using TOEFL / GRE scores instead of IELTS for the skilled independent visa

andy172 · #1 (**permalink**) 6th March 2009, 05:17 AM

Hi all,

I am an indian citizen, residing in the USA for 6 years now.
I am planning to apply for the skilled independent visa so that I can migrate my family to the downunder.
I have a question about the english profieciency assessment.

Can I use my stay in the USA for 6 years now or my GRE or TOEFL scores(5 yrs ago)
instead taking IELTS again to prove my proficiency?
I dont mind taking the pain of taking the test if its a must.
Please let me know.
Thanks
-Anand

anj1976 · #2 (**permalink**) 6th March 2009, 06:02 AM

anand the ielts isnt 2-3 hrs, its good 4 hrs.. and they do not let u out before tht. they hv speaking, writing, listening and reading module. the speaking one is normally one day or maybe 2 days before ur other modules. and then they make announcements in teh hall, u hv to use only pencils provided, if caught cheating u will be asked to leave, its crazy. :P
and then there are those ppl who do not understand simple english and ask the obvious.

when we took our ielts, there were people actually studying as if they were giving their board exam

. some of them were so serious with that i am soo freaking scared look on their face as if they hv been asked to write a million word essay about things they do not know of

i am being plain mean now

U first clear ur assessment and then sit for it. both u and ur spouse will hv to take the ielts. we gave ours post acs assessment becasue once ur assessment is done, u r sure tht u r eligible for teh visa.

getting the date for ielts here in india is difficult. they r over booked. i wonder how many ppl go to AU from India. we had to wait a month and half. and that is the most irritating time when u know everything is done, except for this. and then they tk 15 days for teh result..

by teh way, i know someone in another forum where this guy's visa was refused because he did not attach his ielts results while filing the application. his date was a week post he filed the application. so his money is gone now and he has lost all the time.