English language requirements apply to most non-family visa categories such as student visas, employer sponsored visas and general skilled migration visas.
Each visa has different levels of English that is required, and it is important that you check the specific English level requirements for the particular visa you are applying for.
Currently, the Department accepts the following providers for the provision of English language testing:
- Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL iBT)
- International English Language Testing System (IELTS), including One Skill Retake (OSR)*
- Pearson Test of English (PTE)
- Cambridge English (CAE) (also known as C1 Advanced)
- Occupational English Test (OET)
Important: the below are just the basic requirements for each of the English level categories. Some visas allow applicants to provide other forms of evidence, and time limits on when the test must have been taken apply differently for various visas.
What are the different levels of English?
English levels for visas are broken down into the following levels:
Functional English
Functional English can be evidenced in any of the following ways:
If you are a citizen of and hold a valid passport issued by the United Kingdom*, the United States of America, Canada, New Zealand or the Republic of Ireland’.
*British National (Overseas) passports are not accepted.
Providing evidence that you have completed a degree, a higher degree, a diploma, or a trade certificate in an institution in or outside of Australia that required at least two years of full-time study, and all instruction was in English.
If you have undertaken education at:
| Institution | Study time |
|---|---|
| a primary school and secondary school where all instruction was in English in or outside Australia | All years of primary and at least 3 years of secondary study |
| a secondary school in or outside Australia where all instruction was in English | At least 5 years of study |
| an institution in Australia where all instruction was in English | At least 1 year of full-time study towards an award |
| an institution in Australia where all instruction was in English | The part-time equivalent of 1 year of full-time study towards an award |
In the 12 months before you applied for the visa, you have achieved the following results:
| Test | Score |
|---|---|
| International English Language Testing System (IELTS Academic or General Training) | An average band score of at least 4.5 based on the 4 test components |
| Test of English as a Foreign Language internet-based Test (TOEFL iBT) | A total band score of at least 32 based on the 4 test components of speaking, reading, writing and listening |
| Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE Academic) | A total band score of at least 30 based on the 4 test components |
| Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE) | A total band score of at least 147 based on the 4 test components |
Vocational English
Vocational English can be evidenced in any of the following ways:
If you are a citizen of and hold a valid passport issued by the United Kingdom*, the United States of America, Canada, New Zealand or the Republic of Ireland’.
*British National (Overseas) passports are not accepted.
In the three years before you applied for the visa, you achieved one of the following:
| Test | Score |
|---|---|
| International English Language Testing System (IELTS Academic or General Training) | At least 5 for each of the 4 test components |
| Test of English as a Foreign Language internet-based Test (TOEFL iBT) | At least 4 for listening, 4 for reading, 14 for writing and 14 for speaking |
| Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE Academic) | At least 36 for each of the 4 test components |
| Occupational English Test (OET) | At least B for each of the 4 test components |
| Cambridge C1 Advanced test | At least 154 in each of the 4 test components |
Competent English
Vocational English can be evidenced in any of the following ways:
If you are a citizen of and hold a valid passport issued by the United Kingdom*, the United States of America, Canada, New Zealand or the Republic of Ireland’.
*British National (Overseas) passports are not accepted.
You have obtained one of the following English language test results:
| Test | Score |
|---|---|
| International English Language Testing System (IELTS Academic or General Training) | At least 6 for each of the 4 test components |
| Test of English as a Foreign Language internet-based Test (TOEFL iBT) | At least 12 for listening, 13 for reading, 21 for writing and 18 for speaking |
| Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE Academic) | At least 50 for each of the 4 test components |
| Occupational English Test (OET) | At least B for each of the 4 test components |
| Cambridge C1 Advanced test | At least 169 in each of the 4 test components |
Proficient English
There are no exemptions based on passport/citizenships for proficient English.
You must achieve one of the following:
| Test | Score |
|---|---|
| International English Language Testing System (IELTS Academic or General Training) | At least 7 for each of the 4 test components |
| Test of English as a Foreign Language internet-based Test (TOEFL iBT) | At least 24 for listening, 24 for reading, 27 for writing and 23 for speaking |
| Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE Academic) | At least 65 for each of the 4 test components |
| Occupational English Test (OET) | At least B for each of the 4 test components |
| Cambridge C1 Advanced test | At least 185 in each of the 4 test components |
Superior English
There are no exemptions based on passport/citizenships for proficient English.
You must achieve one of the following:
| Test | Score |
|---|---|
| International English Language Testing System (IELTS Academic or General Training) | At least 8 for each of the 4 test components |
| Test of English as a Foreign Language internet-based Test (TOEFL iBT) | At least 28 for listening, 29 for reading, 30 for writing and 26 for speaking |
| Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE Academic) | At least 79 for each of the 4 test components |
| Occupational English Test (OET) | At least A for each of the 4 test components |
| Cambridge C1 Advanced test | At least 200 in each of the 4 test components |
Do you require assistance with your Australian immigration matter?
The best course of action is to book in a consultation with our immigration lawyers who can discuss your matter in detail and give you the best possible chances of securing your visa.
You can book a consultation online, or contact our office by calling us on 1300 083 843, submit an enquiry online or send an email to info@ethosmigration.com.au