Guide Archives - Fly2victory - IELTS | PTE Prep and migration solutions

4 Top Reasons Why Online English Tests will still remain the future for immigration in 2021?

June 10, 2021May 29, 2021 by Amandeep

The fact remains undisputed that Covid-19 again with widespread lockdown has taken everyone back by surprise – seeing the restrictive change in lifestyle, the standard of living etc.

However, Irrespective of the stringent guidelines imposed by almost all countries – Tech companies still continue to spread their wings and grow even MORE because of increasing demand for online trends…

Amazingly, Such online trends will continue to grow even after the Post-Pandemic period as also said by Forbes –

Luckily, in a post-COVID-19 world, technology will be able to help companies and people adapt to the lasting operational, behavioral and psychological changes brought on by the pandemic.

And GUESS what – Who are the major beneficiary?

None other than the test takers – who would know how to work on computers or even do basic typing. Here’s why :

They will be able to give online English tests – like the IELTS indicator or Duolingo from the “comfort” of their home
Even when lockdown is lifted, they are good to go and give Computer Delivered tests such as IELTS or PTE in dedicated test centres, and not like remote ones- we have for paper-based IELTS

Here’s the main benefit these test-takers will get– if they are able to get the desired band score ASAP?

Their FIRST stepping step towards fulfilling Immigration requirements will already be set and done.

Here’s how: the sooner you get your desired band score, the faster you should be able to move on further with your English entry requirement asked by most institutes abroad…and then, obviously- there won’t be much left to start with Visa filing application!

Also, Here’s some great news..

Online English tests like the IELTS indicator are already being widely accepted now by colleges and educational institutes in Canada, UK or Australia – the list is increasing and our most recent Facebook post with stats from the official IELTS indicator site, also testify this point ⬇️

?? 70+ Australia universities/colleges now accepting IELTS Indicator and then, there are strong optimistic signs from…
Posted by Fly2victory on Sunday, 28 June 2020

In this post, I’m also going to show you how Online English tests are becoming increasingly popular and going to be the FUTURE for getting your Immigration process to speed up including studying, skilled migration or settling abroad.

And yes- you are getting this well-researched information from a test-taker who is none other than me – who has given all 3 tests from 2019 onwards- PTE, Computer Delivered IELTS and Duolingo in short time span and got Proficient English Score 🙂

In other words: these Computer-delivered or online tests are going to be a path breaker for the 21st century.

Now, Let’s dive now right in to know the primary reasons :

Computer Delivered Test centers have started to open now!

Test centers for both PTE and CD-IELTS are opening now in most of the cities – henceforth, your DREAMS for unlocking your global career can now be seen happening..

Reason#1

Social gathering (larger) won’t be allowed for
adequate time..

Reason#2

Duolingo (Online) English Test popularity

Reason#3

IELTS transition to Online Platform (CD-IELTS and then, IELTS Indicator)..

Reason#4

– Colleges shifting to online classes
– Chances of educational gap, Bad habit building building over time..
– Motivational levels going down.

Reason #1: Social gathering (larger) isn’t going to be allowed sooner or later

I will start from the earlier stages when Covid-19 erupted…

Did we see any announcement by any of the developed nations including Australia, US, Canada, UK saying to allow large social gatherings even when lockdown has started to get eased?

The answer is clear – NO.

When most of the countries across the world announced lockdown – the first precautionary measures that came into effect were face coverings and social distancing so every measure is devoid of keeping larger group gathering at bay.

Logically – Recent announcements have emphasized just to not allow large group gathering as part of social distancing where most of the places or businesses which might increase the widespread by way of larger gatherings have been told strict “no”.

Henceforth, Large group gatherings will be the first thing not to be ALLOWED at any costs!

Even, Australia, which is one of the “safest nation” has allowed gatherings to gradually increase, yet not allowing large numbers…

I had referred above to the country which has seen the growth rate of new coronavirus cases shrink MOST significantly and India is way ahead in terms of Covid-19 case numbers.

And even when businesses are allowed to re-open such as ones that conduct paper-based IELTS, several rules/regulations may apply which could certainly be discouraging for the test-takers who are inclined to take Paper-based IELTS…

Mostly, Paper-based IELTS is conducted at fixed places so most of the test-takers travel from distant places. So, coming from a far away place and then, seeing disappointments like test cancellation, test rescheduled would be worrying!

Will larger gatherings disallowance affect Paper-based IELTS – remote centres?

Yes – It will and here are the major reason or hurdle, in other terms –

More regulatory norms will be there..

Remote test centres for Paper-based IELTS are usually held in larger halls, preferably Hotels. Now for holding such test-type events – Hotels will need to comply with several norms put in place by the local authorities.
Such rented spaces are usually chosen by the Co-owners as they can accommodate at least 300+ test-takers in one go – ever since Paper-based IELTS are deemed to be getting conducted twice a month.
And then, with lockdown imposed again in India, hotels are still not exempted from opening up. And, the irony is no one knows when this will reinstate? Now, this clearly signifies that places that might be prone to larger gatherings will not be given leverage by the Indian Govt. so quickly.

Also – If we see it clearly from another perspective, IDP and the British Council “Co-owners of IELTS” have also started to transform and enhance. They launched Computer-delivered IELTS way back in 2018.

And since then, with more test dates and several other advantages such as less recurring expenditure they have to bear, with hassle-free management etc – they have been PROMOTING this test format now more than ever.

And with Covid-19 situation, The promotion levels have increased further which is another optimistic sign…

Know – How IELTS computer-based practice test online and coaching with us can spearhead your journey?

Reason #2: Duolingo (Online) English Test popularity

One will be amazed to see the increase in trend in Duolingo search volume (seen below) in just a matter of the last few months – which did not even see the light of day earlier from SO many years!

And, The popularity for Duolingo has come up after the test opened up as an “accepted” English test for several institutions amidst Covid-19…

The popularity amongst test-takers still hasn’t faded and keeps increasing day by day.

Now, here are some core reasons for Duolingo getting popular..

❤Why you would like to give Duolingo – Online English test, being widely accepted now by colleges and universities even…
Posted by Fly2victory on Sunday, 10 May 2020

Now, if you see the numbers of colleges and educational institutes in Canada or the United Kingdom, already accepting Duolingo for availing “Offer Letter” – You will see astonishing figures which have certainly skyrocketed from last year 2020 since lockdown got imposed first:

139+ Colleges/universities accepting in Canada
40+ in United Kingdom

Source – Duolingo official site

Then, Duolingo is way easier than IELTS or PTE..

The question which strikes most of the test takers specifically, when India has MAXIMUM non-native English speakers is –

“Do we have any alternative to IELTS or PTE as they are quite tough to get desired band score – usually 6+ for increasing your chances for getting admission in reputable college?”

So, Here this is – undoubtedly the real alternative which is much easier to score and then, it won’t be exhausting because the whole test gets completed in just less than 1 hour.

Duolingo vs. IELTS score comparison

To affirm the point of Duolingo being easier to score – See the Equivalency table below and you will see that if even if you score 100+ in Duolingo, You have already got the desired band score ever since it will be equal to 6+ IELTS band score – Amazing, Isn’t it?

And then – Obviously, This will make your journey easier for securing an Offer letter from renowned colleges…

duolingo_score_comparison — Source – Duolingo official site

Reason #3: IELTS transition to Computer-Delivered and then, to IELTS Indicator (Online) test

IELTS took everyone by surprise in 2018 when they introduced their cloud-based test – Computer-delivered IELTS (herewith referred to as “CD-IELTS”) and then, there has been no looking back – only, SURGE and SURGE in terms of technological advancements by the Co-owners.

Now, you might be wondering if there are ACTUAL tangible benefits for giving such tests on Computers? Well, there are ample benefits out of which I wish to name a few –

Reading module – Copy & paste functionality+Easy reading viewer
Note taking+highlighting functionality
Writing – Word count + No handwriting worries+ Easy to edit
Review option
Personalized settings
Less test-takers = Near to null noise or distractions
Much more test dates
Faster test results turnaround – 4-5 days

Wanting to know more in context to advantages?

View my answer on Quora where I have gone into the nitty-gritty based upon my actual test taking experience

Then, Came IELTS indicator amidst Covid-19 pandemic in 2020..

“IELTS Indicator is our new online Academic test designed to support you during the COVID-19 situation to help keep your education goals on track.”
IELTS Indicator official site

You might be even worried if IELTS indicator is something new “out of the box”? Whether it is distinguishable from previous IELTS?

Don’t worry! It is not different..

In fact, IELTS indicator is a revolutionary online test which has expanded further from CD-IELTS henceforth it is quite SIMILAR to CD-IELTS.

Therefore, handling the real environment is going to be easier for you if you have given Computer-delivered IELTS or have been practicing IELTS module questions online.

Know – How IELTS computer based test is seen on computer in real time?

Only speaking will differ a bit…

Speaking is going to be only different here in IELTS indicator – which will be not person to person like seen in the usual IELTS test, although, basic strategies and methodology to be deployed are going to be same for success!

Here’s the main difference – You will be simply interacting with the examiner via Zoom video conferencing.

But, there is a caveat as per the official statement on IELTS indicator site –

“The Academic test is available for a limited time while IELTS testing is currently suspended due to COVID-19… ” so we can take it with much firm mindset that CD-IELTS will take dominance again over Paper-based IELTS owing to large gathering restrictions and others which I had shared earlier in this post..

How can it be said that CD-IELTS is still going to be the future?

Well – there are clear signs that offline test centres might not see their light of day so easily. Check them out below :

Seeing the current pandemic situation
Measures being taken by the Indian Government to contain widespread
No places yet being ordered to open which can invite large group gatherings

And then – CD-IELTS test centers have been constructed to accommodate around 20-50 test-takers at ONE GO so this much gathering is still being allowed on a gradual basis!

Reason #4:
– Colleges shifting to online classes
– Chances of educational gap, Bad habit building building over time..
– Motivational levels going down..

I know that I have added several reasons in “Single package- Reason #4” but couldn’t refrain from doing so ever since all are linked to each other.

Let me explain HOW –

Online classes linked to cover up for Educational gaps and other benefits..

Most of the colleges are almost ready whilst, some getting ready to start their fall semesters without undue delays and then GUESS what – there is government support also coming from all sphere like Postgraduate Work Permit which is referred to as “Work after study” in layman terms announced to cover the course even taken through online learning.

“Studying online due to COVID-19 won’t affect work permit eligibility“
– Jamaica observer (For canada)

Such bonafide measure would squarely help the international students who are not able to make it to destination college for studying owing to border restrictions which can be either ways – origin or destination as their semesters would still remain in continuity through online learning.

Educational gap can be created..

The reason for major surge and interest in Online English tests is also to overcome the inevitable Education gap..

In case, you are not aware about the adverse consequences what education gap will bring – Read on :

Did you know that colleges and universities check for education gap aspect when reviewing application of student? And if they find that the gap is not justified with clear documentary evidences – this would cause impediment for your offer letter grant!

Educational gap going beyond one year or beyond, can certainly cause obstacles from very beginning so why to even let it happen for a chance? Why would you want your application to become :

lengthy
redundant with so many statements

boring
unconvincing

for the sake of justifying educational gaps, then?

Infact, Adding SO much details would also not help the college application reviewer and might have his focus diverted from other important points which would actually add credibility to your profile, making it MUCH easier for the college application reviewer to grant you Offer letter…

Chance of developing Bad habit – Procrastination

I would not go much into nitty-gritty here..

Firstly, Let’s know the meaning of Procrastination-

In layman terms, It is – “The action of delaying or postponing something”
– Search Google for “Procrastination”

By watching this video above – you will get to know the ill effects of procrastination 🙂

Always remember – Time never stops and will never come back. In the last, we are only left with REGRETS!

I am sure that by watching the video above – you will be able to relate it pretty well with your Career advancements as to how much delaying or procrastination would hurt in the longer run.

With Procrastination – Motivational levels will crash..

Yes – You will require to stay motivated for giving IELTS indicator or Duolingo even when all of the test centres are shut or

Motivational levels will go crashing with you being victimized by procrastination or even further – regrets ):

Still not motivated during these uncertain times?

Get to read this article which would strengthen you mentally (for sure)

Lost motivation for IELTS? Here are 5 ways you can get it back

Recap..

In the light of legit reasons given above supported with facts – there is no deniable truth that Online English tests are the FUTURE (Adding quick summary below to corroborate)

With so many colleges already accepting IELTS Indicator and Duolingo as English language Proficiency Requirements amid Covid-19 lockdown
Seeing the way, IELTS have been transformed with CD-IELTS and NOW, they are also primarily focussed onto promoting CD-IELTS as much as possible..
PTE already in place – which had origin from being Computer-based from the VERY BEGINNING..

Are you still not convinced that Online English tests will be the future? – ever since Paper based IELTS has been much more comfortable and ALWAYS popular amongst test takers.

Let me know in the comments below WHY you still feel Paper based IELTS won’t fade away 🙂

Stay strong and motivated!

It is easy to get swayed by all the negative vibes the coronavirus pandemic has caused in our everyday lives – as a result, we forget how in times of crisis there presents an opportunity for human kindness to reveal itself..

“Remember – We are all in the same storm, but we are not on the same boat.“
It is now or never and such uncertain times haven’t come for the first time and economies have been able to recoup back even stronger in the past also as said by as also said by Thelin – A university research professor at the University of Kentucky

Frequently asked questions

Yes! It will be accepted but do remember that you can solely give IELTS Academic with IELTS indicator. So if you are applying for a Permanent Residency or visa related to working abroad, you will require to give IELTS General for which you will require to give in remote test centres.

Yes! there is a possibility if you have an individual band score of 5.5 in 1-2 modules although, it is the sole discretion of the admission officer in specific colleges or universities.

And it would also depend upon the course you apply for.

Usually, the English language proficiency requirement is always given on the courses page on the official sites of colleges/universities under “English entry requirements”.

However, It is always appropriate to have a minimum 6.0 band score which is also mentioned for the popular Student Direct Stream (SDS) program by Canada for a study permit.

There are several points to support this standpoint such as

Reading – Copy & paste functionality+Easy reading viewer
Note taking+highlighting functionality
Writing – Word count + No handwriting worries+ Easy to edit = this is the NICHE advantage..
No page flipping
Review option
Personalized settings on computer for easy viewing

Although, It is more about personal preferences as to which test taker prefers as the content (difficulty, time frame, number of questions, question types etc) are similar in both – IELTS computer-delivered – herewith referred to as “CD-IELTS” and IELTS paper-based.

Yes, You can ever since all the official immigration sites – Australia, Canada or United kingdom are already accepting Online Visa Applications.

Well – It is more about asking your “Inner instincts” and ask these questions to yourself:

What it is going to be be studying abroad?
How it will raise your learning experience?
Why is it essential for your future?
How study abroad will uplift your employment chances?

And – If you are getting a positive response – go Ahead or, if you are unsure currently, get your profile accessed for now and then, apply for future intakes i.e.when the conditions are favourable.

It is actually easy to get distracted or overwhelmed during such unprecedented times of Covid-19.

Firstly, Do not get overwhelmed or put too much pressure which could even result in anxiety. Instead, Keep the end goal into mind and remember that acing this test is one of the most important stepping stone for immigration pathways.
Then, Practice self-compassion which is extending compassion to one’s self in instances of perceived inadequacy, failure, or general suffering. You should not get carried away by negative vibes.
Follow a structured study plan by enrolling with us which already has the ingredients to get 80% results with 20% efforts.

To know more – Read our Facebook post

As of currently, Canadian educational institutes have outnumbered others. Already 139+ institutes in Canada are accepting the online Duolingo test.

Yes, The major surge in popularity has been due to it being way easier than other equivalent English language Proficiency tests and then, it can be given from the comfort of your home. Not to forget, it is very cost-effective in comparison with IELTS/PTE

No. Not at all! In fact, It is the easiest amongst all other English tests, subject to you being able to handle a bit of complexity because you will face questions coming from all four modules – Reading, listening, speaking and writing at one go…

Yes, As many times, however, why take a chance and spend a hefty amount by retaking it again and again? Also, You cannot expect DIFFERENT results if you are committing similar mistakes again and again with no proper review or improvement upon them.

Instead, We always prefer to have you get the desired band score in one go by:

Following structured study plan even for online english tests
Not repeat similar mistakes again and again after referring to stats and VALUABLE data from score analyzer made precisely for this purpose.
Precisely know your strong and weak areas for each module types.
Make it easier for our trainers to work on the weaknesses with score insights, checklists and assessments

Post-Study Work Rights explored for International Students after graduation

May 30, 2021May 17, 2021 by Amandeep

You get lot of perks with an international degree.

The biggest one which resonates with most international students is Post-study work rights…which allows options like stay back, privileges’ to look for work in the country after you graduate and even, create your PR pathways!

And then, there’s more for you with Post study work rights…

The post-study work rights bring several benefits to international students such as:

Gaining easy access to the employment market in the study abroad destination
Bridge the future pathways to Permanent Residency (PR)
Boost career prospects through international job experience
Recoup financial expenses incurred in international education
Avail work rights also for dependents (spouse)

So, It is simply implausible (failing to convince) by now seeing the benefits above, as to why Post-study right is SO important…

I know that Post-study work rights are always eye-catchy for most student aspirants owing to several benefits you get…

But are you taking the right steps to reach the stage when you will get Post-study work rights Visa or still blindly following catchy headlines or visuals: such as “Study in Australia and get 4 years work visa.”?

Here’s why you need to know the “fine prints/details” i.e. appended rules and regulations tied to such Visa type so that you don’t struggle at a later stage. I will cover all this in this blog post.

So, let’s get started…

Australia

At the very outset – Australia has 2 types of post-study work rights options originating from a temporary graduate visa.

And with these 2 types, you get the dawned advantage to not portray: work experience, English language requirement, Financial requirement when applying, although conditions may vary from case to case!

Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485)

This Visa type is one of the most popular visa options for international students after you graduate. Now, here’s two different streams – Graduate Work Stream and Post-Study Work Stream.

Graduate Work Stream

Temporary visa up to 18 months
Primarily applies to vocational courses
But, With this Visa stream – alongwith the easy leverages, here comes the most crucial aspect : Work must be related to the course you studied.

In a nutshell, This visa is for international students who have recently graduated with skills and qualifications that are relevant to specific occupations i.e. which are in demand by Australian labour market.

Also, you would be required to assessed by a relevant assessing authority in regards to skills being suitable for the respective occupation.

Post-Study Work Stream

Goes for a duration of 2 to 4 years, depending upon your location and on the highest educational qualification they have obtained
Graduates from regional institutions get extra 1-2 years over the usual duration
Must have completed undergraduate or postgraduate level studies at a CRICOS-registered institution

Now, this Visa is mostly opted for by most Indian international students.

And then, Australia recently announced that it will extend post-study work visa rights to foreign students who have studied and lived in regional areas (outside Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne) wef 2021.

Here is a snapshot glance of region-wise categories for more clarity:

Fine prints review

Although the Australian Government has kept the Post-study work rights policy intact and consistent over the past several years with no such withdrawals, there are certain limitations that could put you at a disadvantage if you don’t do your planning in a proper way…

Here’s the points to be taken care off :

You are required to complete a minimum of two academic years of study which is defined as 92 weeks of study by the Department of home affairs, Australia
Completion of a Bachelor’s degree or higher is solely considered for the Post-study work stream and not diploma or trade qualifications.
Although, you always have the option of doing packaged/combined courses for completing a tenure of 92 weeks as mandated.
Example: Starting with the diploma course which provides a pathway into undergraduate programs for students who would otherwise not meet the entry requirements of the undergraduate program.
English language courses or foundation programs cannot be counted towards 92 weeks of academic study.

How the opportunity lies in Australia for your best graduate outcome?

One cannot escape the fact of wage factor which is the GREATEST OPPORTUNITY after you complete your study in Australia:

Australia has the highest minimum wage in the world which truly gives international graduates edge over others…

Yet, I know that a cohort of international student aspirants with some, relying on myths say that Australia is too tough with their PR policies.

But, I would suggest seeing it from another perspective: Australia’s Migration Program settings are designed to ensure that migration is beneficial for the current and future economic and social development of Australia.

Then, here’s key statistics from the abs website for the year ending 30 June 2020 also to put weight on my words:

You will see that the migration population has increased over the years in Australia.

This is all due to overseas skilled workers playing an important role in the economic growth of Australia.

So, Australia plans to take it big with increasing overseas migration population in the near future also!

Henceforth, you can always reach your PR goal through Post-study work rights until and unless you are well equipped with all information such as: which course type/location etc would be most appropriate etc?

Source : Above extract from deloitte report

Also, if you are not paying attention to the above information/extract being cited above (just an example) and not even doing research on your own about future employability prospects related to the course you plan to pursue- you are aiming to get TOSSED from the very beginning.

I have pulled some important statistics from a popular report in the example above!

There are several example like the one above. All it takes is adequate guidance or advice from competent professional if you are unable to do it yourself.

Here’s how you should actually aim to seek opportunity :

You should always plan to graduate by going for a course being aligned for future professional prospects in which the current/future occupation trends or possibilities could be seen.

Instead, you should not be more FOCUSSED towards:

Saving money in the initial phase itself, where most of the students attempt to bring down tuition fees by studying in any XYZ institutions.
Relying on short-sighted half baked information with unreliable limited course options, where you are being shown easy pathways just for the sake of getting a student visa grant and not being shown viable graduate outcome out of a specific course/program!

Or, You could be VICTIMIZED by staying unemployed or not finding suitable employment, to recoup your financial implications made so far – ever since you blindly relied upon some random advice and did not even attempt to make efforts towards doing research at your end.

On the contrary, Aim for :

Quality education/appropriate course mapping with work-integrated learning
University/college offering further options to become job-ready with career development centres alike Bond University
Double degree programs making you more versatile with dual skillsets to rely on and much more..
Pursuing a course with the most appropriate education provider that offers its students to just help you find, not just a job, but a meaningful, rewarding and challenging career.
Most important: Hiring a professional consultant/agent for an end to end services including course mapping etc who can actually provide results.
He/she should be the one who can actually bring in more money than they cost.

Always remember : Getting a degree is only half the story: infact, you have to work appropriately and seamlessly keeping a progressive approach to transform your qualifications.

For transformation of qualifications into well-defined employment with PSWR and PR: you should answer few questions below and see if you actually get more realistic answers:

Did you opt for the right course/program which is future career-ready?
Does the course align with the demand forecast for a specifically skilled workforce or medium-term occupation list or any other occupation list being published from time to time?
Have you learned to navigate the labour/employment market?

Don’t move ahead with just your student visa application until and unless you get realistic answers.

This homework will go a long way in defining you to be the professional you want to become!

Although, question-related to navigation of labour/employment market can be taken at a later stage also when you start off with your studies in Australia.

Lastly, Australia is a thriving economy with education ranked#1 in the world. The country offers many opportunities for international student graduates to gain valuable work experience on completion of their studies.

Canada

Well – Canada has the most versatile and FLEXIBLE post-study work rights program, which goes on to be extended for even short courses like diploma or certificate programs and not just bachelors or masters

Even 8 months duration course from the undergraduate or postgraduate program can make you eligible to apply for 1-year PGWP (herewith referred to as Post study work rights)

Canada offers a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) to its international students who have completed at least an 8-month duration graduate study program from a recognized Canadian institute. You have to apply for PGWP within 180 days after receiving the final marks. You can read more about the PGWP application process and criteria here.

Interestedly, Canada has the highest count for providing opportunities for eligible graduates to attain permanent residence.

Conclusion

As you have to know about Post-study work rights for both Australia and Canada, let me quickly enlighten you with the ACTUAL importance and tell you why it has always worked well to attract several international students:

Earlier in 2011, Most aspirants had been taken aback when favorite study destination like the UK removed post-study work duration at JUST four months in 2011 and this is where – the unforeseen occurred then :

As a result, the number of Indian students attending UK universities underwent a dramatic decline, from just under 30,000 in 2011-12 to just over 16,000 in 2016-17.

And then, now see what happened when UK restored this policy back?

The above facts and figures had clearly signified the adverse impact with degrowth which went on for several years with curbing down of such crucial rights, and thereafter, the current UK govt. had decided to restore the policy with introduction of Post study work visa for 2 years

And yes, International student applicants have literally skyrocketed after that for UK – even amidst Covid-19

The Office for National Statistics (ONS) found that Indian nationals accounted for 17 per cent of the total 299,023 sponsored study visas granted by the UK Home Office in the year ending March 2020, with the number more than doubling from 2019 to hit a total of 49,844 grants a continuous rise since 2016.
– Indian express

So – At BROADER level, All the major study destinations have an option to work after graduation in their country, and not just this, All such countries have introduced reforms for covering online study duration towards work visa now, still making it the core reason to study abroad!

Post study work rights is going to live on for another couple of years – as a result…