English Language Tests for Skilled Visas – What You Should Know
Do I need an English test to apply for an Australia visa?
English proficiency is a key requirement for most skilled visas in Australia, but how much you need, and whether you should sit a test at all, depends entirely on your personal migration plan.
Whether you’re applying for a Subclass 189, 190, or 491 visa, your English level can determine your eligibility, influence your total points, and even impact your chances of state nomination. But it’s not always as straightforward as people think.
Do You Need to Sit a Test?
For many applicants, the answer is yes, but not always for the same reason.
In some cases, you’ll need to meet a minimum English level to be eligible at all. In others, sitting a test is optional, but may help you claim extra points in your Expression of Interest (EOI).
Even applicants from English-speaking countries sometimes benefit from sitting a test, but only if the gain aligns with a broader strategy.
English language requirements for family members
The acceptable level of English language is usually lower for partners and children over 18 years of age than it is for the principal applicant (main visa holder/seeker). There are also exemptions available under certain visa categories. See below for more information.
How can I prove that I meet the requirements?
The Australian Government recognises several English tests including IELTS, PTE, and others but the ideal test for your situation depends on your background, occupation, and scoring needs.
Each test has its own scoring system, and not all tests suit all applicants. Selecting the wrong one could delay your plans or waste valuable time and money.
As a general comment, you may typically prove your English skills via a recognised test such as IELTS (International English Language Testing System), PTE (Pearson Test of English Academic), TOEFL IBT (Test of English as a Foreign Language Internet-based Test), OET (Occupational English Test), or FCE (Cambridge English: First).
- IELTS: www.ielts.org
- OET: www.occupationalenglishtest.org
- Cambridge C1 Advanced test: https://www.cambridgeenglish.org/exams-and-tests/advanced/
- PTE: Academic: www.pearsonpte.com
- TOEFL iBT: www.ets.org/toe/ibt/about
The IELTS test the most widely accepted. Please note that some skills assessing authority may require you to sit a specific test from the above list and/or score certain points in each band.
To prove Competent level of English, evidence of being a citizen of and holding a valid passport issued by the United Kingdom, the United States of America, Canada, New Zealand or the Republic of Ireland is acceptable. Alternatively, you can sit one of the above English tests where you will need to score minimum 6 in each band if opting for the IELTS test (General or Academic)
What Score Do You Actually Need?
The answer depends on your points profile, occupation, and visa goals. There are different thresholds depending on whether you simply need to meet a requirement or are trying to earn bonus points to stand out in the selection process.
Even if you’re already eligible, boosting your English score may help you:
- Strengthen your EOI
- Increase your chances of nomination
- Become more competitive in your occupation group
But it’s not one-size-fits-all and in some cases, an English test might make little difference at all.
What About Partner Points?
If you’re applying with a partner and want to claim additional points, their English ability also comes into play. But the rules are specific, and the required documentation needs to be handled carefully.
Who needs to meet the minimum standard?
General Skilled Migration (GSM) Visas
The principal applicant and partner if claiming points for partner’s skills or English. Everyone else aged 18 or over included in the application, unless exempt.
This popular category is meant to attract skilled professionals into Australia. As such, the requirements are relatively high with an IELTS test band score result of at least 7 in each band required for the principal applicant and at least 6 in each band for their partner (for points purposes).
If not claiming points for English, the principal applicant will only need to score at least 6 in each band – Competent English or hold a valid passport from one of these countries: Canada, New Zealand, United Kingdom, United States or Ireland.
Other English tests are also acceptable, and your personal Migration Agent can make recommendations.
If not claiming points for partner’s skills or English, the partner and children aged 18 will only need to score an overall band score of at least 4.5 – Functional English. The family members can be exempt from sitting an English test if they each hold a valid passport from a certain country or undertook their schooling or tertiary education at an institution where all instruction was in English.
While English Tests completed within 36 months prior to lodgement of a visa application will be accepted by the Department of Home Affairs for points purposes, Functional English requires testing to have been done at most 12 months before lodgement.
If your partner and/or children do not meet the requirements, you will be required to pay the English Language Charge (2nd instalment)
Employer Sponsored temporary visas
Only principal applicants for Sc 482 visa, also known as the Temporary Skills Shortage (TSS) must meet the minimum standard of English with an IELTS test band score result of at least 5 in each band if applying under Medium and Long Term stream.
Principal applicants applying under Short Term stream of Sc 482 visa must meet the minimum standard of English with an IELTS test band score result of at least 5 overall.
The principal applicant under either of the above streams can be exempt from sitting an English test if they hold a valid passport from one of these countries: Canada, New Zealand, United Kingdom, United States or Ireland or undertook their secondary schooling at an institution where all instruction was in English. Further exemptions are available based on the employment offered and your personal Agent can confirm if any of those applies in your case.
Principal applicants applying of Sc 494 visa must meet the minimum standard of English with an IELTS test band score result of at least 6 overall unless they hold a valid passport from one of these countries: Canada, New Zealand, United Kingdom, United States or Ireland. The partner and children aged 18 will need to score an overall band score of at least 4.5 – Functional English, unless exempt.
Employer Sponsored residence visas
Principal applicants for residence class visas under Employer Nomination Scheme (Sc 186 or Sc 187 visas) must meet the minimum standard of English with an IELTS test band score result of at least 6 in each band, regardless of the stream (Direct Entry and Temporary Residence Transition) or hold a valid passport from one of these countries: Canada, New Zealand, United Kingdom, United States or Ireland.
Principal applicant for Sc 187 visa applying under Temporary Residence Transition stream can be exempt from sitting the English test if they have completed at least 5 years of full-time study in a secondary or higher education institution where all tuition was delivered in English.
The partner and dependent children will need to provide evidence of Functional English or pay an English Language Charge (2nd instalment) before receiving their visas.
Business Visa categories
Minimum Functional Level for each applicant aged 18 and above for most business visa subclasses, however an English test with at least Vocational level will be required from the principal applicant if claiming points for English in the points-tested business visas
Applicants with less than functional English will need to pay an English Language Charge (2nd instalment) before receiving their visas.
Family Visa categories
There is no requirement to meet a minimum level of English if you are applying under any of the family/partnership categories.
English Language Charge (2nd instalment)
You might be required to pay an extra visa application charge also known as the second instalment for any applicant 18 years old or older who has less than functional English. The second instalment charge varies and depends on the visa subclass: AUD4,885 for each family member included in one of GSM residence class visa, AU$4890 for each family member included in GSM provisional visa, AU$9800 for each family member included in Employer Nominated Scheme residence visas, AU$9,795 for the principal applicant applying for a business visa, AU$4,890 for each family member included in a business visa.
Why Speak to Us First?
Before you book an English test or start preparing, it’s worth speaking with an expert. At Australian Shores, we don’t just focus on test scores we look at the bigger picture.
Our team will help you understand:
- If an English test is necessary for your visa or occupation
- Whether it’s worth sitting the test to gain extra points
- Which test (if any) makes the most sense for you or your partner
- What your next step should be based on your full profile
Not sure what visa is right for you?
Take our online eligibility assessment or get in touch with our team!
