New Migrants in Australia to sit English exams

[Heracles 417]

Migrants to sit English exams

New migrants will have to sit English exams and commit to following Australian laws under a new citizenship test being introduced by the federal government.

Prime Minister John Howard today said the tests would apply to all new migrants who apply to become Australian citizens after being in Australia for four years.

He said the tests, which require migrants to not only speak English but also be aware of Australian values, were not designed to be discriminatory. "It is not designed in any way to keep some people out," Mr Howard told reporters.

"It is designed not as some kind of Trivial Pursuit, but

it is designed to ensure that people understand and have a working capacity in the national language, which is English.

"

"It will be similar in, I guess, design, although not in detail, to the citizenship tests of many other countries."

The new rules will mean prospective Australian citizens will have to sit an internet-based test to demonstrate their knowledge of the English language and Australia.

They will also have to sign a statement saying they are aware of and understand Australian social values including freedom of religion, equality of men and women, a commitment to obeying local laws and a respect for individual freedom.

Mr Howard said cabinet had approved the plans and legislation would be drawn up to pave the way for the new tests for prospective Australian citizens.

Any new migrant aged between 18 and 60 who wants to become an Australian citizen will have to sit the test.

Details of the exam are still to be worked out, but those sitting the test will be asked 30 multiple choice questions randomly chosen from a selection of 200.

The test will examine an applicant's English language skills as well as their knowledge of Australian history, culture and values.

The new test is being introduced after Parliamentary Secretary for Immigration Andrew Robb released a discussion paper in September outlining various possible requirements for new Australian citizens.

Mr Robb today said once a migrant passes the citizenship test, they will have to sign a commitment to Australian values, way of life and laws.

Before leaving their home countries, migrants will be given material outlining the values and laws of Australia.

Temporary residents staying in Australia for more than 12 months will also have to make a commitment to respect and follow Australian laws as well as understand local values and the way of life.

Mr Robb said migrants could sit the test as many times as they needed to, and anyone found to be illiterate could apply to be assessed in different ways.

"It's one in, all in," he said.

"Everyone who comes and seeks citizenship, no matter whether it's from the UK or anywhere else, everyone will sit the test."

LINK - Migrants to sit English exam

It seems like Europe and now Australia have their act together. When will American politicians take charge instead of worrying about freakin votes, at the expense of the country..

[Kath 0]

i agree about time...i am wondering now what will happen to the older immigrants who rely on their english speaking children to speak for them...

i see your from melbourne too..which side of the city ...and where are you in the states now....

thanks for the info always nice to know what is going on in oz...

take care

kath

[kim&james 0]

I kinda like this. It does not take away any part of the prospective immigrants culture or heritage but introduces them to Australias.

It has to be hard to not be able to speak the language of the country that you move to. Although I have never understood why so many people often refuse to speak or learn to speak english in a country where that is the language. I have really noticed that over here in some places.... including the supermarket.

I wonder what or how they are going to get all the kiwi's to do this though?

[Heracles 417]

i agree about time...i am wondering now what will happen to the older immigrants who rely on their english speaking children to speak for them...

i see your from melbourne too..which side of the city ...and where are you in the states now....

thanks for the info always nice to know what is going on in oz...

take care

kath

Tell me about it.

I was living in South East side, Bentleigh. I'm in currently living in Northern Virginia.

[Heracles 417]

I kinda like this. It does not take away any part of the prospective immigrants culture or heritage but introduces them to Australias.

It has to be hard to not be able to speak the language of the country that you move to. Although I have never understood why so many people often refuse to speak or learn to speak english in a country where that is the language. I have really noticed that over here in some places.... including the supermarket.

I wonder what or how they are going to get all the kiwi's to do this though?

I think the Kiwis will be exempt.

There are some really good measures in place such as:

• The test will examine an applicant's English language skills as well as their knowledge of Australian history, culture and values.
  
• They will also have to sign a statement saying they are aware of and understand Australian social values including freedom of religion, equality of men and women, a commitment to obeying local laws and a respect for individual freedom.
  
• Once a migrant passes the citizenship test, they will have to sign a commitment to Australian values, way of life and laws.
  
• Temporary residents staying in Australia for more than 12 months will also have to make a commitment to respect and follow Australian laws as well as understand local values and the way of life.
  
• Anyone found to be illiterate could apply to be assessed in different ways.
  

[Artegal 1]

I'd probably fail this test--I still have to watch Crocadile Dundee and any Guy Pearce film with subtitles! What's the difference between a Wambat or a Wallaby, a Boomerang or a Dingo?? Plus I would never get used to celebrating christmas during summer, nor traveling north for the warm beaches! And didn't Aussiewench say that Australian Dollars are different sizes and shapes--my Compulsive-Obsessive-Austic personality would never make a buying decision with CASH. thank god for ATM--but do Australian ATMs give out US Dollars or Euros like those in other parts of the world?

PS: Kangroos are the ones with Pockets and the Koalas are the ones that are cute and cuddly--or was that the Tasmanian Devil--no its the Koalas I think, nothing called Devil could be considered cute or cuddly.

Edited December 11, 2006 by Artegal

[Reba 2]

i agree about time...i am wondering now what will happen to the older immigrants who rely on their english speaking children to speak for them...

Only immigrants up to age 60 are required to take this English test. If you're older, you don't need to take it.

Canada does similar but the cut off age is 65, and immigrants have a choice of English or French. But French only if they are in Quebec (whose immigration policy is slightly different than the rest of the country).

Remember tho, this is only a requirement of those who wish to become citizens. If they just keep renewing their permenent residency, they have no need to sit the English test, only to committ to respect Australian law.

[Heracles 417]

I'd probably fail this test--I still have to watch Crocadile Dundee and any Guy Pearce film with subtitles! What's the difference between a Wambat or a Wallaby, a Boomerang or a Dingo?? Plus I would never get used to celebrating christmas during summer, nor traveling north for the warm beaches! And didn't Aussiewench say that Australian Dollars are different sizes and shapes--my Compulsive-Obsessive-Austic personality would never make a buying decision with CASH. thank god for ATM--but do Australian ATMs give out US Dollars or Euros like those in other parts of the world?

Nothing like having a BBQ on a hot summer day. And by BBQ I don't mean pork. Meat is so expensive here in the US.. Lamb is non existent.

Apart from the obvious, which countries have Euros and US dollars dispense from their ATM?

This is what the Australian cash looks like. It is made out of plastic..

[Heracles 417]

i agree about time...i am wondering now what will happen to the older immigrants who rely on their english speaking children to speak for them...

Only immigrants up to age 60 are required to take this English test. If you're older, you don't need to take it.

Canada does similar but the cut off age is 65, and immigrants have a choice of English or French. But French only if they are in Quebec (whose immigration policy is slightly different than the rest of the country).

Remember tho, this is only a requirement of those who wish to become citizens. If they just keep renewing their permenent residency, they have no need to sit the English test, only to committ to respect Australian law.

Looks like everyone has smartened up with immigration. Canada, Australia and the UK also have a points based immigration system..