Australia has specific English language requirements for different visa types, particularly for skilled migration, student visas, and certain employer-sponsored visas. The level of English proficiency required can vary depending on the visa subclass and the applicant’s country of origin. Here’s a breakdown of common requirements:
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1. Skilled Migration Visas
- Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189), Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190), and Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa (Subclass 491):
- Competent English: Minimum requirement, usually demonstrated by:
- IELTS: Overall score of at least 6.0 with no band less than 6.0
- TOEFL iBT: Overall score of at least 64 with specific minimum scores in each section
- PTE Academic: Overall score of at least 50 with no communicative skill less than 50
- Proficient English: Higher scores might improve your points in the points test.
- Superior English: The highest level of English proficiency, gaining maximum points.
- Competent English: Minimum requirement, usually demonstrated by:
2. Student Visas (Subclass 500)
- English Language Courses: If you are enrolling in an English Language Intensive Course for Overseas Students (ELICOS), you may not need to meet specific English language requirements before arrival.
- Academic Courses: For most other courses, universities or educational institutions set the English language requirements, often requiring:
- IELTS: Minimum overall score of 5.5-7.0 depending on the course
- TOEFL iBT: Minimum score of 46-94
- PTE Academic: Minimum score of 42-65
3. Employer-Sponsored Visas
- Temporary Skill Shortage Visa (Subclass 482):
- Vocational English: Typically required, equivalent to:
- IELTS: Overall score of at least 5.0 with no band less than 5.0
- TOEFL iBT: Overall score of at least 35 with specific minimums in each section
- PTE Academic: Overall score of at least 36 with no communicative skill less than 36
- Vocational English: Typically required, equivalent to:
- Employer Nomination Scheme (Subclass 186) and Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme (Subclass 187):
- Competent English: Same as the skilled migration visas.
4. Family and Partner Visas
- Partner Visa (Subclass 820 and 309):
- No formal English test is required for the applicant, but basic English skills may be beneficial for integration and may be assessed in other ways.
5. Business and Investment Visas
- Business Innovation and Investment (Provisional) Visa (Subclass 188):
- English language requirements vary depending on the stream, with higher requirements for certain streams (like the Entrepreneur stream).
6. Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485)
- Competent English is required, similar to the skilled migration visas.
7. Humanitarian Visas
- English requirements are generally not applicable, but applicants may need to undertake English language courses once in Australia.
Evidence of English Language Proficiency
- Citizenship of English-Speaking Countries: Citizens of the UK, USA, Canada, New Zealand, and Ireland are usually exempt from English language testing.
- Previous Education: Completing certain educational qualifications in English can sometimes be accepted as proof of proficiency.
Additional Notes
- English Test Validity: English test results are generally valid for three years from the test date.
- Health and Character Requirements: In addition to English proficiency, most visas have health and character requirements.
These are general guidelines, and specific visa subclasses may have unique requirements. It’s always recommended to check the exact criteria on the official Australian immigration website or consult with a migration agent.
Level of English required for all Australian visas:
Here’s a comprehensive overview of the English language proficiency levels required for different Australian visas:
1. Functional English
- Description: Basic understanding of English.
- Requirements:
- IELTS: Overall band score of at least 4.5.
- TOEFL iBT: Overall score of at least 32.
- PTE Academic: Overall score of at least 30.
- Cambridge C1 Advanced: Overall score of at least 147.
- Commonly Required For:
- Certain family visas, including some partner visas.
- Some older parent visas.
2. Vocational English
- Description: Intermediate level suitable for routine workplace communication.
- Requirements:
- IELTS: At least 5.0 in each component.
- TOEFL iBT: Overall score of at least 35 (minimum scores: listening 4, reading 4, speaking 14, writing 14).
- PTE Academic: Overall score of at least 36.
- Cambridge C1 Advanced: Overall score of at least 154.
- Commonly Required For:
- Temporary Skill Shortage Visa (Subclass 482) for some streams.
3. Competent English
- Description: Adequate ability to communicate effectively in most situations.
- Requirements:
- IELTS: At least 6.0 in each component.
- TOEFL iBT: Overall score of at least 64 (minimum scores: listening 12, reading 13, speaking 18, writing 21).
- PTE Academic: Overall score of at least 50.
- Cambridge C1 Advanced: Overall score of at least 169.
- Commonly Required For:
- Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189).
- Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190).
- Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa (Subclass 491).
- Employer Nomination Scheme (Subclass 186).
- Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme (Subclass 187).
- Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485).
4. Proficient English
- Description: High level of English, suitable for professional work and study.
- Requirements:
- IELTS: At least 7.0 in each component.
- TOEFL iBT: Overall score of at least 94 (minimum scores: listening 24, reading 24, speaking 23, writing 27).
- PTE Academic: Overall score of at least 65.
- Cambridge C1 Advanced: Overall score of at least 185.
- Commonly Required For:
- Higher points on the skilled migration points test.
- Certain streams of the Business Innovation and Investment Visa (Subclass 188).
5. Superior English
- Description: Very high level of English proficiency, suitable for all forms of professional communication.
- Requirements:
- IELTS: At least 8.0 in each component.
- TOEFL iBT: Overall score of at least 110 (minimum scores: listening 28, reading 29, speaking 26, writing 30).
- PTE Academic: Overall score of at least 79.
- Cambridge C1 Advanced: Overall score of at least 200.
- Commonly Required For:
- Maximum points on the skilled migration points test.
- Certain streams of the Business Innovation and Investment Visa (Subclass 188).
Other Exemptions and Considerations
- English-Speaking Countries: Citizens from countries like the UK, USA, Canada, New Zealand, and Ireland may be exempt from formal English testing.
- Education in English: Completing an education qualification in English in certain recognized institutions may meet the requirement.
- Test Validity: English test results are generally valid for three years from the test date.
This list provides a general guide to the English Requirements for Australian Visas, but the exact requirements can vary based on individual circumstances and changes to immigration policies. Always check the latest guidelines from the Australian Department of Home Affairs or consult a migration agent.
Validity of English Tests:
The validity of English language test results for Australian visas is generally three years from the test date. This means that when you apply for a visa, your English test results must have been obtained within the three years prior to the date of your application.
Applicable Tests
The following English language tests are accepted for Australian visa applications:
- IELTS (International English Language Testing System)
- TOEFL iBT (Test of English as a Foreign Language – Internet-Based Test)
- PTE Academic (Pearson Test of English Academic)
- Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE) or C1 Advanced
- OET (Occupational English Test): Typically for healthcare professionals
For more resources: https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/
If you need assistance with this profession such as EOI lodgement, skill assessment, PR application lodgement or would like to study courses related to Civil Engineering Draftsperson, we have all colleges and universities all over Australia. Contact us for more info and guidance.
Email: info@immiedu.com.au
Contact: 04 2626 3536.