English Language Requirement for Skilled Migration Australia

Are you dreaming of moving to Australia to live and work? The General Skilled Visa might be the perfect choice for you. But before you start your application, have you considered the English language requirement for skilled migration Australia?

That’s what most of our clients ask about. 

• Why is English proficiency important for your visa application? 
• How can you prove your English skills? 
• What tests are accepted, and what scores do you need? 

You’ll learn to answer all these questions and more in this blog post, making it easy for you to prepare and succeed in your visa application.

What is a General Skilled Migration Visa?

A General Skilled Visa allows skilled workers to live and work in Australia. It’s designed for people who have skills that are in demand in the Australian job market. General skilled visas are of three types, which are:

• Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189)
• Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190)
• Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa (Subclass 491)

To apply for these visas, you need to meet certain requirements, including proving your English language proficiency.

English Language Requirement for Skilled Migration Australia

The minimum English language level required for a General Skilled Visa is usually “Competent English.” This means you need to demonstrate a certain level of proficiency in reading, writing, listening, and speaking English.

The Department of Home Affairs accepts several English language tests to prove your proficiency. The most common ones are:

• International English Language Testing System (IELTS)
• Pearson Test of English (PTE)
• Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)

English Language Proficiency Levels

Australia accepts several levels of English proficiency, each with specific requirements. Here is a brief breakdown of each of these levels:

Competent English Level

This is the minimum English language requirement for most skilled migration visas. To meet this level, you must achieve the following scores based on the test you are giving:

• IELTS: A score of 6.0 in each component (listening, reading, writing, speaking).
• TOEFL: Listening: 12, Reading: 13, Writing: 21, Speaking: 18.
• PTE Academic: A score of 50 across all components.
• OET: A minimum grade of B in each component.

Proficient English Level

If you want to score higher points on the General Skilled Migration points test, you need to score the following:

• IELTS: A score of 7.0 in each component.
• TOEFL: Listening: 24, Reading: 27, Writing: 23, Speaking: 24.
• PTE Academic: A score of 65 across all components.
• OET: A minimum grade of B in each component.

Superior English Level

If you achieve this level in English, you will get maximum points (20 points) on the General Skilled Migration points test. Here is the required score to achieve this level based on different test formats:

• IELTS: A score of 8.0 in each component.
• TOEFL: Listening: 28, Reading: 29, Writing: 30, Speaking: 26.
• PTE Academic: A score of 79 across all components.
• OET: A minimum grade of A in each component.

The table below shows an overview of the comparison of the required scores across different tests:

Exemptions From English Language Requirement

Not everyone needs to take an English test to prove their proficiency. If you’re from one of these countries, Canada, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, the United States, or Ireland, you can establish competent English without a test.

Moreover, if you’ve completed a degree or diploma in an English-speaking institution for at least two years or have undergone primary and secondary education where instruction was in English, you may also qualify without testing.

What are the Tips to Meet English Language Requirements for Skilled Visa?

Here are some simple tips to help you meet the English language requirement for a General Skilled Visa in Australia:

• Start preparing well in advance to give yourself enough time to study and practice.
• Research and choose the right test that suits you best (IELTS, PTE, TOEFL).
• Use quality study materials such as official prep books, online courses, and practice tests.
• Practice regularly and dedicate time each day to practice all sections of the test.
• Focus on all four skills by improving your reading, writing, listening, and speaking.
• Take advantage of online resources such as YouTube lessons, language learning apps, and online forums.
• Set realistic goals, celebrate progress, and stay motivated.

By following these tips, you’ll be well-prepared to meet the English language requirement for your visa application. 

Final Thoughts

To conclude, the minimum English language level required for a General Skilled Visa in Australia is “Competent English.” You can prove your proficiency by taking an accepted English language test and achieving the required scores. 

So, prepare well and understand the requirements to succeed in your visa application. If you need further assistance regarding your visa application, schedule an appointment with us at The Migration.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the minimum English language requirement for skilled migration to Australia?

To apply for most skilled migration visas, you need to show that you have at least competent English. This usually means scoring 6.0 in each part of the IELTS test (listening, reading, writing, and speaking). Other tests like TOEFL, PTE, and OET have similar score requirements.

What if I don’t meet the English language requirement?

If you do not meet the required level of English, you can:

• Retake the language test and try for a higher score.
• Join an English preparation course to improve your skills before taking the test again.

Can I take the test multiple times?

Yes, you can take the approved English tests as many times as you need until you get your desired score. Just make sure your test results are valid when you apply for your visa.

When do I need to provide proof of my English language proficiency?

You usually need to provide proof of your English skills:

• When you receive an invitation for Subclass 189 and 190 visas.
• When you apply for the Employer Nomination Scheme (Subclass 186) and the Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme (Subclass 187).