Demonstrate your English language proficiency, meet visa requirements, and unlock your pathway to skilled migration in a country known for opportunity, stability and a welcoming community.

Hays Migration English Requirement

Prove your English proficiency in Australia

Pathway to meeting visa language requirements

English language testing in Australia, recognized by trusted authorities and migration pathways.

Understand the English levels, tests, and scores needed for your visa pathway.

English proficiency is an essential requirement for most Australian visas. Whether you are applying for skilled migration, employer sponsorship, or student visas, the Department of Home Affairs requires applicants to demonstrate that they have the English ability needed to study, work, and communicate effectively in Australia.

Recent updates by the Department (including changes to accepted tests and score alignment) mean that understanding the English requirement has become more important than ever for a smooth visa process.

This guide outlines the accepted English tests, the different English levels used in migration law, exemptions, score validity, and how these requirements apply across various visa subclasses.

Understand the English levels, tests, and scores needed for your visa pathway.

Approved English Language Tests

To meet English requirements, you must take an approved English test at a secure test centre (online or “at-home” versions are not accepted).

Australia currently accepts the following tests:

  • IELTS (International English Language Testing System) – Most widely used

  • PTE Academic (Pearson Test of English Academic) – Popular for fast results

  • TOEFL iBT – Note: Tests taken between July 2023–May 2024 are not accepted

  • OET (Occupational English Test) – For health professionals

  • Cambridge C1 Advanced (CAE)

  • CELPIP General – Newly accepted

  • LanguageCert Academic – Newly accepted

English Levels & Required Scores

Migration law groups English ability into five distinct levels and your required level depends entirely on the visa you are applying for.

Below is a simplified table showing IELTS and PTE equivalents for the most common levels:

English Levels for Migration

English LevelWho Requires It?IELTSPTE Academic
Functional EnglishDependants (partners/spouses) to avoid the “English charge”Average 4.5Overall 30
Vocational EnglishSome employer-sponsored visas (e.g., 482)5.0 in each component36 in each component
Competent EnglishMinimum for most Skilled Migration visas (189, 190, 491)6.0 in each component50 in each component
Proficient EnglishGives 10 points for Skilled Migration7.0 in each component65 in each component
Superior EnglishGives 20 points for Skilled Migration8.0 in each component79 in each component

Important: You must achieve the score in every component (Listening, Reading, Writing, Speaking). A single low band will not meet Competent, Vocational, Proficient, or Superior English.

Passport

English Test Exemption

In some cases, you may be exempted to take an English text if you hold a valid passport from certain countries such as:

  • United Kingdom

  • United States of America

  • Canada

  • New Zealand

  • Republic of Ireland

These passports satisfy Competent English automatically for most visa subclasses.

Validity of Test Results

Understanding test validity is crucial for timing your visa application:

  • Skilled Migration (GSM): English test results are valid for 3 years from the exam date.
  • Functional English: Results must be less than 12 months old at the time of application.

Because timing mismatches can cause invitations or visa refusals, applicants should plan their English test strategy carefully.

How English Requirements Apply Across Different Visa Types

Visa CategoryMinimum English RequirementNotes / Additional Information
Skilled Migration (subclass 189, 190, 491)Competent English
  • Required at the time of invitation.
  • Higher English gives more points:— Proficient: +10 points— Superior: +20 points
Employer-Sponsored Visas (482, 186, 494)Vocational or Competent English (depends on stream & occupation)
  • Some occupations require Vocational English (e.g., trades under Subclass 482).
  • Competent English is often needed for permanent streams (e.g., 186).
  • Certain exemptions apply (e.g., high salary, specific passports).
Student Visa (subclass 500)Varies by education provider
  • Entry level depends on course and provider (e.g., IELTS 5.5 for many VET courses).
  • Packaged English (ELICOS) may be accepted.
Temporary Graduate Visa (subclass 485)Competent English
  • Required for all 485 streams.• Test results must be valid at lodgement.
Family & Partner VisasFunctional English (for secondary applicants)
  • If not met, applicants may need to pay a second instalment charge (English charge).
  • Primary applicant usually does not need to meet English requirements.
Other Visa Streams (Training, Business, Temporary Work)Depends on visa subclass
  • Requirements vary widely; some training visas require evidence of English to undertake placement safely.
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Let Us Assess Your English Eligibility

English requirements can be confusing — especially with the recent changes to approved tests and score alignment. A difference of one point can decide whether you gain 10 or 20 points, or whether your visa meets the criteria at all.

Our team can help you:

  • Determine which English test best fits your strengths

  • Confirm exactly which score you need for your visa and EOI strategy

  • Review your results to ensure you meet each component requirement

  • Plan retakes or One Skill Retake strategies (where available)

  • Maximise your Skilled Migration points through English proficiency

  • Check if you might already be exempt from testing

Let us analyse your English level and guide you toward the best strategy for your visa pathway.