IELTS for Partner Visa – Australia

The government of Australia has announced the new language requirement for partner’s visa. So, what is partner visa? This visa will allow the partner or spouse of the Australian citizen, or the PR holders. Initially, this visa issued will be temporary partner Visa, which comes in subclass 801, and could lead to the permanent partner visa, which is sub class 802. Recently, the government announced some of the change to partners, either to have functional level of English in the PTE or in ILETS, or the partners must complete the 500 hours classes of free English class through the adult migration program.  As far the IELTS is concerned, the functional level is the score of 4.5. In ILETS, overall band score of ILETS 4.5

In ILETS, we have four components that includes Speaking, Writing, Reading, and Listening. In each component the band scores will range from 1-9, below is the table that will tell us, what level of language level through ILETS scoring

From the above table, it is understood that the language test takers can be classified into different levels based on the band score according to IELTS. For instance, based on the bands, one could achieve the level ranging from expert users to completely nonusers. However, for the partners Visa, the functional level is important, which is simply between the competent users, and modest user. For in-depth understanding about the proficiency level, please have a look at the below table.

Hence, getting the functional level overall means, a very straight forward score that the test takers need to achieve 4.5 band overall in the ILETS exam. The functional and vocational are considerably basic proficiency normally expected by DHA for few Visa categories.

Further, ILETS offers two types of test, one is academic and other is general, for the partner visa, general IELTS is required. In comparison, scoring in general is quite easier than scoring in academics due to the varying complexity of the tasks. the band scores depend on the scoring range in listening and reading, however, the other sections is highly subjective as it is scored manually. However, the IELTS examiners are highly trained professional to ensure the consistency level in speaking and writing. In the listening and reading part, your band score depends on the number of correct answers and differs from academic and general. For instance, to get the band score of 7 in reading, one needs to get 30-32 in Academic, whereas in general it is 34-35. For the work-related visa, applicants will generally go for the general IELTS than academic as the general one is quite easy in comparison to the academics.

Scoring in IELTS not difficult, however, depends on the test takers level of language. However, if guided with the proper strategies and tips from the trainers or institution will make your’s life easy and able to achieve your score in limited time frame. Self-preparation also could lead to success, but needs careful planning, understanding, good level of practice and materials to ensure your success.