Canberra, Nov 24 (IANS): Applicants for an Australian visa now have more choice in English language testing with the addition of two new assessment options, Assistant Minister for Immigration and Border Protection Michaelia Cash said Monday.

Temporary graduate, skilled, work and holiday, and former resident visa applicants are now able to take advantage of the changes.

"Applicants are now able to use scores from the Test of English Language as a Foreign Language internet-based test (TOEFL iBT) and the Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE Academic) as evidence of their English language ability," Xinhua quoted Cash as saying.

"This development affords applicants more choice in providers while also increasing competition within the English language testing market."

The tests are alternatives to the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) and Occupational English Test (OET) and have been accepted in the student visa programme since 2011.

Cash confirmed that plans to further expand the English language test market are on track with Cambridge English: Advanced (CEA) test scores set to be accepted from the start of the New Year.

Individuals planning to take an English language test before lodging an expression of interest or visa application can visit the Department's website http://www.immi.gov.au/news/pages/aelt. aspx for more information.