Is AMEP the right program for me?
The AMEP is available to all eligible permanent visa holders 18 years of age or over who do not have a functional level of English language proficiency.
Access is extended to some temporary visa holders as specified in the legislative instrument English Courses for Holders of Certain Temporary Visas. The temporary visa classes include:
- Bridging F (Class WF)
- Business Skills (Provisional) (Class UR)
- Business Skills (Provisional) (Class EB)
- Interdependency (Provisional) (Class UG)
- Partner (Provisional) (Class UF)
- Partner (Temporary) (Class UK)
- Resolution of Status (Temporary) (Class UH)
- Safe Haven Enterprise (Class XE)
- Skilled—Designated Area-sponsored (Provisional) (Class UZ)
- Skilled—Independent Regional (Provisional) (Class UX)
- Skilled—Regional Sponsored (subclass 475)
- Skilled—Regional Sponsored (subclass 487)
- Skilled—Regional Sponsored (subclass 489)
- Temporary (Humanitarian Concern) (Class UO); and
- Temporary Protection (Class XD).
Under 18 years old
Migrants and humanitarian entrants aged between 15 and 17 years of age, who do not have functional English and whose needs are not met through mainstream schooling, may also be eligible to participate in the program.
Participation is generally determined on a case-by-case basis, taking into consideration individual circumstances and in consultation with local schools.
Timeframes
To participate in the program, eligible visa holders must meet legislative timeframes for registration, commencement and completion. The time limits below apply from the date the prospective client’s eligible visa came into effect or the date they arrived in Australia, whichever is later.
18 years and over
- Register within six months.
- Commence tuition within 12 months.
- Complete tuition within five years.
Below 18 years
- Register and commence tuition within 12 months.
- Complete tuition within five years
Functional English
In addition to the legislative timeframes, eligible visa holders must also be assessed (by qualified personnel) as having less than a ‘basic social proficiency’ level of English defined in the legislative instrument ‘Procedures or Standards for Functional English’.
