If you plan to migrate to Australia and stay here permanently, you need an English proficiency test to apply for PR (Permanent Residency). One way to get a certification is through the Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE Academic). Although the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) has been the most popular option for a long time, many prefer to take the PTE Exam these days for Australian PR (Permanent Visa).
The Home Affairs of Australia currently does not accept TOEFL iBT – Special Home Edition, IELTS indicator, and OET@Home. With that, PTE is the best option. It is also preferable because it can be used for unlimited purposes, including admission to universities and immigration requirements not just in Australia but also in New Zealand.
Available all year round, the PTE exam is computer-based with four modules: PTE Listening, Reading, PTE Writing, and Speaking (together). The results can be obtained within 5 – 7 working days and sometimes within 24 hours.
How Much Is a PTE Score Required for Australia?
When a candidate takes the PTE test for Australian immigration, one needs to achieve a minimum PTE score. There are different visa options to gain permanent residency (PR) status in Australia that vary depending on the different visa categories below:
- Functional English: Those in this group must prove they took the PTE test in the last 12 months of applying for a visa. Required PTE Academic Score: 30
- Vocational English: Those in this group must prove they took the PTE test in the last three years of applying for a visa. Required PTE Academic Score: 36
- Competent English: Those who belong to this group should be citizens of or valid passport holders of the United Kingdom, the United States of America, Canada, New Zealand, or the Republic of Ireland. Required PTE Academic Score: 50
- Proficient English: This is for points-tested skills. Those who belong to this group must have taken PTE in the last three years before applying. Required PTE Academic Score: 65
- Superior English: Similar to Proficient English. Required PTE Academic Score: 79
Who Are Required and Exempted to Take a PTE Exam
Family-stream visas do not require you to take a PTE exam for Australian immigration. However, it is compulsory to prove your English proficiency level for work visas.
As per immi.home affairs gov site, those applying for visa 189, visa 190, or visa 491 need a minimum score of 50 for each of the four components of the PTE Academic test. The PTE score for Australian immigration must be increased by 10 points or at least 65 in each PTE Academic test component. Getting a score of 79 or higher in each test component will give you 20 more points in your score.
Meanwhile, subsequent entrants on visa 491 will be allowed to enter Australia if they get a PTE Score of 30 in each test component. However, they will be required to get higher scores to gain PR status.
Some groups are exempted from PTE score for Australia PR, which includes:
- General Skilled Migration Visa Holders: These are groups of citizens with a valid passport from Canada, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, the Republic of Ireland, or the United States of America.
- Permanent Employer Sponsor under Temporary Residence Transition Stream Visa Holders: These groups have completed a minimum of five years of full-time study from a secondary or higher education institution providing all the tuition lectures in English.
How Long Is The Pte Academic Validity?
The PTE Academic 2020 Exam validity scores are applicable for up to two years from the exam date. Once it expires, it will be removed from the website’s record. Although the PTE Academic Score Report card indicates that it can be used for two years, it is valid for immigration purposes in Australia for three years
Here are the different validity depending on its respective category::
- General Skilled Migration: Within 36 months of receipt of the visa application invitation.
- Permanent Employer Sponsor: Within 36 months before the date of lodgment application.
- For family members of 18 years and above, applying with the aspirant: Within 12 months before the visa application or completed when the application is being processed.
- For education purposes: The PTE scorecard must be valid within 24 months of the issue date.
PTE Registration, Process, and Fees
To register for the PTE exam, you must go to the PTE Academic official website, create a Pearson Account, book a slot, and then pay the registration fee of around A$375. Wait for the confirmation of your exam date.
Since the PTE Exam is required to get a permanent Visa in Australia, see that you will get a good score when you take the test. To do so, you must be ready before the exam. It is highly recommended to review all four modules daily, follow the trainer’s study plan, and consistently follow the tips they provide. Practise mock exams so you can assess what you still need to learn. Of course, experience is the best teacher. Make sure you practise English by writing and speaking with others or reading articles and newspapers and build your listening skill set by listening to audiobooks with the help of headphones. These tips will help you get the minimum required score to acquire your dream permanent Australian Visa.