If you are applying for Skilled Migration, you will need to prove your English language ability. The required level of English depends on the visa subclass you are applying for and there are 4 different levels of English which may be relevant:
- Superior English: 20 points in GSM points test
- Proficient English: 10 points in GSM points test
- Competent English: threshold requirement for General Skilled Migration
- Functional English: for secondary applicants seeking to avoid paying the English Language Charge
As it can take some time to obtain a booking for a test and to receive the results, you may wish to plan to take the English test well ahead of time.
Validity of English Tests
Tests conducted up to 3 years prior to lodgement of an application will be accepted by DIAC.
The only exception to this is for functional English - this requires testing to have been done at most 12 months before lodgement.
Acceptable English Tests
The IELTS 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, but some skills assessing authorities require applicants to sit the Academic version. You will need to obtain a minimum score in each band of the IELTS (Reading, Writing, Listening, Speaking) in a single sitting.
The Occupational English Test (OET) is also accepted as evidence of proficient and superior levels of English. The OET is only appropriate for medical and allied health professionals.
The Pearson Academic Test of English (Pearson PTE) and TOEFL Internet Based Test (TOEFL iBT) are now accepted for all skilled subclasses.
The Department of Immigration has announced that the Cambridge Test of English will be accepted from early 2015 for visa purposes.
Competent English
For most skilled visas, you will need to show at least Competent English to meet the threshold criteria. You would need to complete a recognised English language test and obtain the following score:
| Listening | Reading | Writing | Speaking | |
| IELTS | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 |
| TOEFL iBT | 12 | 13 | 21 | 18 |
| PTE Academic | 50 | 50 | 50 | 50 |
| OET | B | B | B | B |
Competent English gives you 0 points in the Skilled Migration Points Test, but 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.
Scores required for Proficient English are:
| Listening | Reading | Writing | Speaking | |
| IELTS | 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 |
| TOEFL iBT | 24 | 24 | 27 | 23 |
| PTE Academic | 65 | 65 | 65 | 65 |
| OET | B | B | B | B |
Superior English
If you demonstrate proficient English, this will give the maximum of 20 points for English language ability. Minimum scores for Superior English are:
| Listening | Reading | Writing | Speaking | |
| IELTS | 8 | 8 | 8 | 8 |
| TOEFL iBT | 28 | 29 | 30 | 26 |
| PTE Academic | 79 | 79 | 79 | 79 |
| OET | A | A | A | A |
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