English Language Requirement for Australian visas
Find out which English level and test score you may need for your Australian visa.
English language requirements can vary depending on your visa type, eligibility criteria and circumstances.
MCA can help you understand the English requirement that may apply to your visa pathway, including accepted English tests, required scores and evidence.
English Language Requirement for Australian Visas
If you are applying for Australian visa, you will need to prove your English language ability. Different visa subclasses require different levels of English. Some only need basic functional English (common for family visa applicants). Others demand competent, proficient, or even superior English. Understanding where your visa sits in this framework is the first step.
The Department of Home Affairs has specific score thresholds across specific tests, and getting even one component wrong can delay or derail your application.
Why English Language Requirements Matter for Australian Visas
English proficiency isn’t just a box-ticking exercise. The Australian Government uses it as a genuine measure of your ability to integrate into the workforce and community. For skilled visas, your English level directly affects your eligibility. For points-tested visas, it can mean the difference between 0 and 20 bonus points on the Australia points test.
Levels of English in Australian Visas
The Department of Home Affairs recognises five distinct levels of English proficiency for visa purposes. Each level has its own set of minimum test scores, and the level you need depends entirely on which visa you’re applying for.
Functional English
This is the lowest threshold and typically applies to secondary applicants on skilled visas, such as partners or dependent family members. For IELTS, you need an average band score of at least 4.5 across all four components. You don’t need to hit 4.5 in every individual component, just the overall average. Functional English test results are valid for 12 months from the test date.
| Test | Score |
|---|---|
| IELTS (Academic or General Training) | Overall 4.5 |
| Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE Academic) | Overall 24 |
| Occupational English Test (OET) | Overall 1020 |
| Test of English as a Foreign Language internet-Based Test (TOEFL iBT) | Overall 26 |
| Cambridge C1 Advanced | — |
|
Test
|
Score
|
|---|---|
|
Overall 4.5
|
|
|
Overall 24
|
|
|
Occupational English Test (OET)
|
Overall 1020
|
|
Test of English as a Foreign Language internet-Based Test (TOEFL iBT)
|
Overall 26
|
|
Cambridge C1 Advanced
|
—
|
Displayed figures are the post‑7 August 2025 thresholds for selected commonly used tests. Check the official Home Affairs page for the complete list, visa-specific evidence rules and historic-test provisions.
Vocational English
Sitting between functional and competent, vocational English applies to some trade and employer sponsored visa applicants. For IELTS, you need a minimum of 5.0 in each of the four components: listening, reading, writing, and speaking. Unlike functional English, every individual band must meet the minimum rather than just the overall average.
| Test | Score | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Listening | Reading | Writing | Speaking | |
| IELTS (Academic or General Training) | 5.0 | 5.0 | 5.0 | 5.0 |
| Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE Academic) | 33 | 36 | 29 | 24 |
| Occupational English Test (OET) | 220 | 240 | 200 | 270 |
| Test of English as a Foreign Language internet-Based Test (TOEFL iBT) | 8 | 8 | 9 | 14 |
| Cambridge C1 Advanced | — | — | — | — |
|
Test
|
Score
|
|---|---|
|
IELTS (Academic or General Training)
|
Listening 5.0, Reading 5.0, Writing 5.0, Speaking 5.0
|
|
Listening 33, Reading 36, Writing 29, Speaking 24
|
|
|
Occupational English Test (OET)
|
Listening 220, Reading 240, Writing 200, Speaking 270
|
|
Test of English as a Foreign Language internet-Based Test (TOEFL iBT)
|
Listening 8, Reading 8, Writing 9, Speaking 14
|
|
Cambridge C1 Advanced
|
—
|
Displayed figures are the post‑7 August 2025 thresholds for selected commonly used tests. Check the official Home Affairs page for the complete list, visa-specific evidence rules and historic-test provisions.
Competent English
This is the standard requirement for most skilled and employer sponsored visas. For IELTS, that means a minimum of 6.0 in each of the four components: listening, reading, writing, and speaking. No averaging here. Every single band must hit the minimum.
Competent English is what you’ll need for the Subclass 482 visa and is also the baseline for points-tested visas (though it won’t earn you bonus points).
| Test | Score | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Listening | Reading | Writing | Speaking | |
| IELTS (Academic or General Training) | 6.0 | 6.0 | 6.0 | 6.0 |
| Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE Academic) | 47 | 48 | 51 | 54 |
| Occupational English Test (OET) | 290 | 310 | 290 | 330 |
| Test of English as a Foreign Language internet-Based Test (TOEFL iBT) | 16 | 16 | 19 | 19 |
| Cambridge C1 Advanced | 163 | 163 | 170 | 179 |
|
Test
|
Score
|
|||
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
|
Listening
|
Reading
|
Writing
|
Speaking
|
|
IELTS (Academic or General Training)
|
6.0
|
6.0
|
6.0
|
6.0
|
|
47
|
48
|
51
|
54
|
|
|
Occupational English Test (OET)
|
290
|
310
|
290
|
330
|
|
Test of English as a Foreign Language internet-Based Test (TOEFL iBT)
|
16
|
16
|
19
|
19
|
|
Cambridge C1 Advanced
|
163
|
163
|
170
|
179
|
Displayed figures are the post‑7 August 2025 thresholds for selected commonly used tests. Check the official Home Affairs page for the complete list, visa-specific evidence rules and historic-test provisions.
Proficient English
A step above competent. For IELTS, you need 7.0 in each component. Achieving proficient English on a points-tested visa earns you 10 additional points. For many applicants targeting the Subclass 491 regional visa or Subclass 190, those extra points can be the push that gets your Expression of Interest over the line.
| Test | Score | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Listening | Reading | Writing | Speaking | |
| IELTS (Academic or General Training) | 7.0 | 7.0 | 7.0 | 7.0 |
| Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE Academic) | 58 | 59 | 69 | 76 |
| Occupational English Test (OET) | 350 | 360 | 380 | 360 |
| Test of English as a Foreign Language internet-Based Test (TOEFL iBT) | 22 | 22 | 26 | 24 |
| Cambridge C1 Advanced | 175 | 179 | 193 | 194 |
|
Test
|
Score
|
|---|---|
|
IELTS (Academic or General Training)
|
Listening 7.0, Reading 7.0, Writing 7.0, Speaking 7.0
|
|
Listening 58, Reading 59, Writing 69, Speaking 76
|
|
|
Occupational English Test (OET)
|
Listening 350, Reading 360, Writing 380, Speaking 360
|
|
Test of English as a Foreign Language internet-Based Test (TOEFL iBT)
|
Listening 22, Reading 22, Writing 26, Speaking 24
|
|
Cambridge C1 Advanced
|
Listening 175, Reading 179, Writing 193, Speaking 194
|
Displayed figures are the post‑7 August 2025 thresholds for selected commonly used tests. Check the official Home Affairs page for the complete list, visa-specific evidence rules and historic-test provisions.
Superior English
The highest level. For IELTS, that’s 8.0 in every component. This awards 20 points on the points test, which is significant. Reaching this level is genuinely difficult, even for native-level speakers. But if you can get there, it’s one of the most efficient ways to boost your points total.
| Test | Score | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Listening | Reading | Writing | Speaking | |
| IELTS (Academic or General Training) | 8.0 | 8.0 | 8.0 | 8.0 |
| Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE Academic) | 69 | 70 | 85 | 88 |
| Occupational English Test (OET) | 390 | 400 | 420 | 400 |
| Test of English as a Foreign Language internet-Based Test (TOEFL iBT) | 26 | 27 | 30 | 28 |
| Cambridge C1 Advanced | 186 | 190 | 210 | 208 |
|
Test
|
Score
|
|---|---|
|
IELTS (Academic or General Training)
|
Listening 8.0, Reading 8.0, Writing 8.0, Speaking 8.0
|
|
Listening 69, Reading 70, Writing 85, Speaking 88
|
|
|
Occupational English Test (OET)
|
Listening 390, Reading 400, Writing 420, Speaking 400
|
|
Test of English as a Foreign Language internet-Based Test (TOEFL iBT)
|
Listening 26, Reading 27, Writing 30, Speaking 28
|
|
Cambridge C1 Advanced
|
Listening 186, Reading 190, Writing 210, Speaking 208
|
Displayed figures are the post‑7 August 2025 thresholds for selected commonly used tests. Check the official Home Affairs page for the complete list, visa-specific evidence rules and historic-test provisions.
English Test Changes from 7 August 2025
On 7 August 2025, the Department of Home Affairs overhauled the approved English language tests for visa purposes. This wasn’t a minor tweak. The changes affected which tests are accepted, how scores are calculated, and even which test formats are valid.
Here’s what happened:
New tests were added.
CELPIP General, LANGUAGECERT Academic, and the Michigan English Test (MET) are now accepted alongside the previously approved tests.
Score requirements changed for several tests.
PTE Academic, TOEFL iBT, OET, and Cambridge C1 Advanced all received updated minimum scores. For PTE Academic, the old uniform score of 50 for competent English was replaced with component-specific minimums (47, 48, 51, and 54).
OET moved from letter grades to numerical scores.
Previously, you needed a “B” in each component. Now, OET uses specific numerical thresholds (290, 310, 290, 330 for competent English).
Online and at-home test versions were explicitly banned.
If you took your test before 7 August 2025, your results may still be valid under the old scoring framework, provided they haven’t expired. Tests taken on or before 6 August 2025 remain valid until 6 August 2028 (subject to the standard 3-year validity window).
Which Visas Need Which English Level?
Not every visa requires the same level of English. Here’s a general overview of common visa subclasses and the English level typically required:
- Subclass 482 (Skills in Demand visa): Competent English for most streams. Some concessions exist for certain salary levels or passport holders. See our 482 visa key requirements guide.
- Subclass 186 (Employer Nomination Scheme): Competent English. This is a permanent residency visa through employer sponsorship, so getting English right is critical.
- Subclass 189 and 190 (Skilled Independent and Skilled Nominated): Competent English is the minimum to be eligible, but proficient or superior English earns 10 or 20 bonus points respectively on the points test.
- Subclass 491 (Skilled Work Regional): Same as 189/190. Competent is the minimum, higher levels earn more points.
- Subclass 500 (Student visa): Generally requires IELTS 5.5 overall (or equivalent) for most courses, though this varies by institution. See our student visa guide.
- Partner and family visas: Typically require functional English for the secondary applicant, or payment of a second instalment fee if they can’t meet this level.
Always check the specific requirements for your visa subclass on the Department of Home Affairs English language page, as some visa conditions have unique concessions or exemptions.
How Long is an English Test Valid for Australian Immigration?
Test validity depends on the English level being assessed:
- Competent, proficient, and superior English: Test results are generally valid for 3 years from the date of the test.
- Functional English: Test results are valid for 12 months from the test date.
For tests taken on or before 6 August 2025 under the old scoring framework, those results remain valid until 6 August 2028, provided they fall within the 3-year window.
This is important for timing your application. If your test is approaching its expiry date, factor in current visa processing times in Australia to make sure your results won’t expire while your application is being assessed. In some cases, the Department may ask you to provide a new test result if yours expires during processing.
Don’t assume your old score is still valid.
If you already have an English test result, Migration Centre of Australia (MCA) can help you understand whether it may be relevant to your proposed visa pathway.
Exemptions: Who Doesn’t Need a Test?
Not everyone needs to sit an English language test. Citizens of certain countries are exempt from the English testing requirement entirely, provided they hold a valid passport from one of the following countries:
- Canada
- New Zealand
- Republic of Ireland
- United Kingdom
- United States of America
If you hold a valid passport from any of these countries, you’re generally considered to have the required level of English without needing a test result. However, this exemption applies to the passport holder specifically. If your partner or secondary applicant holds a different passport, they may still need to demonstrate their English level separately.
Online Tests Are Not Accepted
This is a point that trips people up regularly. The Department of Home Affairs does not accept any English language test taken online. This includes remote-proctored and at-home versions of otherwise approved tests.
Specifically, these online versions are not valid for Australian visa purposes:
- CELPIP Online
- IELTS Online
- LANGUAGECERT Academic Online
- MET Digital at-home
- OET@Home
- TOEFL iBT Home Edition
Your test must be completed in person at an approved, secure test centre. If you’ve already taken an online version, that result cannot be used for your visa application. You’ll need to book and sit the test again at a physical location.
Why Speak to Migration Centre of Australia (MCA)?
Immigration Guidance With Your Visa Pathway in Mind
English testing is only one part of an Australian visa application.
MCA can help you look at the English requirement in the context of your broader immigration pathway.
Clear Information
We explain requirements in straightforward language so you can understand what may apply to your situation.
Up-to-Date Requirements
Australian immigration requirements can change. We recommend checking the current requirements before booking a test or lodging an application.
Personalised Guidance
Your visa subclass, circumstances and supporting evidence can affect the requirements that apply to you.
MCA can help you:
- Identify the English level relevant to your visa pathway
- Understand current test and score requirements
- Review an existing IELTS, PTE, OET or other test result
- Understand changes to English testing requirements
- Identify potential issues with test validity
- Understand test-delivery restrictions
- Review English requirements alongside your broader visa pathway
Frequently Asked Questions About English Requirements for Australian Visas
What English test is accepted for an Australian visa?
The Department of Home Affairs accepts a range of approved English tests, depending on the visa and English level. Current approved tests include IELTS, PTE Academic, OET, TOEFL iBT and other specified tests. Requirements vary according to the test and test date.
What IELTS score do I need for an Australian visa?
There is no single IELTS score that applies to every Australian visa. The required score depends on the visa subclass and the English proficiency level required.
Is PTE accepted for Australian immigration?
The Department of Home Affairs states that completely online or remote-proctored English tests, including IELTS Online, are not accepted as evidence for Australian visa purposes.
Is IELTS Online accepted for Australian visas?
The Department of Home Affairs states that completely online or remote-proctored English tests, including IELTS Online, are not accepted as evidence for Australian visa purposes.
Is OET accepted for Australian immigration?
OET is an approved test for certain Australian visa English requirements. Its scoring system changed to numerical scoring from 7 August 2025.
Is TOEFL accepted for Australian visas?
TOEFL iBT is an approved test subject to specific requirements. Home Affairs states that applicants must select the “Taking TOEFL for Australia” option when registering for the test.
Can I use an English test I took before 7 August 2025?
Some older test results may still be accepted for specified periods, depending on the visa subclass and English requirement. Home Affairs provides separate rules for older test results.
How long is my English test valid?
Validity depends on the English level, visa subclass and test date. You should check the requirements applicable to your specific visa rather than relying on a general validity period.
Can I apply for an Australian visa without taking an English test?
In some circumstances, alternative evidence or exemptions may be available. Whether this applies depends on the specific visa and your circumstances.
Do I need English for permanent residency?
Some permanent visa pathways require applicants to demonstrate a particular level of English, while requirements differ between visa subclasses. The applicable visa criteria should be checked individually.