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English Language Test for Australian Visas, Minimum Standards

An English language test for Australian visas is given here. It includes a brief of the English language test for Australian visa who need to meet the minimum score.
authorImageSupriya Shrivastava23 Jan, 2025
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English language test for Australian visas

English language test for Australian visas: The Australian Department of Home Affairs accepts scores from several English language tests for visa applications, including the International English Language Testing System (the IELTS exam ), Pearson Test of English (PTE), Occupational English Test (OET), Cambridge English (CAE), and Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL iBT).

English language test for Australian visas

When you move to Australia and request a visa, you might face various language proficiency rules. For example, functional English and vocational English are used. But also competent, proficient, and superior English. Each level has a different IELTS band score . Read more about English language tests for Australian visas. No other English language proficiency test is as widely accepted as IELTS, making it the preferred English test for Australian immigration.

English Speaking Countries List

IELTS as proof of English language proficiency

The Australian Department of Home Affairs takes IELTS as proof of English language proficiency for all visa types. IELTS is the only test recognized by all Australian, British, New Zealand, and Canadian immigration authorities. For immigration to Australia, you may need to show an understanding of English. As a result, the Department of Home Affairs may need you to prove that you have completed an official language test, such as IELTS. You may also be required to show that you achieved the minimum scores required for your visa within the three years before your application.
English language test for Australian visas
English language proficiency level Test component IELTS score
Functional English Overall score 4.5
Vocational English Listening 5
Reading 5
Writing 5
Speaking 5
Competent English Listening 6
Reading 6
Writing 6
Speaking 6
Proficient English Listening 7
Reading 7
Writing 7
Speaking 7
Superior English Listening 8
Reading 8
Writing 8
Speaking 8

Who needs to meet the minimum standard?

Based on the type of visa and the reason for travel, Australia has different minimum English language requirements:

General Skilled Migration (GSM) Visas

A General skilled Migration (GSM) visa is a permanent visa that permits skilled individuals to live and work in Australia with their families. Everybody else aged 18 or more is included in the application unless excluded. This famous category aims to attract skilled professionals to Australia. As a result, the standards are relatively strict, with an IELTS test band score of at least 7 in every band required for the principal candidate and at least 6 in each band for their spouse (points purposes).
IELTS Band Scores
IELTS Reading Band Score IELTS Writing Band Score
IELTS Listening Band Score IELTS Speaking Band Score

Employer-Sponsored Temporary Visas

Only principal candidates for the Sc 482 visa, commonly known as the Temporary Skills Shortage (TSS), must have a minimum English proficiency with an IELTS test band score of at least 5 in each band, whether applying under the Medium and Long Term streams. Principal candidates asking for the Sc 482 visa under the Short Term stream must have a minimum English proficiency level of 5 on the IELTS test. The principal candidate in any of the above streams may be exempt from taking an English exam for Australia if they have a valid passport from one of the following countries: Canada, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, the United States, Ireland, or if they completed their secondary education at an institution where all of their education was in English.

Family Visa categories

If you apply under any of the family/partnership categories, you are not required to have a minimum level of English proficiency.

PW IELTS Prep

PW IELTS online coaching provides an organized preparation plan, making learning easier. PW provides both General and Academic Training for IELTS Coaching.
IELTS Exam Other Related Links
IELTS  Registration IELTS Eligibility Criteria
IELTS Exam Pattern IELTS Syllabus
IELTS Exam Dates IDP IELTS Test Centers
IELTS Cut-Off IDP IELTS Slot Booking
IELTS Mock Test IELTS Academic Vs General
IELTS Books and Study Guide IELTS Band Score

English language test for Australian visas FAQs

Q1 - How long is the IELTS test valid for Australian immigration?

Ans - Normally, your IELTS test scores are valid for two years. However, for Skilled Immigration applications, your IELTS results are valid for three years. If you want to work in Australia, you will need to take the IELTS Academic.

Q2 - What is the minimum IELTS score required for Australia?

Ans - If you want to study or work in Australia, you must take an IELTS test with a minimum overall score of 6.0, and a score of 5.5 is required for higher education and immigration. A minimum total score of 6.5 is required for postgraduate studies, and 6.0 for undergraduate studies.

Q3 - What if my IELTS expires during the visa process?

Ans - To be eligible for permanent residency, the results from IELTS test must be within the past two years (24 months). If your previous results have expired, you should repeat the test. Otherwise, your application will be considered incomplete and may be denied.

Q4 - Is PTE easier than IELTS?

Ans - PTE and IELTS are both tests of essential English language skills: listening, writing, speaking, and reading. Furthermore, neither test will be simpler than the other because test modes and patterns differ. The duration of both tests is three hours.
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