Are English language visa requirements compulsory for all Australian visas? If you also want to know the answer to this question then you are at the right place.
When applying for a skilled worker visa, permanent visa, or student visa for Australia, you must fulfill this criterion of English language visa requirements. You must offer proof that your English language proficiency meets the requirements set forth by the Department of Home Affairs.
Depending on the kind of visa you’re looking for, you’ll need to show documentation at a different level. For most work and permanent visas, you must speak English at least at a functional or competent level. Suppose you want to know the minimum English language visa requirements for your chosen visa subclass. In that case, you should browse through the eligibility pages of your visa subclass on the department of home affairs’ official website.
What are the Acceptable Tests for English Language Visa Requirements?
The Department accepts the following exams taken at a secure testing facility for the English language visa requirements:
- TOEFL iBT
- IELTS with the inclusion of One Skill Retake (OSR)
- PTE
- Cambridge English (CAE)
- OET (designed specifically for health professionals)
It was announced on December 14, 2022, that specific IELTS test takers could repeat their one-skill assessment. During this period. To qualify for the OSR, the exam-taker must retake one of the four test components in reading, writing, speaking, and listening to be prepared for the test (this can only be done once).
According to the Australian English language visa requirements, subclasses 476, 482, and 485 accept scores only from an IELTS test of a single sitting. The Department of home affairs also accepts IELTS results that contain OSR as part of the English language visa requirement.
What are the Levels of English Language Visa Requirements?
There are many levels of English proficiency for different visas. You must meet the minimum English language requirements for your specific visa subclass.
1. Functional English
The conditions are as follows to demonstrate that you can communicate at a functional English level.
- You should be a US, UK, Ireland, Canadian, and New Zealand, citizen. British National (Overseas) passport stamps are not recognized.
- An English-taught degree, higher degree, diploma, or trade certificate granted by a university inside or outside of Australia took at least two years to complete full-time.
- Your education was completed at one of the following:
| Institution | Study Duration |
| A school with all instruction in English, in or out of Australia | A minimum of 3 secondary years plus all primary years |
| English-only secondary school in or outside Australia | At least 5 years of study |
| English-only medium of instruction institution in Australia | At least one year of full-time study toward an award |
| English-only medium of instruction institution in Australia | Equivalent to 1 year of full-time study |
- Before applying for the visa, you should have scored one of the following:
| Test | Score |
| (IELTS Academic or General Training) | Scores of at least 4.5 on all four components |
| (TOEFL iBT) | Speaking, reading, writing, and listening band scores of at least 32 |
| PTE Academic | Having a total band score of at least 30 |
| Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE) | A total band score of 147 based on four components |
2. Vocational English
The conditions are as follows to demonstrate that you can communicate at an English vocational level.
- You should be a US, UK, Ireland, Canadian, and New Zealand, citizen. British National (Overseas) passport stamps are not recognized.
- At least three years before applying for this visa, you scored one of the following:
| Test | Score |
| IELTS (Academic / General) | Each component must have at least 5 scores |
| TOEFL iBT | At least 4 for listening and reading; 14 for writing and speaking |
| PTE Academic | Each test component must have 36 score |
| OET (Occupational English Test ) | Each test component must score B |
| Cambridge C1 Advanced test | Each component must have at least 4 score |
3. Competent English
The conditions are as follows to demonstrate that you can communicate at a competent English level.
- You should be a US, UK, Ireland, Canadian, and New Zealand, citizen. British National (Overseas) passport stamps are not recognized.
| Test | Score |
| IELTS (Academic / General) | Each component must have at least 6 score |
| TOEFL iBT | At least 12 for listening, 13 for reading, 21 for writing, and 18 for speaking |
| PTE Academic | Each component must have at least 50 score |
| OET (Occupational English Test) | At least B |
| Cambridge C1 Advanced test | Each component must have at least 169 score |
4. Proficient English
The conditions are as follows to demonstrate that you can communicate at a proficient English level.
| Test | Score |
| IELTS (Academic / General) | Each component must have at least 7 score |
| TOEFL iBT | 24 for listening, 24 for reading, 27 for writing, and 23 for speaking |
| PTE Academic | Each component must have at least 65 score |
| OET (Occupational English Test) | Each component must have B |
| Cambridge C1 Advanced test | Each component must have at least 185 score |
5. Superior English
The conditions are as follows to demonstrate that you can communicate at a superior English level.
| Test | Score |
| IELTS (Academic / General) | Each component must have 8 score |
| TOEFL iBT | At least 28 for listening, 29 for reading, 30 for writing and 26 for speaking |
| PTE Academic | Each component must have at least 79 score |
| OET (Occupational English Test) | Each component must have A |
| Cambridge C1 Advanced test | Each component must have 200 score |
Do Online (at-home) Tests Fulfill English Language Visa Requirements for Australia?
The TOEFL iBT – Special Home Edition, the OET at Home, the IELTS Indicator, and the IELTS Online are examples of alternate exams that certain test providers offer that may be taken at home or online. It is significant to note that for Australian immigration purposes, the Department of Home Affairs does not recognize the results of these examinations or any other “at-home” or “online” tests. You must satisfy your English language visa requirements by taking one of the tests mentioned above.
In a Nutshell
You must satisfy your English language visa requirements to be eligible for an Australian visa. It is essential to realize that depending on the kind of visa you are applying for; you will need to provide documentation at a different level. To qualify for most permanent and work visas, you must be able to speak English at least at a functional or competent level. Also, you can not be eligible for any Australian visa unless you provide proof of your english proficiency.
The Migration can provide you with complete guidance and visa services if you wish to migrate to Australia for study or work. Book a consultation with our professional consultants. Also, keep browsing our website for more information!
Related Articles
- IELTS and its Importance for Australian Immigration
- All You Need To Know About IELTS For Australian Immigration
- Top 10 FAQs about Student Visas – Study in Australia!
I’m Nasir Nawaz. I’m a registered migration consultant in Australia. I am based in Sydney. I’ve studied Master of Laws at the University of New South Wales. I’m providing immigration services for several years.
Consult with me for legal advice on Australian visas to permanently live, study, and work in Australia.
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Nasir Nawazhttps://themigration.com.au/staging/author/ehsanthemigration-com-au/
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Nasir Nawazhttps://themigration.com.au/staging/author/ehsanthemigration-com-au/
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Nasir Nawazhttps://themigration.com.au/staging/author/ehsanthemigration-com-au/
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Nasir Nawazhttps://themigration.com.au/staging/author/ehsanthemigration-com-au/
