Language Requirements for Different Skilled Visas in Australia
Education qualification, Skilled Experience, and Language Score are the three basic visa criteria you might see as eligibility for various visas in Australia. Among these, the English language requirement stands out as a consistent standard across most visa categories. This uniformity ensures that migrants entering Australia for work or study have the necessary language skills to perform their duties effectively and integrate seamlessly into the community without having communication as a barrier.
To prove English proficiency, applicants can undertake several recognized tests, such as the IELTS and TOEFL Etc. Every visa has its own set of score requirements to make sure you have the right English skills.
As we have covered the age requirements for various skilled visas earlier, this article focuses on the language requirements associated with different visa types, such as skilled visas, employer-sponsored visas, student visas, and post-study work visas.
Different Levels of English Proficiency
Australian Immigration consolidates various approved test scores into clear categories. It groups scores into a few levels that range from basic to advanced. These levels help applicants understand where they stand and what they need to accomplish for their visa.Functional English
Functional English demonstrates basic English skills. For example, an overall IELTS score of 4.5 or a TOEFL score of 32 is needed. Other tests are also accepted.Vocational English
This level requires moderate English ability. For example, a score of 5 in each IELTS component or a TOEFL score of 4 for listening, 4 for reading, 14 for writing, and 14 for speaking meets the criteria.Competent English
At this stage, common English proficiency is expected. For instance, an IELTS score of 6 in each component or TOEFL scores of 12 for listening, 13 for reading, 21 for writing, and 18 for speaking is necessary.Proficient English
In this category, a strong command of English is required. For example, achieving an IELTS score of 7 in each component or TOEFL scores of 24 for listening, 24 for reading, 27 for writing, and 23 for speaking demonstrates the needed skill level.Superior English
At the highest level, advanced English skills are expected. For example, an IELTS score of 8 in each component or TOEFL scores of 28 for listening, 29 for reading, 30 for writing, and 26 for speaking are necessary.Visa Categories and Their Language Demands in Australia
Designed for people who can help fulfill the demand for skilled workers in the labor market, these skilled visas help individuals with work experience and qualifications find better career options in Australia.| Visa Type | Stream / Category | Language Requirement |
| Regional Sponsor Migration Scheme (Subclass 187) | Temporary Residence Transition | At least Competent English; exempt if completed 5 years of full-time study in a secondary or higher education institution in English |
| Employer Nomination Scheme (Subclass 186) | Direct Entry | At least Competent English |
| Employer Nomination Scheme (Subclass 186) | Labour Agreement | As specified in the labour agreement |
| Employer Nomination Scheme (Subclass 186) | Temporary Resident Transition | At least Competent English |
| Temporary Skill Shortage Visa (Subclass 482) | — | Refer to the separate list below |
| Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) Visa (Subclass 494) | Employer Sponsored Stream | At least Competent English |
| Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) Visa (Subclass 494) | Labour Agreement Stream | As specified in the labour agreement |
| Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) Visa (Subclass 494) | Subsequent Entrant | Functional English |
| Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485) | — | Refer to the separate list below |
| Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa (Subclass 491) | Main Applicant | At least Competent English |
| Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190) | — | At least Competent English |
| Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189) | Points-tested stream | At least Competent English |
| Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189) | Hong Kong stream | Functional English |
Temporary Skill Shortage Visa (Subclass 482)
You are exempt from proving English proficiency if you,- Hold a passport from Canada, New Zealand, Ireland, the UK, or the USA.
- Completed 5+ years of full-time study at a secondary or higher level with most classes taught in English (provide institution details, qualification level, transcript, weekly contact hours, and study duration).
- Nominated to work at a diplomatic or consular mission or the Office of the Authorities of Taiwan.
- Hold a licence, registration, or membership granted after proving English proficiency equal to or higher than the required level.
- Employed by an overseas business nominated for an Australian role under the Core and Specialist Skills streams, with guaranteed annual earnings of at least AUD96,400.
Core Skills and Specialist Skills Streams
| Test | Required Results |
| IELTS | Overall band 5.0 minimum; at least 5 in each component |
| OET | Minimum score of ‘B’ in each component |
| TOEFL iBT | Total score at least 35; min 4 for listening/reading; min 14 for speaking/writing |
| PTE Academic | Overall score at least 36; at least 36 in each component |
| Cambridge C1 Advanced | Overall score at least 154; at least 154 in each component |
Labour agreement stream
You must have sufficient English skills for your role as detailed in your Labour agreement.Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485)
The Temporary Graduate Visa has two main pathways: the Post-Vocational Education Work stream and the Post-Higher Education Work stream. Both streams share similar language requirements.| Test | General Requirements | BNO/HK Passport Requirements |
| IELTS | Overall score of at least 6.5; minimum of 5.5 in each component | Overall score of at least 6; minimum of 5 in each component |
| TOEFL iBT | Total score of at least 83; minimum scores: Listening 7, Reading 8, Writing 18, Speaking 16 | Total score of at least 64; minimum scores: Listening 4, Reading 4, Writing 14, Speaking 14 |
| PTE Academic | Overall score of at least 57; minimum scores: Listening 43, Reading 48, Speaking 42, Writing 51 | Overall score of at least 50; minimum score of 36 in each component |
| OET | At least a ‘B’ in each of the four components | At least a ‘B’ in each of the four components |
| Cambridge C1 Advanced | Overall score of at least 176; minimum of 162 in each component | Overall score of at least 169; minimum of 154 in each component |
Student Visa (Subclass 500)
The English language requirement for the Student Visa is set by the Department of Home Affairs and applies to every applicant, no matter which course they choose. While individual educational institutions may impose higher language proficiency standards for admission, for the visa you only need to meet the minimum requirement, either by providing an approved test score or by qualifying for an exemption. You do not need to provide an English test score if any of the following apply:- Hold a passport from the UK, USA, Canada, New Zealand, or the Republic of Ireland.
- Are a Foreign Affairs/Defence sponsored student or a Secondary Exchange student (AASES).
- Are enrolled in a registered school course or an ELICOS course, a course delivered in a language other than English, or a registered postgraduate research course.
- Have completed at least 5 years of study in English in Australia, the UK, the USA, Canada, New Zealand, South Africa, or the Republic of Ireland.
- In the 2 years before applying, completed either the Australian Senior Secondary Certificate of Education in English or a substantial component of a course at Certificate IV level or higher while holding a Student visa.
