IELTS for work visas is 'unethical'

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Created on Thursday, 23 August 2012 16:01

Written by Editorial staff

The use of the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) for work visas is "unethical", one key player has asserted.

In an article by Jake Mitchell published in the August 18 edition of The Australian, former University of Melbourne professor David Ingram asserted that the tests were originally designed for the world of academia and in some cases, they have little relevance to different professional fields.

Ingram, who was part of the organisation that initially developed the exam and was the chief examiner for IELTS in Australia for a decade, said that he is concerned by the way in which the test is used by the Department of Immigration and Citizenship for skilled work visas.

"It does disturb me that it's being used for a purpose for which it was not designed," he said. "It reflects a lack of understanding for language testing."

The trouble with IELTS, critics agree, is that it holds a monopoly on English language testing - particularly for work visas. According to The Australian, the government is set to carry out a departmental review later this year that will assess whether other testing methods beyond IELTS could be used for work visas.

Not only would this break up the language testing monopoly, but it could also ensure that relevant testing is used for different professions.

Migration Alliance's Liana Allan also spoke to the publication on the subject of IELTS, asserting that the tests could be costing Australia when it comes to attracting skilled talent. Some of her clients had taken the test - which costs $330 in fees each time - up to ten times.

"Qualified people who have skills to offer Australia and its economy aren't getting in because of IELTS," she said.

At Migration Alliance, we actively oppose the introduction of harsh minimum English language standards that will be introduced to the migration agent profession in January 2014.

Initial estimates suggest that as many as half of Australia's registered migration agents may not be able to renew their registration once the new measures take effect.

Migration agents will need to achieve a minimum score of seven overall on the IELTS test, with no less than a minimum score of 6.5 on any sub-test. Migration Alliance believes that the test is an unfair way to assess agent performance and is taking action to oppose the testing system.