The Australian Government May Require Immigrants to Take an English Proficiency Test

The Australian government is thinking about making an English proficiency test required for immigrants seeking permanent residence.

While some applicants already need to be proficient in English, it depends on the visa, and family members aren’t always required to do the same.

By 2021, it is predicted that one million Australians won’t be able to speak English fluently or at all, which is referred to as a “concerning scenario.”

The strategies being thought of

The Australian government is proposing a new English test, as was mentioned, as well as required language classes to reduce the number of people in Australia who are unable to speak in English.

The English test will be a specially created exam that emphasizes conversational skills, or a person’s speaking and listening abilities, which are crucial for interacting with neighbors and the larger community.

Given that not all Australian citizens become citizens by first obtaining permanent residency, this new exam for permanent residents may also be implemented as the citizenship language test. For instance, some persons become citizens by adoption or ancestry.

What is the overall situation here?

It is evident from recent interviews with the Prime Minister of Australia and the Minister for Citizenship and Multicultural Affairs that the demand for an integrated society serves as the primary driving force behind the Australian government.

According to Minister Tudge, Australia does not want a situation where immigrants are forced to live alone in “parallel communities” because they are unable to converse in English. According to Minister Tudge:

“That’s not good for the people involved, since they won’t be able to benefit from all that Australia has to offer. However, it is also not in the best interests of society or of our social fabric.

In a radio interview, he also discussed the difficulties in finding employment when one cannot speak English, saying:

Your odds of finding job as a male without English are roughly 40% if you’re looking for work. There is a clear interest in individuals learning at least functional English so they can get to job, of course, so they can use those services, and of course, so they can get active in the community. If you have decent English, it is approximately 80%.

Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull joined to the discussion last week at a media event by saying:

“It is obvious that it is in everyone’s best interest for them to be proficient in the English language. Thus, we have the most prosperous globally existing society. It is founded on integration, and English is undoubtedly the key to integration. You may participate in the economy, society, and education by speaking the national language.

Should you begin to get ready?

Although these initiatives are still being considered, there appears to be some momentum in their favor.

Remember that the current situation calls for this test to merely be a conversational English test. It is referred to as “English primary school levels” by both ministers. Thus, it ought to be manageable for everyone who can speak English fluently.

Just keep an eye on the news to see how and when things progress for the time being. Signing up for our newsletter, where we’ll give updates on this and any other news you should be aware of, is the simplest way to accomplish that.