English Language Requirement For Skilled Migration and Employer Nominated Visas
Overview
In applying for a Skilled Migration visa, you must prove your English language ability. The required level of English depends on the visa subclass you are applying or and there are four different levels of English that may be relevant:
Superior English - 20 points in GSM points test
Proficient English - 10 points in GSM points test
Competent English - Threshold requirement for GSM & 186 ENS/187 RSMS Direct and Transition Stream
Functional English - For secondary applicants seeking to avoid paying the English Language charge
Validity of English Tests
Tests conducted up to 3 years prior to lodgement of an application will be accepted by the Department of Immigration.
Functional English requires testing to have been done at most 12 months before lodgement.
Acceptable English Tests
The IELTS test/International English Language Testing System Test is the most common way of evidencing English language ability. Either the Academic or General Training versions of the test are acceptable to the Department of Immigration.
However, some assessing bodies require applicants to sit the Academic version. You will need to obtain a minimum score of 6 in each band of the IELTS (Reading, Writing, Listening, and Speaking) to meet the Competent English requirement in a single sitting.
The Pearson Academic Test of English (Pearson PTE) is also accepted for all subclasses. Most state and territory governments also recognise this test, as do some skills assessment authorities.
The Cambridge Test of English is also accepted from January 2015.
Vocational English
Vocational English is the required level to obtain for RSMS 187 visa through the Temporary Residence Transition stream for people who have held a TSS visa for 3 years with the employer.
These are the required scores to establish Vocational 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
Otherwise, you will need to complete a recognised English language test and obtain the following score:
Competent English will not give you any points in the Skilled Migration Points Test, but it is an essential requirement to be able to lodge a skilled visa.
Proficient English
If you demonstrate proficient English, this will give you 10 points for English language ability in the Skilled Migration Points Test.
Even native English speakers must undertake English language testing to obtain points for proficient English or higher.
Scores required for Proficient English are:
Superior English
If you demonstrate Superior English, this will give you a maximum of 20 points for English language ability. Minimum scores for Superior English are:
Functional English
If your spouse or partner has less than Functional English, then you would need to pay the English Education Charge to cover English language tuition in applying for skilled migration.
You can show you have functional English ability by providing evidence of one of the following:
Completion of a degree, higher degree, diploma, or trade certificate that required at least 2 years of study in English medium.
Completion of all years of primary education and at least 3 years secondary education in English medium; or
Completion of at least 5 years of secondary education in English medium; or
Scoring at least 4.5 averaged over the four components of the IELTS test within the 12 months before application, or during processing; or
Completion in Australia of at least 1 year of full-time study or equivalent part-time study towards a degree, higher degree, diploma, or associate diploma in English medium.
In some circumstances, Functional English can be established via interview.
You can also demonstrate functional English by completing an English test and scoring as follows:
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