August 2nd, 2023 at 07:26 am
Australia Suspends TOEFL English Language Test Until Further Notice
Australian visa applicants no longer need to take the English language test. This update concerns the temporary suspension of the TOEFL iBT for Australian visa applications until further notice. Did you know that one of the accepted English language exams for Australian visa applications is the TOEFL iBT?
This test will no longer be offered for visa purposes starting on July 26, 2023, until further notice, it was recently discovered. The Australian Department of Home Affairs’ current undervaluation of the TOEFL iBT test has led to this suspension as a result of the considerable test adjustments reported by ETS, the organization in charge of its administration.
Suggestions for Existing TOEFL iBT Test Takers
Please remember that there’s nothing to worry about if you’ve already taken the TOEFL iBT test. Only those applicants who want to take the exam after July 26, 2023, are affected by the interruption. For applications for Australian visas, TOEFL iBT scores are still valid as long as they were earned before the deadline.
Are the changes in the new and upgraded TOEFL iBT tests worrying you? The good news is that an improved test registration process will be offered by the updated TOEFL iBT, which will go global on July 26.
This will simplify test-taker instructions as well. Introduce a new writing component called “Writing for an Academic Discussion” as well as a simplified reading section as a result.
In addition, the test’s length will be shortened from three hours to two hours.
Alternative English Tests for Australian Visas
Despite the TOEFL iBT’s current ban, applicants for visas have access to other English language testing choices, such as;
- International English Language Testing System (IELTS)
- Pearson Test of English (PTE)
- Cambridge English (CAE)
- Occupational English Test (OET) for healthcare professionals
Advocates call for the removal of Australia’s HIV Visa Restrictions
Australia is one of the few nations that continues to place restrictions on HIV-positive individuals’ ability to obtain visas, although this may soon change. Strong supporters are now pleading with the administration to remove these limitations. They contend that these regulations only serve to reinforce stigma and may even hinder efforts to halt the spread of the illness.
Current Visa Hurdles
According to the existing regulations, a cost analysis is required if you’re applying for Australian permanent residency. This is a test to determine whether your medical expenses will exceed what the government refers to as a major cost threshold.
The tough part is right here. The annual cost of antiretrovirals, the drugs used to treat HIV, is roughly $11,000. Since this is almost two times the legal limit, anyone with HIV has already gone over.
Ripple Effects of the Rules
These regulations may have detrimental effects. They might force some people to reveal their HIV status to their employers, raising privacy concerns. People may even be made to stay in risky or exploitative settings to avoid being tested.
Advocates contend that these regulations are out of date and haven’t evolved along with Australia’s scientific advancements. This comprises the current HIV medications that are accessible and efficient.
Growing Demand for Reform
At the annual conference of the International Aid Society, activists are taking advantage of the chance to demand that the government repeal these regulations. They are adamant that Australia must reconsider its immigration policies if it hopes to set the bar high and become the first nation to nearly entirely eradicate community transmission of HIV.
Australia Visa Requirements & Online Application
Mentioning Australia will almost always result in a smile from everyone. Tourists virtually never appear to be able to stop talking passionately. Australia is amazing. Despite being the smallest continent globally, it is brimming with experiences.
Fortunately, obtaining a tourist visa for Australia is simple. While you can still apply through VFS Global, applying online is the less complicated option.
Australian Tourist Visa vs Business Visa
There are two main streams for this visa: business and tourism.
Tourist Stream
Tourists, in the words of VFS, are those who come to Australia for a brief period “for a holiday, for a visit to relatives or friends, or other short-term non-work purposes, including study for less than three months.” This stream is for those without sponsors who will be paying their expenses.
Business Stream
This category is for travelers who are flying to Australia for professional reasons, such as to attend a conference or meet a client. This is distinct from a work visa, which we do not know.
You will still be considered a tourist even if you are traveling at your own expense to see a friend or relative. However, there is a second option for sponsorship from Australian citizens called Sponsored Family Stream.
Australian Visa Requirements
- Foremost, the online application form completed
- Also, a passport-sized photograph
- Additionally, a copy of the passport information page. Scanned. Be crystal clear.
- Besides that, proof of financial stability and visit funding
- In addition, provide proof of the applicant’s prior travel.
- Moreover, proof of ongoing employment or self-employment
- As a bonus, the Family Register and Composition Form
- Similarly, Australia’s Planned Tourism Activities (Only for the Tourist Stream)
- Likewise, Proof of Business-Related Reason for Travel (Strictly for Business Stream)
- Group Tour Information if you’re traveling with a group to Australia
- Visa Fee
How to Apply for an Australian Visa Online
1. Sign up for an ImmiAccount.
ImmiAccount refers to a user account on Immi.gov.au, the official immigration website of the Australian government. Because the entire process will be completed on this website, it is crucial to form an ImmiAccount.
2. Accomplish the Application Form.
Once you’ve created an account, you’ll get an email with a confirmation link. Look in your inbox, then click the link. Do the following after confirmation:
- Simply select NEW APPLICATION. What kind of visa do you desire will be requested of you here?
- Select VISITOR. Afterward, select Visitor Visa (subclass 600). This is the equivalent of Form 1419 for visitors, with the exception that you don’t have to print it off.
- Fill out the remaining 20 pages of the form.
3. Submit Supporting Documents.
You can upload the necessary and advised papers in a field on your application dashboard. Submitting as many different sorts as you can is the key. safer to be safe than sorry.
The prerequisites are listed above.
Once your application has been submitted, you should receive an email acknowledging its receipt. On the same day as the submission, I received mine. The VFS office may now request that you come in to submit your biometrics or fingerprints.
4. Pay the Application Fee.
Only credit cards are accepted for online payments. If you don’t have a credit card, ask a friend or member of your family who does. UnionPay and PayPal are further options.
Visit Newsnowgh.com for the most up-to-date information on changes to visa criteria, prospective paths to obtaining legal residency, and others.