This month’s update covers potential key changes in IELTS, international student policy, and migration pathways. From Canada’s foreign student cap to new skilled visa thresholds in Australia and expanded qualification access in New Zealand, there’s a lot to watch for anyone planning to study, work, or settle abroad.
The Latest IELTS News
IELTS Product Testing: AI Speaking and Shorter Writing Trialed by British Council
A native English speaker recently shared their experience of taking part in a British Council product testing session — and the changes being trialled could signal a major shift in how IELTS is delivered in future.
This wasn’t the standard IELTS. After sitting the General Training test on computer, the candidate was invited to trial a new test format with two significant differences:
✍️ Writing Test Changes
- Time reduced to 45 minutes (from the usual 60)
- Suggested word counts, not fixed minimums
- Two question options per task, allowing candidates to choose the one they prefer
The test taker described the ability to choose questions as a positive step — but found the shorter time frame made it harder to perform well.
“The compressed timeframe was just too short. Even as someone with academic experience, I found it limiting.”
🗣️ Speaking Test via Chatbot
In perhaps the most radical shift, the speaking test was conducted with a chatbot instead of a human examiner. The bot delivered the same prompts as a normal IELTS speaking test, and it was indicated that a human would still mark the performance afterwards.
But the experience left a strong impression — and not a good one:
“I absolutely hated this. The cadence of the conversation was awful… I had a hard time conversing with a machine.”
“If I struggled with it, it would be outright unfair for ESL speakers to deal with this thing.”
The chatbot was accompanied by a “cartoonish avatar”, which made the session feel unnatural and difficult to navigate. Even as a native speaker, the candidate reported performing much better with a real human examiner.
🤔 Is This the Future of IELTS?
At this stage, the format is clearly still in development. It’s not yet available to the public, and there’s no indication of when — or if — it might be launched more widely. It’s possible that:
- The chatbot speaking test is being considered as a cost-saving measure
- The shorter writing test could form part of a streamlined or alternate IELTS format
- These trials are simply part of ongoing research and development
Whatever the outcome, it’s clear that the British Council is actively exploring ways to adapt or evolve the IELTS test — and that not all changes are being welcomed by test-takers.
🧭 What This Means for IELTS Candidates
For now, the official IELTS Academic and General Training tests remain unchanged. But this trial offers a useful reminder:
- IELTS is evolving — and candidates need to focus on core skills, not just test strategies.
- New formats may introduce new challenges, especially around timing and communication under pressure.
- Human interaction remains a key part of performance — and removing it could make the test more difficult, not easier.
💬 Final Thought
Whether these changes become part of IELTS in the future remains to be seen. But the feedback is clear: good assessment needs human connection, not just automation.
We’ll continue to monitor developments and share updates as new information becomes available.
Migration Updates – Canada, Australia & New Zealand
🇨🇦 Canada: Student Cap Fallout and Nursing Support Program
Foreign Student Cap Triggers Sharp Decline in Enrolments and Job Losses
Canada’s international education sector is under significant strain following new federal restrictions. So far in 2024, there has been a 48% drop in new study permits, with only 267,890 approved—far below the target of 364,000. This is due to lower processing volumes and a steep decline in approval rates, which have fallen from 59.8% in 2023 to just 48% this year. In Ontario alone, more than 600 college programs have been suspended or cancelled, resulting in the loss of around 8,000 staff positions. Although initially billed as a temporary measure, the cap is now set to remain in place until 2026, raising major concerns about the long-term viability of Canada’s international education model.
Support for Internationally Educated Nurses
In more positive news, Canada has launched the PASS Program (Pre-Arrival and Post-Arrival Supports and Services) to support internationally trained nurses. Funded by IRCC and delivered by the CARE Centre, the program provides free online communication training, career mentoring, webinars, and personalised support. It’s available to nurses who hold foreign credentials and have been approved to immigrate to Canada.
🇦🇺 Australia: New Visa Thresholds and Innovation Pathways
Migration Program Adjustments for 2025–26
Australia is rolling out a four-year migration planning model to better align immigration with infrastructure, workforce, and housing priorities. For 2024–25, the permanent migration intake stood at 185,000 places, with an emphasis on skilled migration.
From 1 July 2025, skilled visa income thresholds have increased:
- Core Skills/Temporary Skilled (TSMIT): from $73,150 to $76,515
- Specialist Skills (SSIT): from $135,000 to $141,210
Visa application fees also rose from 1 July, and while Contributory Parent Visas remain a priority, processing backlogs and long wait times continue. More details on visa allocations and key occupations are expected soon.
National Innovation Visa (NIV) Launches in NSW and SA
Both New South Wales and South Australia have launched state-led nomination pathways for the new National Innovation Visa (Subclass 858). This by-invitation-only visa targets globally recognised individuals in sectors such as research, entrepreneurship, investment, creative industries, and sport.
- NSW: Focused on high-calibre individuals with strong international achievements. The nomination process includes expert review and sector alignment.
- South Australia: Currently accepting Registrations of Interest, offering a path to permanent residency for exceptional talent aligned with the state’s innovation agenda.
🇳🇿 New Zealand: Parent Visa, Green List Expansion, and Tourist Access
New Long-Stay Visa for Parents of NZ Residents
New Zealand has announced the Parent Boost Visitor Visa, allowing parents of citizens or residents to stay for up to 5 years on a single visa (with a possible 10-year total stay). Applicants must meet health and insurance requirements and show genuine temporary stay intentions. Applications open 29 September 2025.
Green List to Add 10 Skilled Trades
From 18 August 2025, ten new trades will be added to New Zealand’s Green List, enabling eligible workers to apply for residence after two years of employment. New roles include welders, fitters, metal fabricators, panel beaters, and paving plant operators.
Qualification Recognition Made Easier
From 23 June 2025, qualifications from nine more countries—including India, Germany, and Singapore—will be exempt from New Zealand’s qualification assessment process. This change will simplify visa applications for many skilled migrants.
Streamlined Travel for Chinese Tourists
A 12-month trial starting November 2025 will allow Chinese citizens holding valid Australian visas to enter New Zealand as tourists (up to 3 months) without applying for a separate visa. They will instead use an NZeTA. This aims to boost tourism but applies only to those travelling directly from Australia.
If you’re considering a move abroad, now is the time to stay informed and prepared. Visa pathways and policy changes are evolving rapidly — and the right advice can make all the difference.
Get in touch to explore your options or discuss your next steps.
Further Reading
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See you in August!