for a Work and Holiday Visa.
• From 15 October 2007 permanent resident applicants and some temporary visa applicants must sign an Australian Values Statement. Applicants will be signing that they will during their residence (temporary or permanent) in Australia comply with Australian law and respect Australian values.
• Western Australia Senator Chris Evans was sworn in as Immigration Minister on 3 November 2007.

Level 3, 20 Park Road
Milton Qld 4065
Australia

Ph: +61 7 3876 4000
Fax: +61 7 3876 5788