English proficiency is a key component of many Australian visa applications. Different visas require different levels of English, and choosing the right test can influence your timeline. This guide summarises the main requirements in Australian English, covering popular visa subclasses and practical preparation tips.
Approved English Tests
The Department of Home Affairs accepts several test providers:
- IELTS (Academic or General Training for most visas)
- PTE Academic
- TOEFL iBT (scores before 26 July 2023 remain valid; new test results are currently not accepted)
- Cambridge C1 Advanced (CAE)
- Occupational English Test (OET) – primarily for health professionals
Understanding Score Categories
English levels are generally grouped as:
- Functional English – basic everyday communication
- Vocational English – effective workplace communication
- Competent English – benchmark level for skilled migration
- Proficient and Superior English – higher bands rewarded with migration points or exemptions
Visa-by-Visa Breakdown
Student Visa (subclass 500)
- IELTS overall 5.5 (no band lower than 5.0) for most direct entry students.
- Package pathway students (e.g. foundation programs) may enter with IELTS 5.0.
- Alternative tests: PTE 42, TOEFL iBT 46 (legacy), CAE 162.
Graduate Visa (subclass 485)
- Competent English required.
- IELTS: minimum 6.0 in each component.
- PTE: 50 in each skill. CAE: 169. OET: B in each component.
- Test results must be less than three years old at time of application.
Skilled Independent Visa (subclass 189) & Skilled Nominated Visa (subclass 190)
- Minimum Competent English to lodge (IELTS 6 each band or equivalent).
- Higher scores (Proficient or Superior) can earn 10–20 additional points.
- Submit test results before receiving an invitation.
Employer Sponsored Visas (subclass 482 Medium-Term stream)
- At least Competent English (IELTS 5.0 overall with 4.5 minimum per band) unless exempt (e.g. high salary, passport from certain English-speaking countries).
- Short-Term stream requires Vocational English (IELTS overall 5 with at least 4 in each band).
Partner and Family Visas
- Primary applicants generally need Functional English or must pay the second instalment of the visa application charge to undertake English tuition.
- Sponsors do not need to provide English test results.
Citizenship Eligibility
- Requires basic English for the citizenship test and interview; no formal test score but everyday conversational ability is expected.
Tips to Meet English Requirements
- Book early – test centres fill quickly, especially during peak migration months.
- Check validity periods – most test scores expire after three years (two years for some student visa pathways).
- Prepare strategically – focus on the weakest band; a single low score can delay your visa.
- Consider bridging courses – packaged English language programs can meet student visa requirements while improving confidence.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if my English score is below the requirement?
Retake the test, enrol in an English course, or explore visas with lower thresholds (e.g. training visas). Some visas allow you to pay for English tuition instead of meeting the score upfront.
Do I need to submit original certificates?
Most tests provide unique reference numbers (TRF, SRN, candidate ID). Provide these in your application so the Department can verify results online.
Can native English speakers skip the test?
Holders of passports from the UK, Ireland, USA, Canada, or New Zealand are usually exempt from formal testing for many visa subclasses.
Staying informed about English requirements ensures you plan applications with realistic timelines and avoid last-minute surprises.