TOEFL-PBT no longer accepted as evidence of English Student Visa Applicants

The ‘Test of English as a Foreign Language Paper-Based test’ (TOEFL-PBT) previously accepted by the Department of Home Affairs (the Department) for Subclass 500 (Student) visa applications, for establishing an applicant’s English language proficiency has been removed by a legislative instrument released on 5 June 2018. 

On 14 October 2017, the TOEFL-PBT was revised by an external agency and the TOEFL-PBT no longer includes a measurement of speaking. Testing of English language speaking skills is a requirement for assessment of an applicant to establish they have the required English language proficiency. The Testing of English language speaking skills is designed to ensure applicants can communicate effectively in face–to–face situations within Australia.  As a result of the change to the TOEFL-PBT, the instrument IMMI 18/015 does not specify TOEFL-PBT as an accepted English language test due to its inability to measure the English language speaking skills of an applicant.  Therefore, the purpose of the revised instrument is to remove the TOEFL-PBT as one of the specified tests for establishing an applicant’s English language proficiency accepted by the Department for Subclass 500 (Student) visa applications. 

We have just read the Law Council of Australia submissions to the Joint Standing Committee on Migration. *

Law-Council-Submission.pdf

Now we understand why our inboxes are full of emails from RMAs who are calling this a 'power grab' and are very critical of the motivations underpinning this submission.

We think it is fair to say that whilst the Law Council of Australia's (LCA) submissions are pitched towards higher standards and the exclusion of RMAs from the representing applicants for review at the AAT, what surprises us is that apart from the general statements and concerns there is simply no real evidence to support the recommendations made by the Council.

We for one do not buy into general statements about competence or incompetence or the conduct of RMAs concerning their clients.

MIA MEMBERSHIP RENEWALS………..A GOOD DEAL?

MIA’s CPD “REWARD” TO MIA MEMBERS FOR PAYING THE MEMBERSHIP RENEWAL FEE

I understand the MIA is offering incentives for their existing membership to renew their membership. That offer, sent to MIA members via email at 3pm on 4 June 2018 looks like this:

“MIA Membership Renewals

Parent and Relative Visas

The Department of Home Affairs has released more information over the weekend on migration planning levels for the remainder of current financial year with particular focus on mature visa applicants.

In summary, the maximum number of classes of parent visas granted in the financial year 1 July 2017 to 30 June 2018 will be as follows:

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