English testing is required for several visa categories and applicants must provide proof of their English language ability.

In many cases, you may be asked by the Department of Immigration to undertake the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) test. The IELTS has four components - speaking, reading, listening and writing. Further information on the IELTS can be obtained from the IELTS website

Migrate2oz recommends taking an IELTS preparation course such as IELTSonline to ensure that you score the best possible IELTS result

The Centre for Macquarie English (CME) offers two innovative online preparation courses for the IELTS test. These are the perfect training tools for you - they can be accessed 24 hours a day, seven days a week, from around the globe. Click the following link to access the IELTS Online enrolment page.

IELTS Express is a quick and complete preparation and practice course that provides training in all four modules with two full practice tests. This course is available for $100 (AUD100), with 45 days continuous access to the course materials.

IELTS Master is an in-depth and comprehensive preparation and practice course which covers all four modules as separate courses: Academic Reading, Academic Writing, Listening and Speaking. You can select the course(s) you find most relevant by enrolling in one, two, three or all four modules. There are more than 260 interactive activities, with test tips and practice tests for each module, as well as (optional extra) Online Tutors (CME teachers) who give detailed, personalised feedback for the Assessment Tasks in the Academic Writing and Speaking modules.

Each module in IELTS Master is available separately for $75 (AUD75), giving 30 days continuous access to the online material. If the client purchases all 4 modules, the cost is $250 with 90 days access. This is equivalent to $2.50 per study hour!

Proficient English

To establish proficient English, you must obtain a score of at least 7 out of 9 for all four components of the IELTS test. Note that even if you are a native English speaker, you must complete English language testing to get points for proficient English.

Competent English

You can establish a competent level of English by:

• Obtaining a score of at least 6 out of 9 for all four components of the IELTS test

• Passing the Occupational English Test conducted by the National Language and Literacy Institute of Australia.

• Holding National Accreditation Authority for Translators and Interpreters (NAATI) accreditation as an interpreter

• Showing that your first spoken language must be English, and you hold a passport from one of the following 5 countries:

• Canada

• New Zealand

• United Kingdom

• United States

• Ireland

Competent English is the threshold requirement which needs to be met for most general skilled applications.

Vocational English

You can show you have vocational English ability by scoring at least 5 out of 9 on all four components of the IELTS test, or by holding NAATI accreditation. You would need at least vocational English to qualify for employer nomination.

Functional English

You can show you have functional English ability by providing evidence of the following:

• Scoring at least 4.5 averaged over the four components of the IELTS test.

• Holding a degree, diploma or trade qualification from an academic institution as a result of at least 2 years full time study where all instruction has been conducted in English

• Working in an English speaking country for 2 years or more