IELTS vs. PTE: Choosing the Right English Language Test for Immigration

Migrating to an English-speaking country often requires achieving a specific score on an English language proficiency test. Two popular options are the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) and the Pearson Test of English (PTE). This article explores the key differences between these tests to help you decide which one is better suited for your immigration goals.

Understanding the Point System

Many countries use a point-based immigration system, where points are awarded based on factors like education, work experience, and language skills. Achieving a high score on an English language test can significantly increase your overall points and improve your chances of receiving an invitation to apply.

Some countries might have a minimum score requirement on PTE or IELTS for eligibility. Scoring above this minimum threshold is essential to moving forward in the immigration process.

The Importance of Choosing the Right Test

Both IELTS (General) and PTE (Core) are widely accepted for immigration purposes, but they have distinct formats and scoring systems. Here’s a breakdown of some key aspects to consider:

Test Format:

IELTS	PTE
A paper-based test with four sections: Reading, Writing, Listening, and Speaking.   There is also a computer-based version available, but the speaking test is administered by a human examiner. The Speaking test can be conducted on a separate day from the other sections. (https://ielts.org/)	A computer-based test with four sections: Reading, Writing, Listening, and Speaking.   All sections are completed in a single session, and the Speaking portion uses artificial intelligence to evaluate your performance. (https://mypte.pearsonpte.com/)

Test Duration:

IELTS	PTE
Approximately 2 hours, 45 minutes	Approximately 2 hours

Scoring:

IELTS	PTE
Uses a band system from 1 (low) to 9 (high) for each section and an overall band score.	Uses a scaled score from 0 to 90, with higher scores indicating better proficiency.

Global Acceptance:

IELTS	PTE
Accepted by over 12,000 organizations worldwide, including most immigration authorities. (https://ielts.idp.com/pakistan/prepare/article-ielts-test-vs-pte-academic-test)	Accepted by a growing number of countries, it is currently recognized by over 74 governments for immigration purposes. (https://www.pearsonpte.com/destination-other-countries)

Latest Trends:

While IELTS remains the more established test with wider global acceptance, PTE is gaining popularity due to its computer-based format, faster turnaround time for results, and potentially less test anxiety associated with speaking to a computer.

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Test:

• Your strengths and weaknesses: If you’re comfortable with handwriting and traditional testing formats, IELTS might be a good choice. However, if you prefer a computer-based test and feel less intimidated by speaking to a computer, PTE could be a better option.
• Your budget: The cost of each test can vary depending on your location. Generally, the PTE test fee is slightly higher than the IELTS test fee.
• Time constraints: If you prefer a shorter test duration, the PTE might be a better fit.
• Test availability: Consider which test is more readily available in your area.

Personal Experience:

My experience with mock tests using the Alpha PTE app (https://alfapte.com/) and the APE University app (https://www.apeuni.com/) has been somewhat worrisome. I acquired bands 8 and 7.5 in IELTS in 2013 and 2023, respectively, however, the apps are scoring me very low in the speaking part, probably because of my pronunciation and fluency. Research has informed me that the actual AI algorithm of the Pearson test mechanism is not as brutal as these practice apps. Hence, I am considering taking the PTE test this time. These resources can be helpful for familiarizing yourself with the PTE format and practicing your skills before the actual test. However, it’s important to remember that mock test scores may not always accurately reflect your performance on the actual exam.

Final Thoughts:

There is no single “better” test between IELTS and PTE. The best option depends on your individual strengths, weaknesses, and immigration goals. Consider all the factors mentioned above, research each test format thoroughly, and check the specific requirements of your target immigration program before making your decision.

Additional Resources:

• IELTS Official Website: https://ielts.org/
• Pearson PTE Official Website: https://mypte.pearsonpte.com/

How to get you degrees verified from BISE HEC and MOFA Lahore

The notion of applying abroad gives jitters to anybody. the idea of documentation and the long bureaucratic procedure one has in mind worries even the most strong of the students. If you thought that the process is time taking, complex and costly, than you are in for a surprise, because you are wrong. The process is Very time taking complex and costly. Here is a simple layout plan for your project based on my experience.

BISE:

Get an online degree verification form from the website or board office of your relevant city. For example, if you are from Lahore you will need to get this form http://www.biselahore.com/download/notices/degree_attestation.pdf. Also you can get your form the board R&D section for 50 Rs. If your form is downloaded then you’ll have to pay the 50 in addition to the 500 you pay to the fees for attestation per degree. After  filling in the form and attaching the required documents, mentioned on the form you submit the fees at the bank and resubmit the completed form at the R&D section. You will get the attested copies by mail in a matter of 10 days. Take the copies to the IBCC office (situated in the same building) and obtain a form and a challan form there. Then attach them to the form and the fees of 300 per form and resubmit with your original degrees the office. The degrees will be verified with a stamp and sign within 2 to 3 days. Congrats, you have completed stage one, but you are just getting started.

HEC:

After you have completed this procedure you need to make a choice between two very hard options. Currently there is no chairman of HEC so there are many bottlenecks in the whole process. There are two centers of HEC one in Lahore and one in Islamabad. Keep in mind these steps and do not steer away from this course otherwise your loss. Remember these steps are for attestation only, other processes like equivalence does not require queuing.

Do’s

-Wakeup at 4 in the morning.
-Proceed to the HEC office asap and enter your name on a makeshift name list.
-There are only 40 tokens handed out each day so if you do not reach in time and enter your name in the list, you wont get your work done.
-Keep your number in the line in check because there is a good chance some late people will try to enter out of order.
-Once you are in, you will have to fill and print an online form in their “Lab”, so it is good to get a feeler online before you go at http://das.hec.gov.pk. The lab assistant is a real pervert and doesn’t listen to you unless you got a nice rack on you so better help yourself ( I am sure you already do  ;-))
-Go back to an attached office in the same building and assemble your documents to be verified in chronological order and submit them with the printed form into the kiosk closer to the door.
-Take the signed challan form from the kiosk and submit the fee ( Pkr 800 /- per original document page and 400 per copy page) at HBL Gurumangat Road located nearby.
– Bring back the receipt and submit the form with documents to the second kiosk and you will be given a number.
-After two days you have to collect them back between 2:30 to 3:30.

Don’ts

-Do not call HEC, they don’t bother picking so don’t waste your time.
-Do not send your documents via OCS, its take 40 days and is expensive. Who is going to wait 40 days?
-Do not wake up later than 4 am.

MOFA:

The third part in our arduous journey happens to be the Ministry of foreign affairs. It has a sub office on the canal before jail road underpass.  I do not know of all the procedures but you better keep 2 copies of each and every document with you. It is a congested building with only one copy-house on the corner of ground floor. Go to the first floor and as soon as you climb the last stair, there is a line in-front and a clerk sitting on a table handling the line. Give him the documents which need to be attested. He will charge you for tickets and paste the tickets accordingly onto your copies or original documents. Then on the left side there are two columns one for males and one for females. it is a long queue so make sure you have ample drinking water with you(and body spray). Eventually when you reach the desk, hand over all the documents needed to be attested and the clerk will give you a receipt. Take it and come back between 2 pm to 3 pm where you collect your attested documents. Viola, as simple as that!!

Hope I helped in some way.

Regards,

Raihaan.