subject: Immigration Australia: Developing English Language Skills [print this page] If youre planning immigration to Australia on a permanent basis then you may want to brush up on your English language skills. Communicating in English is an important skill to acquire. It can help you settle in the country better.
Australia provides English language courses for new arrivals via the Adult Migrant English Program (AMEP). As a new immigration Australia resident, you may be entitled to receive free English language tuition of up to 510 hours (or until you reach the level of functional English).
There are a number of methods to help you learn English. You can go to classes full-time or part-time with schedules available during the day, in the evenings and on weekends. English learning for Australian immigrants may also be done at home, by Distance Learning or with a home tutor.
The Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations (DEEWR) also provides employment-related language programs for adults between the working ages of 15 and 64. The Language, Literacy and Numeracy Program offers up to 800 hours of training. The Workplace English Language and Literacy program, on the other hand, provides organisations with funding to train workers on language, literacy and numeracy.
To prevent you from experiencing major inconveniences and difficulties with the language, translation services are also readily available. The Translating and Interpreting Service (TIS National) can provide a telephone interpreter for more than 120 languages and dialects. It is available 24/7 and can assist in emergency situations throughout Australia. You can also tap into Centrelink for help with interpreter assistance.
After immigration to Australia, you may need to ask TIS National to produce an I need an interpreter card. This is used by non-English speakers who need assistance from interpreters. This wallet-sized card is useful for coordinating with government agencies, community groups and businesses. The front panel has the non-English speakers language preference.
If you have important documents that you need to translate to English, then you may file your request through the Adult Migrant English Program provider. To get the translation for free, you must be a permanent resident or Australian citizen. Additionally, the request has to be made within 2 years of your arrival or grant of permanent residence date. Documents that need to be translated may include birth certificate, drivers license, educational qualifications, marriage certificates and employee reference letters.
