English Language Requirement for Skilled & Employer Nominated Visas
If you are applying for Skilled Migration, you will need to prove your English language ability. The required level of English depends on the visa subclass you are applying for and there are 4 different levels of English which may be relevant:
- Superior English: 20 points in GSM points test
- Proficient English: 10 points in GSM points test
- Competent English: threshold requirement for General Skilled Migration and 186 ENS/187 RSMS Direct and Transition stream
- Vocational English
- Functional English: for secondary applicants seeking to avoid paying the English Language Charge
IELTS One Skill Retake (OSR) will be available for certain test takers. OSR allows test takers to retake one of the four test components in either reading, writing, speaking or listening (once only).
For Australian visa purposes, the Department will accept IELTS test results that include OSR, with the exception of applications for subclasses 476, 482, and 485, which need scores from a single sitting/attempt.
Acceptable English Tests
For tests taken on or after 7 August 2025
The department accepts test scores from the following tests that are undertaken at a secure test centre:
-
- Cambridge C1 Advanced Test (C1 Advanced)
- Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program General (CELPIP General)
- International English Language Testing System Academic (IELTS Academic), including One Skill Retake (OSR)
- International English Language Testing System General Training (IELTS General Training), including One Skill Retake (OSR)
- LANGUAGECERT Academic Test (LANGUAGECERT Academic)
- Michigan English Test (MET), including Single Section Retake (SSR)
- Occupational English Test (OET)
- Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE Academic)
- Test of English as a Foreign Language internet-Based Test (TOEFL iBT)
Acceptable English Tests
For tests taken on or before 6 August 2025*
The department still accepts test scores from the following tests, up until certain timeframes, that are undertaken at a secure test centre:
- Cambridge English (CAE) (also known as C1 Advanced)
- International English Language Testing System (IELTS), including One Skill Retake (OSR)
- Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE Academic)
- Occupational English Test (OET)
- Test of English as a Foreign Language internet-Based Test (TOEFL iBT).
*Test results from a test taken on or before 6 August 2025 may be used as evidence of English proficiency for visa purposes until 6 August 2028, inclusive. This will depend on the visa.
Competent English
Competent English
For most skilled visas, you will need to show at least Competent English to meet the threshold criteria. Competent English is also required for the 186 Direct and Transition streams. If you hold a passport from one of the following 5 countries, you can establish competent English without completing an English test:
- Canada
- New Zealand
- United Kingdom
- United States
- Ireland
You achieved one of the test scores in Table 1 or Table 2, in the 3 years before your visa application, depending on the visa subclass.
Table 1 – Competent English approved tests and scores taken on or after 7 August 2025
| Listening | Reading | Writing | Speaking | |
| IELTS Academic & General Training | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 |
| TOEFL iBT | 16 | 16 | 19 | 19 |
| PTE Academic | 47 | 48 | 51 | 54 |
| Occupational English Test (OET) | 290 | 310 | 290 | 330 |
| Cambridge (CAE) | 163 | 163 | 170 | 179 |
| CELPIP General | 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 |
| Michigan English Test (MET) | 56 | 55 | 57 | 48 |
| LANGUGECERT Academic | 57 | 60 | 64 | 70 |
Competent English gives you 0 points in the Skilled Migration Points Test, but is an essential requirement to be able to lodge a skilled visa.
Table 2 – Competent English approved tests and scores taken on or before 6 August 2025*
| Listening | Reading | Writing | Speaking | |
| IELTS Academic & General Training | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 |
| TOEFL iBT | 12 | 13 | 21 | 21 |
| PTE Academic | 50 | 50 | 50 | 50 |
| Occupational English Test (OET) | B | B | B | B |
| Cambridge (CAE) | 169 | 169 | 169 | 169 |
| – | – | – | – | |
| – | – | – | – | |
| – | – | – | – |
Competent English gives you 0 points in the Skilled Migration Points Test, but is an essential requirement to be able to lodge a skilled visa.
* Test results from a test taken on or before 6 August 2025, may be used as evidence of English proficiency for visa purposes until 6 August 2028, inclusive. This will depend on the visa.
Competent English
Proficient English
Applying for Skilled Visa (Subclass 189/190/491). If you demonstrate proficient English, this will give you 10 EOI points for English language ability.
Even native English speakers must undertake English language testing to obtain points for proficient English or higher.
You achieved one of the test scores in Table 1 or Table 2, in the 3 years before your visa application, depending on the visa subclass.
Table 1 – Competent English approved tests and scores taken on or after 7 August 2025
| Listening | Reading | Writing | Speaking | |
| IELTS Academic & IELT General Training | 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 |
| TOEFL iBT | 22 | 22 | 26 | 24 |
| PTE Academic | 58 | 59 | 69 | 76 |
| Occupational English Test (OET) | 350 | 360 | 380 | 360 |
| Cambridge (CAE) | 175 | 179 | 193 | 194 |
| CELPIP General | 9 | 8 | 10 | 8 |
| Michigan English Test (MET) | 61 | 63 | 74 | 59 |
| LANGUGECERT Academic | 67 | 71 | 78 | 82 |
Table 2 – Competent English approved tests and scores taken on or before 6 August 2025*
| Listening | Reading | Writing | Speaking | |
| IELTS Academic & General Training | 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 |
| TOEFL iBT | 24 | 24 | 27 | 23 |
| PTE Academic | 65 | 65 | 65 | 65 |
| Occupational English Test (OET) | B | B | B | B |
| Cambridge (CAE) | 185 | 185 | 185 | 185 |
| – | – | – | – | |
| – | – | – | – | |
| – | – | – | – |
* Test results from a test taken on or before 6 August 2025, may be used as evidence of English proficiency for visa purposes until 6 August 2028, inclusive. This will depend on the visa.
Superior English
Superior English
Applying for Skilled Visa (Subclass 189/190/491). If you demonstrate proficient English, this will give you 20 EOI points for English language ability.
Even native English speakers must undertake English language testing to obtain points for proficient English or higher.
You achieved one of the test scores in Table 1 or Table 2, in the 3 years before your visa application, depending on the visa subclass.
Table 1 – Competent English approved tests and scores taken on or after 7 August 2025
| Listening | Reading | Writing | Speaking | |
| IELTS Academic & IELT General Training | 8 | 8 | 8 | 8 |
| TOEFL iBT | 26 | 27 | 30 | 28 |
| PTE Academic | 69 | 70 | 85 | 88 |
| Occupational English Test (OET) | 390 | 400 | 420 | 400 |
| Cambridge (CAE) | 186 | 190 | 210 | 208 |
| CELPIP General | 10 | 10 | 12 | 10 |
| Michigan English Test (MET) | – | – | – | – |
| LANGUGECERT Academic | 80 | 83 | 89 | 89 |
Table 2 – Competent English approved tests and scores taken on or before 6 August 2025*
| Listening | Reading | Writing | Speaking | |
| IELTS Academic or General Training | 8 | 8 | 8 | 8 |
| TOEFL iBT | 28 | 29 | 30 | 26 |
| PTE Academic | 79 | 79 | 79 | 79 |
| Occupational English Test (OET) | A | A | A | A |
| Cambridge (CAE) | 200 | 200 | 200 | 200 |
| – | – | – | – | |
| – | – | – | – | |
| – | – | – | – |
* Test results from a test taken on or before 6 August 2025, may be used as evidence of English proficiency for visa purposes until 6 August 2028, inclusive. This will depend on the visa.
Functional English
Functional English
As secondary applicant (e.g. spouse or partner) , if you have less than functional English, then you would need to pay the “English Education Charge” to cover English language tuition in applying for skilled migration.
To prove you have functional English, show us evidence of one of the following:
- You are a citizen of, and hold a valid passport issued by, one of the following countries:
- Canada
- New Zealand
- The Republic of Ireland
- The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
- The United States of America.
- You completed a degree, a higher degree, a diploma or a trade certificate in an institution in or outside Australia that required at least 2 years of full-time study or training, and all instructions were in English.
- You completed education at the institutions for the study times set out at Table 1.
- You achieved one of the test scores in Table 2 or Table 3 in the 12 months before your visa application.
Table 1 – Functional English education institutions and study time
| Educational institutions | Study time |
|---|---|
| A primary school and secondary school, in or outside Australia, where all instruction was in English | All years of primary and at least 3 years of secondary education |
| A secondary school, in or outside Australia, where all instruction was in English | At least 5 years of secondary education |
An institution in Australia, where all instruction was in English, towards one of the following awards:
|
|
Applying for migration to Australia can be complex, so we recommend that you book a consultation to check your likely eligibility for immigration to Australia before you proceed with an application.
Table 2 – Functional English approved tests and scores taken on or after 7 August 2025
| Test | Scores |
|---|---|
| CELPIP General | An overall band score of at least 5 |
| IELTS Academic | An average band score of at least 4.5 |
| IELTS General Training | An average band score of at least 4.5 |
| Michigan English Test (MET) | An overall band score of at least 38 |
| Occupational English Test (OET) | An overall band score of at least 1020 |
| LANGUAGECERT Academic | An overall band score of at least 38 |
| PTE Academic | An overall band score of at least 24 |
| TOEFL iBT | A total score of at least 26 |
Table 3 – Functional English approved tests and scores taken on or before 6 August 2025*
| Test | Scores |
|---|---|
| Cambridge C1 Advanced Test (C1 Advanced)
Previously known as Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE) |
A total band score of at least 147 |
| IELTS Academic or General Training | An average band score of at least 4.5 |
| PTE Academic | A total band score of at least 30 |
| TOEFL iBT | A total band score of at least 32 |
* Test results from a test taken on or before 6 August 2025, may be used as evidence of English proficiency for visa purposes until 6 August 2026, inclusive. This will depend on the visa.
Vocational English
Vocational English is the required level to obtain for RSMS 187 visa through the Temporary Residence Transitional stream for people who have held a TSS visa for 3 years with the employer.
To prove you have vocational English, show us evidence of one of the following:
1. You are a citizen of, and hold a valid passport issued by, one of the following countries:
- Canada
- New Zealand
- The Republic of Ireland
- The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
- The United States of America
2. You achieved one of the test scores in Table 1 or Table 2 in the 3 years before your visa application, depending on the visa subclass.
Table 1 – Vocational English approved tests and scores taken on or after 7 August 2025
| Listening | Reading | Writing | Speaking | |
| CELPIP General | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| IELTS Academic The department accepts IELTS test results that include One Skill Retake (OSR) for eligible visas. |
5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| IELTS General Training | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Michigan English Test (MET) | 49 | 47 | 45 | 38 |
| Occupational English Test (OET)
This test is developed for health professionals. The OET scoring format was previously alphabetical and changed to numerical on 7 August 2025. OET does not currently provide overall test results on test score reports. However, you can get your overall OET score results by contacting OET. |
220 | 240 | 200 | 270 |
| LANGUAGECERT Academic Test (LANGUGECERT Academic) | 41 | 44 | 45 | 54 |
| PTE Academic
PTE Academic has the same name as the previous version of the test that was accepted before7 August 2025. However, the test and scores are different. |
33 | 36 | 29 | 24 |
| TOEFL iBT
From 26 July 2023 to 4 May 2024, the TOEFL iBT test was not approved for Australian visa purposes. |
8 | 8 | 9 | 14 |
Table 2 – Vocational English approved tests and scores taken on or before 6 August 2025*
| Listening | Reading | Writing | Speaking | |
| Cambridge C1 Advanced Test (C1 Advanced)
Previously known as Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE) From 12 February 2024 to 6 August 2025, the department will only accept results from the Cambridge C1 Advanced paper-based test. The department will still accept tests taken before 12 February 2024 and within specified validity periods, for C1 Advanced paper-based and computer-based tests. |
154 | 154 | 154 | 154 |
| IELTS Academic or General Training
From 14 December 2022, the department accepts IELTS test results that include One Skill Retake (OSR) for eligible visas. |
5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| – | – | – | – | |
| Occupational English Test (OET)
This test is developed for health professionals. The OET scoring format was previously alphabetical and changed to numerical on 7 August 2025. OET does not currently provide overall test results on test score reports. However, you can get your overall OET score results by contacting OET. |
B | B | B | B |
| |
– | – | – | – |
| PTE Academic
PTE Academic has the same name as the test available from 7 August 2025, however, the test and scores are different. |
36 | 36 | 36 | 36 |
| TOEFL iBT
From 26 July 2023 to 4 May 2024, the TOEFL iBT test was not approved for Australian visa purposes. |
4 | 4 | 14 | 14 |
Competent English
For most skilled visas, you will need to show at least Competent English to meet the threshold criteria. Competent English is also required for the 186 Direct and Transition streams. If you hold a passport from one of the following 5 countries, you can establish competent English without completing an English test:
- Canada
- New Zealand
- United Kingdom
- United States
- Ireland
You achieved one of the test scores in Table 1 or Table 2, in the 3 years before your visa application, depending on the visa subclass.
Table 1 – Competent English approved tests and scores taken on or after 7 August 2025
| Listening | Reading | Writing | Speaking | |
| IELTS Academic & General Training | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 |
| TOEFL iBT | 16 | 16 | 19 | 19 |
| PTE Academic | 47 | 48 | 51 | 54 |
| Occupational English Test (OET) | 290 | 310 | 290 | 330 |
| Cambridge (CAE) | 163 | 163 | 170 | 179 |
| CELPIP General | 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 |
| Michigan English Test (MET) | 56 | 55 | 57 | 48 |
| LANGUGECERT Academic | 57 | 60 | 64 | 70 |
Competent English gives you 0 points in the Skilled Migration Points Test, but is an essential requirement to be able to lodge a skilled visa.
Table 2 – Competent English approved tests and scores taken on or before 6 August 2025*
| Listening | Reading | Writing | Speaking | |
| IELTS Academic & General Training | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 |
| TOEFL iBT | 12 | 13 | 21 | 21 |
| PTE Academic | 50 | 50 | 50 | 50 |
| Occupational English Test (OET) | B | B | B | B |
| Cambridge (CAE) | 169 | 169 | 169 | 169 |
| – | – | – | – | |
| – | – | – | – | |
| – | – | – | – |
Competent English gives you 0 points in the Skilled Migration Points Test, but is an essential requirement to be able to lodge a skilled visa.
* Test results from a test taken on or before 6 August 2025, may be used as evidence of English proficiency for visa purposes until 6 August 2028, inclusive. This will depend on the visa.
Proficient English
Applying for Skilled Visa (Subclass 189/190/491). If you demonstrate proficient English, this will give you 10 EOI points for English language ability.
Even native English speakers must undertake English language testing to obtain points for proficient English or higher.
You achieved one of the test scores in Table 1 or Table 2, in the 3 years before your visa application, depending on the visa subclass.
Table 1 – Competent English approved tests and scores taken on or after 7 August 2025
| Listening | Reading | Writing | Speaking | |
| IELTS Academic & IELT General Training | 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 |
| TOEFL iBT | 22 | 22 | 26 | 24 |
| PTE Academic | 58 | 59 | 69 | 76 |
| Occupational English Test (OET) | 350 | 360 | 380 | 360 |
| Cambridge (CAE) | 175 | 179 | 193 | 194 |
| CELPIP General | 9 | 8 | 10 | 8 |
| Michigan English Test (MET) | 61 | 63 | 74 | 59 |
| LANGUGECERT Academic | 67 | 71 | 78 | 82 |
Table 2 – Competent English approved tests and scores taken on or before 6 August 2025*
| Listening | Reading | Writing | Speaking | |
| IELTS Academic & General Training | 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 |
| TOEFL iBT | 24 | 24 | 27 | 23 |
| PTE Academic | 65 | 65 | 65 | 65 |
| Occupational English Test (OET) | B | B | B | B |
| Cambridge (CAE) | 185 | 185 | 185 | 185 |
| – | – | – | – | |
| – | – | – | – | |
| – | – | – | – |
* Test results from a test taken on or before 6 August 2025, may be used as evidence of English proficiency for visa purposes until 6 August 2028, inclusive. This will depend on the visa.
Superior English
Applying for Skilled Visa (Subclass 189/190/491). If you demonstrate proficient English, this will give you 20 EOI points for English language ability.
Even native English speakers must undertake English language testing to obtain points for proficient English or higher.
You achieved one of the test scores in Table 1 or Table 2, in the 3 years before your visa application, depending on the visa subclass.
Table 1 – Competent English approved tests and scores taken on or after 7 August 2025
| Listening | Reading | Writing | Speaking | |
| IELTS Academic & IELT General Training | 8 | 8 | 8 | 8 |
| TOEFL iBT | 26 | 27 | 30 | 28 |
| PTE Academic | 69 | 70 | 85 | 88 |
| Occupational English Test (OET) | 390 | 400 | 420 | 400 |
| Cambridge (CAE) | 186 | 190 | 210 | 208 |
| CELPIP General | 10 | 10 | 12 | 10 |
| Michigan English Test (MET) | – | – | – | – |
| LANGUGECERT Academic | 80 | 83 | 89 | 89 |
Table 2 – Competent English approved tests and scores taken on or before 6 August 2025*
| Listening | Reading | Writing | Speaking | |
| IELTS Academic or General Training | 8 | 8 | 8 | 8 |
| TOEFL iBT | 28 | 29 | 30 | 26 |
| PTE Academic | 79 | 79 | 79 | 79 |
| Occupational English Test (OET) | A | A | A | A |
| Cambridge (CAE) | 200 | 200 | 200 | 200 |
| – | – | – | – | |
| – | – | – | – | |
| – | – | – | – |
* Test results from a test taken on or before 6 August 2025, may be used as evidence of English proficiency for visa purposes until 6 August 2028, inclusive. This will depend on the visa.
Functional English
As secondary applicant (e.g. spouse or partner) , if you have less than functional English, then you would need to pay the “English Education Charge” to cover English language tuition in applying for skilled migration.
To prove you have functional English, show us evidence of one of the following:
- You are a citizen of, and hold a valid passport issued by, one of the following countries:
- Canada
- New Zealand
- The Republic of Ireland
- The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
- The United States of America.
- You completed a degree, a higher degree, a diploma or a trade certificate in an institution in or outside Australia that required at least 2 years of full-time study or training, and all instructions were in English.
- You completed education at the institutions for the study times set out at Table 1.
- You achieved one of the test scores in Table 2 or Table 3 in the 12 months before your visa application.
Table 1 – Functional English education institutions and study time
| Educational institutions | Study time |
|---|---|
| A primary school and secondary school, in or outside Australia, where all instruction was in English | All years of primary and at least 3 years of secondary education |
| A secondary school, in or outside Australia, where all instruction was in English | At least 5 years of secondary education |
An institution in Australia, where all instruction was in English, towards one of the following awards:
|
|
Applying for migration to Australia can be complex, so we recommend that you book a consultation to check your likely eligibility for immigration to Australia before you proceed with an application.
Table 2 – Functional English approved tests and scores taken on or after 7 August 2025
| Test | Scores |
|---|---|
| CELPIP General | An overall band score of at least 5 |
| IELTS Academic | An average band score of at least 4.5 |
| IELTS General Training | An average band score of at least 4.5 |
| Michigan English Test (MET) | An overall band score of at least 38 |
| Occupational English Test (OET) | An overall band score of at least 1020 |
| LANGUAGECERT Academic | An overall band score of at least 38 |
| PTE Academic | An overall band score of at least 24 |
| TOEFL iBT | A total score of at least 26 |
Table 3 – Functional English approved tests and scores taken on or before 6 August 2025*
| Test | Scores |
|---|---|
| Cambridge C1 Advanced Test (C1 Advanced)
Previously known as Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE) |
A total band score of at least 147 |
| IELTS Academic or General Training | An average band score of at least 4.5 |
| PTE Academic | A total band score of at least 30 |
| TOEFL iBT | A total band score of at least 32 |
* Test results from a test taken on or before 6 August 2025, may be used as evidence of English proficiency for visa purposes until 6 August 2026, inclusive. This will depend on the visa.
Book a meeting today for a commitment free briefing with our Registered Migration Agents in Melbourne to find more about your visa options.
