The minimum English language requirement is an outcome of competent unless otherwise specified by assessing / licensing or registration body or on the Northern Territory (NT) Migration Occupation List. Competent means the equivalent of at least IELTS 6.0 in each band level.
NT Government accepts all English tests approved by Australian Government’s Department of Home Affairs.
For a list of language tests accepted and the comparison of test scores go to this page.
Related:
Understanding the English levels for Northern Territory nomination
For the 190 and 491 visas, the Department of Home Affairs requires at least Competent English. Higher levels of English also earn points in the skilled migration points test, and because Northern Territory ranks and selects candidates, a higher score can make a real difference to your chances of being nominated and invited.
| English level | IELTS (each band) | PTE Academic (Listening / Reading / Writing / Speaking) | Points |
| Competent | 6 | 47 / 48 / 51 / 54 | 0 |
| Proficient | 7 | 58 / 59 / 69 / 76 | 10 |
| Superior | 8 | 69 / 70 / 85 / 88 | 20 |
The PTE Academic scores above apply to tests taken from 7 August 2025, when Home Affairs updated its score tables. Tests taken before that date are assessed against the previous scores. For the full tables, including TOEFL iBT, OET, C1 Advanced, CELPIP General, LANGUAGECERT Academic and the Michigan English Test, see our guide to the English test changes from 7 August 2025.
Accepted English tests
- IELTS (General Training or Academic)
- PTE Academic
- TOEFL iBT
- Occupational English Test (OET)
- Cambridge C1 Advanced
- CELPIP General
- LANGUAGECERT Academic
- Michigan English Test (MET), which is not accepted for Superior English
Tests must be taken at a test centre. At-home and online versions of tests are not accepted for visa purposes.
Key rules to remember
- Timing for points: to claim points for Proficient or Superior English, your test must have been taken within 3 years before the date you are invited to apply.
- Passport exemption: citizens of the UK, USA, Canada, New Zealand and the Republic of Ireland who hold a valid passport are taken to have Competent English, but still need a test result to claim English points.
- Your EOI must match your evidence: the English result you claim in your SkillSelect Expression of Interest must be one you can prove with a valid test report when you apply.
Does Northern Territory require a higher English score than Home Affairs?
The NT minimum is Competent English, unless a higher level is set by your assessing, licensing or registration body or shown for your occupation on the NT Migration Occupation List. Check the current NT stream requirements on our Northern Territory nomination page before you apply.
Can I improve my English score after I lodge my EOI?
Yes. You can sit the test again and update your EOI with the better result at any time before you are invited. Your points are assessed as at the date of invitation. Use our points test calculator to see the effect.
Do I need an English test if I am from the UK, USA, Canada, New Zealand or Ireland?
Not to meet Competent English, as your passport is enough. If you want to claim 10 or 20 points for Proficient or Superior English, you need to provide a test result.
Can my partner’s English give me points?
Yes. If you are not claiming points for a skilled partner, you may be able to claim 5 points if your partner has at least Competent English and meets the other partner requirements.
Read more:
Other State Skilled Occupations lists for 190 visa and 489 state sponsored visa
