Australian Immigration Daily News

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. 

The previous English language requirements remain as they were prior to commencement of the new instrument.  The new instrument operates to specify the required levels of English language proficiency applicants must have to meet the criteria for the Subclass 500 (Student) visa. The English language proficiency requirements are specified in Part 2 of the instrument which include the following: 

• the English language tests;
• the English language test scores;
• the time periods in which an English test must be taken. 

There are however transitional arrangements for students who have already completed TOEFL-PBT.  

The new instrument specifies that applicant for a Subclass 500 (Student) visa who meets either of the following requirements in the event where the applicant: 

• completed the TOEFL-PBT before 14 October 2017;
• achieved the specified TOFEL-PBT test score as specified in IMMI 16/019 (previous instrument specifying relevant English scores for student visas) within 2 years immediately before the date of the visa application; or

• if no evidence of English is provided at the time of application, the test can be provided prior to a decision provided the test is completed 2 years prior at the time of decision. 

In the event where completed the TOEFL-PBT on or after 14 October 2017 but before the commencement of the new instrument and the applicant was able to achieve the required score in their TOFEL-PBT test score 2 years immediately before the date of the visa application.  If no evidence of English is provided at the time of application, the test can be provided prior to a decision provided the test is completed 2 years prior at the time of decision. 

Full version of the new instrument can be found here: https://www.legislation.gov.au/Details/F2018L00713/Download 

Consultation was undertaken with the Education Visa Consultative Committee before the instrument was made.

NOTE:

Migration (IMMI 18/015: English Language Tests and Evidence Exemptions for Subclass 500 (Student) Visa) Instrument 2018

The instrument specifies the required levels of English language proficiency applicants must have to meet the criteria for the Subclass 500 (Student) visa. 

Item was registered on 5/06/2018
https://www.legislation.gov.au/Details/F2018L00713