Have you ever dreamed of staying in Australia, in its unique culture, wonderful climate, a strong background in history or geography, and diverse country in any way? Then your dream can come true if you have Australian citizenship or a family member living in Australia on a PR visa.
Apart from this, Australia is also available if you want to settle your business there.
Numerous pathways are available to get PR in Australia, including various skilled visas, which are definite ways to obtain permanent residency in Australia.
Whether it is a student visa, visitor visa, family visa, general skilled visa, or PR, you must undergo an IELTS test first to proceed with the visa application process.
In this blog post, I will share insights regarding the minimum score required for Australia PR so that you can prepare accordingly.
Why is an IELTS Score mandatory for Australian PR?
If international individuals want to get permanent residency (PR) in Australia, they must demonstrate an English language proficiency test score.
Familiarity with the local language of the country is important for integrating into the community and performing jobs or business activities smoothly.
The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) test score is widely accepted as proof of English proficiency, more specifically for Australian PR. A good score can significantly improve one’s chances of securing PR in Australia.
Type of IELTS Test Accepted for Australian PR
Generally, there are two types of IELTS that you can take to obtain PR in Australia, such as:
IELTS General Training
This type of test is usually taken by individuals who want to migrate to Australia for non-academic purposes. It helps them prove their everyday English language skills. IELTS General Training assesses English language proficiency in a practical and everyday context. The tasks and tests in this English proficiency test in IELST include both workplace and social situations.
IELTS Academic
This type of IELTS test is for overseas individuals who want to study at an Australian university or college in various programs of study, such as undergraduate or postgraduate, or who intend to get registered in a professional institution.
New Changes in IELTS Score for Australian Various Visas
Visa Category | Changes in IELTS Score |
Temporary Graduate visa ( Subclass 485) | The minimum IELTS score has increased from 6.0 to 6.5 (or equivalent). |
Student visa ( Subclass 500) | The minimum IELTS score has increased from 5.5 to 6.0 (or equivalent). |
ELICOS | The minimum IELTS score has increased from 4.5 to 5.0 (or equivalent). |
University foundation/pathway programs | The minimum IELTS score has increases to 5.5 (or equivalent). |
What are the Other Criteria in the Point-Based Immigration System?
Points are awarded on the basis of several factors which include the following:
- Age
- English language proficiency
- Work experience (in and out of Australia)
- Level of education
- Study in Australia
- Specialist education
- Spouse skill points
- Other (nominations, community language accreditation, etc.)
Fcators | Points Score |
Age | Up to 30 points for ages 25-32 |
English Language Proficiency | Up to 20 points for superior English skills (IELTS score of 8 or more). |
Work experience (in and out of Australia) | Up to 20 points for skilled employment experience in Australia and overseas. |
Educational Qualifications | Up to 20 points for a PhD, 15 points for a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree. |
Qualifications Recognized in Australia | Additional points if qualifications are recognized by Australian authorities. |
Australian Study Requirement | Extra points for completing a qualification in Australia. |
Professional Year in Australia | Additional points for completing a professional year in Australia. |
Community Language Skills | Points for proficiency in a community language. |
Spouse or Partner Skills and Qualifications | Additional points if your spouse or partner has skills and qualifications. |
Nominations and Sponsorship | Points for nominations and sponsorships for certain visa subclasses. |
How to Get an Australian Permanent Residency with an IELTS Score?
No doubt, for overseas individuals, it is a significant step to secure permanent residency (PR) in Australia and start a new life in a beautiful country. However, you need migration pathways to navigate the process and migrate to Australia permanently.
Getting an Australian permanent residency is the best way to kickstart an amazing life in a great country. There are three main ways to get Australia PR. You can get it through employer sponsorship, general skilled migration, and skill select. There are 7 visa subclasses that use a point-based immigration system.
Main Pathways to Australian PR
Here are the most familiar pathways to Australian PR. A good IELTS score and meeting English language requirements can improve your chances of getting PR in Australia and increase your overall points in the point-based system.
Skilled Independent Visa (subclass 189)
If you have an in-demand skill in Australia, subclass 189 will let you migrate to Australia. This visa is for skilled workers who are not sponsored by an employer, state, or territory of Australia.
Employer Nominated Visa (Subclass 186)
If you are highly skilled and received nominations from an Australian employer, the employer-nominated visa 186 is the suitable migration pathway for you. This visa will allow you to live and work in Australia without restrictions.
Skilled Nomination Visa (Subclass 190)
If you have Australian in-demand skills, you can apply for subclass 190 as a migration pathway to Australia. This visa stream is for skilled workers nominated by an Australian state or territory. With this visa, you can live, work, and stay in Australia permanently.
Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa (subclass 491)
If you are an overseas skilled person nominated by a state or territory to live and work in regional Australia, a Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) 491) visa is a suitable migration pathway for you. With this visa stream, you can live up to 5 years in designated regional areas of Australia.
Skilled Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 489)
This short-term Business Innovation and Investment Visa offers a PR pathway to Australia. It allows you to invest and manage your own business in Australia. For this visa, you are required to receive nominations from a state, territory, or agency in Australia.
IELTS Score Requirements for Australian PR Through Various Visa Pathways
Australian Visa Pathway | IELTS Score Requirements |
Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189) | Minimum of 6.0 in each section (Competent English) |
Employer Nominated Visa (Subclass 186) | Minimum of 6.0 in each section (Competent English) |
Skilled Nomination Visa (Subclass 190) | Minimum of 6.0 in each section (Competent English) |
Skilled Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 489) | Minimum of 5.0 in each section (No specific requirement) |
Temporary Graduate Visa Post Study Work Stream (Subclass 485) | Minimum of 6.0 in each section (Competent English) |
Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa (subclass 491) | Minimum of 5.0 in each section (No specific requirement) |
What is Minimum IELTS Score for Australia PR?
If you want to gain an Australian visa to get PR through the Australian General Skilled Migration (GSM) program, you must score at least 65 points on the Point Assessment Grid. To calculate your points, click the ‘official calculator’ available on the Department of Home Affairs Australia.
To be eligible for this visa, you must gain a minimum IELTS score of 6.0 in each section, including Reading, Writing, Listening, and Speaking. But if you get higher chances, you get the chances of more points on the point assessment grid.
What are the Bands of IELTS Score for Australia PR?
Although you require a minimum of 6 scores for this, it is better to get a higher score and increase your chances of getting PR in Australia. The IELTS scores are divided into three subcategories: Competent, Proficient, and Superior. These depend upon the number of points you get.
IELTS score | Points allocated |
Competent (score of 6.0 or more) | 0 |
Proficient (score of 7.0 or more) | 10 |
Superior (score of 8.0 or more) | 20 |
Are there other tests for PR?
If you are looking forward to gaining Australian permanent residency (PR), you must score at least 6.0 in each section (reading, writing, listening, and speaking).However, with a higher score, you will receive more points. The IELTS scores are categorized into three subcategories, each with its own point allocation such as:
1. English Language Proficiency for IELTS
IELTS Points |
|||
Bands | Competent | Proficient | Superior |
Listening | 6 | 7 | 8 |
Reading | 6 | 7 | 8 |
Writing | 6 | 7 | 8 |
Speaking | 6 | 7 | 8 |
2. English Language Proficiency for TOEFL
TOEFL Points | |||
Bands | Competent | Proficient | Superior |
Listening | 12 | 24 | 28 |
Reading | 13 | 24 | 29 |
Writing | 21 | 27 | 30 |
Speaking | 18 | 23 | 26 |
3. English Language Proficiency for PTE
PTE Points |
|||
Bands | Competent | Proficient | Superior |
Listening | 50 | 65 | 79 |
Reading | 50 | 65 | 79 |
Writing | 50 | 65 | 79 |
Speaking | 50 | 65 |
79 |
4. English Language Proficiency for CAE
CAE Points | |||
Bands | Competent | Proficient | Superior |
Listening | 169 | 185 | 200 |
Reading | 169 | 185 | 200 |
Writing | 169 | 185 | 200 |
Speaking | 169 | 185 | 200 |
5. English Language Proficiency for OET
OET Points | |||
Bands | Competent | Proficient | Superior |
Listening | B | B | A |
Reading | B | B | A |
Writing | B | B | A |
Speaking | B | B | A |
To know more about these scores, click here.
Minimum IELTS Score for Australia PR for Different Visas
1. Skilled Independent Visa (subclass 189)
The skilled independent visa (subclass 189) allows individuals to have important skills to stay and work in Australia. You have to be eligible for a skill mentioned in the Skilled Occupation list. The most popular skills in this list include hospitality managers, engineers, doctors, and managers.
Categories | Scores and Points Required |
IELTS Score (Overall) | 6 |
IELTS Score (in every category) | 6 |
Point-Based Immigration System Score | 65 |
2. Skilled Nomination visa (subclass 190)
The skilled nomination visa, subclass 190 is a popular choice of visa that allows you to study, stay and work in Australia. You need to have a relevant occupation and also clear the Australian skills assessment check. Some of the popular jobs in this category include lawyers, biomedical engineers, and engineers.
Categories | Scores and Points Required |
IELTS Score (Overall) |
6 |
IELTS Score (in every category) |
6 |
Point-Based Immigration System Score |
65 |
3. Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485)
The temporary Graduate Visa, subclass 485 allows students who have graduated to live, study and work in the country. It is authorized for international education graduates. Additionally, it gives post-study working rights to these students. To be eligible for this visa, you must be younger than 50 years and should have had a student visa in the last 6 months. The temporary graduate visa offers
- 4 years for selected bachelor’s degrees
- 5 years for selected master’s degrees
- 6 years for all doctoral degrees
Test Name | Overall Band Score | Component Scores |
IELTS | 6.5 | No band less than 5.5 |
CAE | 176 | No band less than 162 |
OET | B | No band less than B |
PTE | 57 | Listening:43
Reading: 48 Writing: 51 Speaking: 42 |
TOEFL iBT | 83 | Listening: 7
Reading: 8 Writing: 18 Speaking: 16 |
4. Skilled Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 489)
2 Separate Pathways for Skilled Regional Visa | |
Extended stay pathway | Subsequent entry pathway |
Skilled workers who want to work and live in Australia can apply for this visa. | Individuals who want to live and work in regional parts of Australia can apply for this visa. |
There is no requirement to pass an English language test | You will need an overall IELTS score of 4.5 and a minimum score of 4.5 for each category. |
Must hold Subclass 475, 487, 495, or 496 | Should hold a Skilled Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 489) or a subclass 475, 487, 495, or 496 visa. |
6. Business Innovation and Investment (Provisional) visa (subclass 188)
The business innovation and Investment visa is specific to business owners and managers who are interested in becoming entrepreneurs or establishing their businesses in the country.
Business Innovation Visa | Investment Visa |
The visa allows you to reside in Australia for at least 5 years. | The visa allows you to reside in Australia for at least 5 years. |
Although there is no requirement for occupation, you should be interested in starting a new or operating an existing business in Australia. | You need to be able to invest at least 1.5 million Australian dollars in the country. |
The Australian government agency needs to nominate you. | The Australian government agency needs to nominate you. |
A minimum score of 4.5 overall and 4.5 for each band. | A minimum score of 4.5 overall and 4.5 for each band. |
7. Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 491)
The skilled work regional visa allows you to stay and work in Australia for up to 5 years. However, your name should be on the skilled occupation list. You will also need to pass the skills assessment test. Some of the popular occupations in this list include actuaries and civil engineers.
Categories | Scores and Points Required |
IELTS Score (Overall) | 6 |
IELTS Score (in every category) | 5 |
Get the chance for Australian PR with the Migration
For professional help, count on our educational consultants and migration agents at Migration. We will provide you with complete assistance and guidance throughout your Australian visa application process.
For more information on IELTS Score for Australia PR for all kinds of visas, contact us here.
FAQs for IELTS Score for Australia PR
Q1. What is the validity of IELTS Score for Australia PR?
A1. The validity of the IELTS Score for Australia PR is 2 years. The date starts from the date your test was conducted. The test is a global 9-band test that measures your proficiency in English.
Q2. Is 6.5 a good IELTS Score for Australian PR?
A2. 6.5 is an average score for IELTS for Australian PR. The minimum score you need is 6 overall and 6 in every of the four bands. If you get a score higher than 7, you get additional points.
Q3. What is the highest IELTS Score for Australia PR?
A3. The highest IELTS Score for Australia PR is 10. Individuals get 0 points if they have a band score of 6. If you have a band of 7, you get 10 additional points and for a band of 8, you get 20 immigration points.
Q4. Is IELTS a good test?
A4. There is a general consensus in the world that IELTS is the best test for migration to Australia. It is applicable in Canada, New Zealand, UK, and Australia.
Q5. What is the minimum IELTS score required for Australian immigration?
A5. To immigrate to Australia, you need a minimum IELTS score of 6.0 in all four sections: speaking, listening, reading, and writing.
Q.6. What is the minimum IELTS score for an Australian work visa?
A.6. For an Australian work visa, you generally need an overall IELTS score of 6.0, with at least 5.0 in each section.