Could you pass the English language test in Australian visa application?
A pregnant Irish veterinarian with two degrees who has been working in Australia for the last two years, has been sensationally denied a skilled migrant visa after failing the Australian government’s controversial new English language test.
To take some of the questions yourself, scroll through the gallery above.
(We've included the answers on the very last slide).
Dr Louise Kennedy, who currently lives on the Sunshine Coast with her partner and is expected to give birth in 12 weeks, couldn’t believe she did not get enough points on the English oral test component to obtain a visa.
Had trouble with voice recognition? We meet the Irish vet blaming it for failing the English fluency part of her visa test! #TheProjectTV pic.twitter.com/2rxuRiDRv5
— #TheProjectTV (@theprojecttv) August 9, 2017
"It was such a shock," she told SBS World News. "It's the only exam I’ve ever gone into not being nervous about.
“It's taken about two-and-a-half years to get to this point because as a vet you've also got to prove your skills as a vet, so I’ve done all of that – that takes about two years – and then to not get it from English is just so frustrating."
Dr Kennedy has been working as an equine vet for the last two years. There is currently a huge shortage of equine vets in Australia, particularly in Queensland.
Dr Kennedy undertook the computer-based Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE Academic). This manner of testing was approved by the Department of Immigration and Border Protection in 2014, but controversially uses voice recognition technology.
Pearson was told she could re-sit the test for free in five week, but is instead applying for a spousal visa and reportedly plans to continue working as an equine vet.
"We're due a baby in 12 weeks so at least I’ll be able to stay here with my husband and baby."
A spokesperson for the Department of Immigration and Border Protection told SBS World News, “The Department has not been made aware of any other complaints regarding voice recognition technology used by English language test providers.
“PTE Academic is the only English language test provider accepted by the Department using voice recognition technology.”
What’s your take? Do you think there’s too much red tape involved with getting a visa? Or is it necessary that the process is that complicated?
Image credit: Twitter / Nine News
Question source: Department of Immigration