English Proficiency Criteria for Australian Visas
English is Australia’s national language and a key criterion for every visa category and subclass. Be it a temporary or permanent visa, each applicant is required to meet the English proficiency requirements to obtain a visa. If applicants do not meet the particular visa’s English proficiency requirements, there is a high chance of their visa application being rejected.
Applicants who meet the English proficiency requirements for certain visa categories may receive more points if the visa has a mandatory points test. It is important to be aware of such requirements as they can either make or break one’s visa application.
English Proficiency Tests
To prove their English proficiency, applicants can take any of the following tests, which are accepted by the Australian government.
- International English Language Testing System (IELTS)
- Occupational English Test (OET)
- Pearson Test of English (PTE)
- Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)
- Cambridge Test of English (CAE)
IELTS
This is the most popular test taken by applicants to demonstrate their English proficiency. The Department of Immigration accepts both General Training and Academic tests for assessment purposes. However, it is important to note that some skills assessment authorities require the applicant to undertake the academic version only. The IELTS test results are usually available 14 days post the exam date.
OET
The OET accesses English proficiency levels for individuals in the medical and healthcare industry. The test should not be undertaken by individuals who wish to apply for a visa in an occupation not related to the medical or healthcare industry.
PTE
The PTE is similar to the IELTS test in terms of the components: speaking, writing, listening and reading. However, it is a computer-based test, which means that applicants can appear for it online, and do not have to visit a test centre. The key benefit of undertaking the PTE is that the results are issued within 5 days.
TOEFL iBT
TOEFL is an internet-based test and also has several test centres across the world. The duration of the test is 4.5 hours, which is longer than IELTS and Pearson test timings. The test results are available 10 days post the exam date.
English Proficiency Levels
Per the Australian government’s standards, an applicant’s English proficiency test results will rank amongst 1 of the 5 following categories:
- Functional
- Vocational
- Competent
- Proficient
- Superior
The minimum proficiency requirements for applicants are highly subjective and will depend on the visa they are applying for.
It is important to note that applicants holding a passport from Canada, New Zealand, the United States, the United Kingdom and Ireland will not be required to undertake an English proficiency test.
Functional English
Applicants must:
- Hold a passport from Canada, New Zealand, the United States, the United Kingdom or Ireland; or
- Have completed a degree, high degree, diploma or trade certificate in an institute in or outside Australia that requires at least 2 years of full-time study and all instructions were in English
- Have undertaken their education at:
- A primary/secondary school in or outside Australia where all instruction was in English - all years of primary education and at least 3 years of secondary education; or
- A secondary school in or outside Australia where all instruction was in English - at least 5 years of secondary education; or
- An institution in Australia where all instruction was in English - at least 1 year of full-time study towards an award; or
- An institution in Australia where all instruction was in English - the part-time equivalent of 1 year of full-time study towards an award; or
- Achieved one of the following scores 12 months before their application:
Vocational English
Applicants must:
- Hold a passport from Canada, New Zealand, the United States, the United Kingdom or Ireland; or
- Achieved one of the following scores 3 years prior to their application:
Competent English
Applicants must:
- Hold a passport from Canada, New Zealand, the United States, the United Kingdom or Ireland; or
- Achieved one of the following scores:
There is a particular period up til which the applicant’s test results will remain valid. This table will provide more clarity on when they should provide proof of their English proficiency.
It is important to note that applicants for 189, 190, 489, and 491 Visas who are claiming partner points, must have a partner who has Competent English proficiency at the time of invitation.
Proficient English
Applicants must:
- Achieved one of the following scores 3 years prior to the invitation date:
Superior English
Applicants must:
- Achieved one of the following scores 3 years prior to the invitation date:
Changes to Test Scores
While the aforementioned test scores generally remain the same for a long time, like other aspects of Australian immigration law, they are also subject to change.
Any changes to the test scores will be made after careful consideration, research and discussion among relevant Australian authorities. Once any changes have been implemented, they will be immediately updated on the Department of Home Affairs website.
Disclaimer: Kindly note that the information provided here does not constitute legal advice. This must solely be regarded as content that provides general immigration information and is not a substitute for professional legal advice that occurs between an immigration lawyer and a client.
Path Migration strongly recommends readers contact certified immigration lawyers for a holistic overview of the Australian immigration system and a detailed analysis of each case.
