Welcome to the first edition of the 2020s!
In this series, we bring you up-to-date with the latest developments in the exam world and how they might impact your plans for the year ahead.
The Latest IELTS News
In 2019 the British Home Office ran a competitive procurement process to renew its Approved SELT Provider list.
A SELT is a Secure English Language Test. UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) use this acronym to describe the English language tests they’ll accept as evidence of your English Language ability to support visa applications.
Along with other providers, IELTS was reappointed as the biggest supplier of SELT tests. It did this by successfully demonstrating its ability in the field or exam design, deliver and security, along with technical innovation and overall customer experience.
You can find out more information about the IELTS scores you would need, along with a list of other SELT providers here.
International Employment Opportunities
New Points Based Immigration System To Be Introduced To The UK
Following the victory of the Conservative Party in last month’s general election, Britain is set to introduce a new points-based immigration system.
The new system will have three categories. The first level will allow people of ‘exceptional talent’ to enter the UK on a fast-track even if they do not have a job offer.
The second category will be for skilled workers who will need to obtain a job offer before they travel to the UK.
The final category will be for unskilled workers. Only short-term visas will be available to this group, and there will be no pathway to residency or citizenship.
The number of immigrants is expected to fall – so achieving a good score in tests like IELTS will be more critical than ever.
If you would like an idea of the kind of scores you will need, take a look at this UK Home Office page.
Stay tuned for more updates!
Australia Rules Out Visa-Free Travel To Australia For Brits
Australia has a free movement deal with New Zealand, and the UK has shown interest in a similar deal. This arrangement would allow Britons to live and work in Australia without the need for a visa.
Australia’s trade minister says this is not currently on the table for the UK.
But don’t worry! British citizens can still gain extra points for emigrating to Australia by taking the IELTS test.
Many native speakers find this harder than they imagined – but we can help you over the line.
Shortage of Doctors in the UK
British GPs and specialists typically earn more than three times the nation’s average salary. Despite this, it has a severe shortage of doctors – the second-lowest number of doctors in Europe.
There have been recent changes which have lowered the score some medical professionals need on the IELTS test. OET can now also be accepted by both the General Medical Council and for visas.
There has never been a better time to move here. We have helped many doctors emigrate to the UK by obtaining the score they need on IELTS. This year we will also start offering OET classes.
Studying Abroad
America Less Attractive To Chinese Students
The BBC reports that the White House has pressured American universities into reviewing their connections with Chinese partners and is also threatening to restrict student visas.
This climate has been driving more Chinese students to Canada, Australia and the UK, increasing the popularity of the IELTS test.
We can help students from all over the world – get in touch if you need help.
Further Reading
If you want to keep abreast of the latest developments, follow our blog, Twitter and LinkedIn accounts for up-to-the-minute news.
See you in February!