English Language Testing and Immigration Policy
Posted: 15 Jul 2016
Date Written: July 13, 2016
Abstract
Stricter controls following the introduction of mandatory English testing of skilled migrants in 1992 have raised important policy issues in Australia. As this chapter explains, there are four major policy issues. The first is 'the politicisation of English' - the use of testing as a significant means of controlling the numbers of Australia's skilled migration program. The second issue concerns access and equity. Pre-migration fees to cover language testing, and the possible cost of subsequent Adult Migrant English Program (AMEP) fees, $2040 per applicant, could constitute a major barrier for less affluent ethnic groups. The third issue is that this testing may influence the type of skills imported to Australia in the future. The fourth issue is that the delivery of the test needs to be monitored to ensure that the test continues to meet international standards.
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