English requirements apply across skilled migration and many employer pathways, including Skills in Demand (subclass 482) and the Employer Nomination Scheme (subclass 186), as Nanak Migration Group, a registered migration agent (MARN 2619467), explains. Higher scores can lift your points test result and sit alongside a skills assessment.
English Levels and Indicative Test Scores
The five English proficiency levels used in Australian migration law, and the test scores that generally meet each level. Scores must be met in every component — not just the overall score.
OET is generally only available to health-related occupation applicants. Scores shown are general guides — confirm the current scores set by legislative instrument.
Which Visa Generally Needs Which Level
A general guide to the English level typically required for common visa subclasses. Requirements are set by legislative instrument and are subject to change — confirm for your specific visa.
General guide only. Requirements are set by legislative instrument and subject to change. Confirm the current English requirement for your specific visa on the Department of Home Affairs website.
Exemptions and Passport-Based Exceptions
Some applicants are exempt from providing English test results — but exemptions are narrowly defined and visa-specific. Do not assume an exemption applies without checking.
Applicants who are citizens of the United Kingdom, the United States, Canada, New Zealand, or the Republic of Ireland are generally exempt from needing to sit an English test — they are taken to have met the Competent English requirement by virtue of their citizenship. This exemption is specifically defined in the relevant legislative instrument and does not extend to all English-speaking countries.
For some visa subclasses, completing a specified period of study (typically at least 5 years at secondary or higher level) in English in a recognised English-speaking country may satisfy the English requirement. The specific rules vary by visa — check the criteria for the visa you are applying for.
In the Direct Entry stream of the 186 visa, some applicants with exceptional qualifications or experience may satisfy a different English threshold. Labour agreement streams may also specify different English requirements. Confirm the specific threshold with a registered migration agent before lodging.
The Occupational English Test (OET) is only available to applicants in specific healthcare-related occupations. It is not accepted as an alternative to IELTS, PTE, TOEFL iBT or Cambridge for non-healthcare occupations or visa applicants outside those occupations. Confirm whether your occupation and visa accept OET before booking.
Test Validity Periods and Booking
IELTS, PTE Academic, TOEFL iBT, and Cambridge C1 Advanced results are generally accepted for 3 years from the date of the test. OET results are generally accepted for 2 years. Some assessing authorities apply a shorter validity period — check with your authority.
The 3-year validity period is calculated from the date you sat the test, not the date you received your results. If you are cutting it close to the expiry date when you receive an invitation, you may have less time than you expect.
Test dates at major centres can fill up weeks or months in advance, particularly for IELTS Academic in major cities. If your current test results are approaching expiry, book a new test well before they expire — not after.
There is no limit on how many times you can sit an approved English test (though testing bodies may impose minimum waiting periods between attempts). Most visa applications will consider your most recent valid test results.
English Points for Skilled Migration
For the subclass 189, 190 and 491 visas, English proficiency above the Competent level adds points to your EOI score in SkillSelect.
Frequently Asked Questions
This information is general in nature and does not constitute immigration assistance or legal advice for any individual situation. Requirements including occupation lists, fees and processing criteria change without notice.
Nanak Migration Group Pty Ltd makes no representation that information on this site is complete, current or applicable to your circumstances. Nothing here guarantees, implies or represents any visa outcome, approval likelihood or processing time.
Obtain advice tailored to your situation from a registered migration agent or Australian legal practitioner. Navpreet Aulakh, MARN 2619467, is registered with the Office of the Migration Agents Registration Authority.
English test score thresholds are set by legislative instrument and are subject to change by the Department of Home Affairs. Test scores shown on this page are indicative only — always verify current required scores on the Department of Home Affairs website or with a registered migration agent. Test validity periods may differ between visa types and assessing authorities.
Information current as at July 2026. Verify all requirements with the Department of Home Affairs (immi.homeaffairs.gov.au) before lodging any application.