Business Migration - General Criteria
What other criterion needs to be met as part of the visa application process?
Permanent resident and certain temporary resident visa applicants/nominees will be asked to provide evidence of health status, as there are strict health standards in place designed to protect Australia. The applicant's family health status will also need to be determined. This may entail having medical examinations and x-rays, for which the applicant will have to pay the cost.
Character details may also be requested. Applicants must be of good character to enter Australia. Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC) will advise what is required to meet this requirement.
What level of English is required to apply for a visa?
Not all visas require English language as a criterion. Generally though, applicants/nominees will need to demonstrate either vocational or functional English language ability. Where English language levels need to be assessed both levels of English are assessed through the International English Language Testing System (IELTS).
To meet Vocational English standards an applicant must :
- be able to read and understand English text
- write English well enough to communicate effectively
- speak English fairly fluently
- understand spoken English.
A lower standard of English is required for Functional English. Where applicants do not have Functional English an additional visa application fee to enable English language ability to be upgraded in the Northern Territory to the functional level, may allow the applicant to qualify for certain visas.
Under the skilled migration category, with some professions, applicants may have to sit an Occupational English test as part of their qualifications' assessment.
If you are uncertain about your English ability, it is suggested that you sit the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) test, before you lodge your visa application. The results of the IELTS test are valid for twelve months.
DIAC may ask you as part of the visa assessment process to sit an IELTS test, however, this will depend on the visa category you are applying for, and the level of English ability required. If you are required to sit an IELTS test, you can arrange it by contacting an IELTS centre.
Further information about courses to improve English language ability after arrival in the Northern Territory is available from the Office of Multicultural Affairs.
Last updated on the Thursday 26 Mar 2009
