If you’re applying for an Australian visa, there’s a good chance you’ll need to prove your English. And not just “I can order coffee in English” proficiency. The Department of Home Affairs has specific score thresholds across specific tests, and getting even one component wrong can delay or derail your application.
The tricky part? The rules changed on 7 August 2025. New tests were added, score requirements shifted for several exams, and online test versions were banned entirely. Whether you’re applying for a Skills in Demand visa, chasing permanent residency, or sponsoring a family member, you need to know exactly which English test for Australian visa purposes will work for your situation.
At One Planet Migration Law, our principal Tina Nematian and the team see English test confusion in almost every consultation. This guide breaks down everything: the five proficiency levels, every approved test, the exact scores you need, and how to pick the right test for you.
Why English Language Requirements Matter for Australian Visas
English proficiency isn’t just a box-ticking exercise. The Australian Government uses it as a genuine measure of your ability to integrate into the workforce and community. For skilled visas, your English level directly affects your eligibility. For points-tested visas, it can mean the difference between 0 and 20 bonus points on the Australia points test.
That’s not a small gap. In competitive invitation rounds where applicants are separated by just 5 points, your English score alone could determine whether you receive an invitation or wait another round.
Different visa subclasses require different levels of English. Some only need basic functional English (common for family visa applicants). Others demand competent, proficient, or even superior English. Understanding where your visa sits in this framework is the first step.
The Five Levels of English in Australian Immigration
The Department of Home Affairs recognises five distinct levels of English proficiency for visa purposes. Each level has its own set of minimum test scores, and the level you need depends entirely on which visa you’re applying for.
Functional English
This is the lowest threshold and typically applies to secondary applicants on skilled visas, such as partners or dependent family members. For IELTS, you need an average band score of at least 4.5 across all four components. You don’t need to hit 4.5 in every individual component, just the overall average. Functional English test results are valid for 12 months from the test date.
Vocational English
Sitting between functional and competent, vocational English applies to some trade and employer-sponsored visa applicants. For IELTS, you need a minimum of 5.0 in each of the four components: listening, reading, writing, and speaking. Unlike functional English, every individual band must meet the minimum rather than just the overall average.
Competent English
This is the standard requirement for most skilled and employer sponsored visas. For IELTS, that means a minimum of 6.0 in each of the four components: listening, reading, writing, and speaking. No averaging here. Every single band must hit the minimum.
Competent English is what you’ll need for the Subclass 482 visa and is also the baseline for points-tested visas (though it won’t earn you bonus points).
Proficient English
A step above competent. For IELTS, you need 7.0 in each component. Achieving proficient English on a points-tested visa earns you 10 additional points. For many applicants targeting the Subclass 491 regional visa or Subclass 190, those extra points can be the push that gets your Expression of Interest over the line.
Superior English
The highest level. For IELTS, that’s 8.0 in every component. This awards 20 points on the points test, which is significant. Reaching this level is genuinely difficult, even for native-level speakers. But if you can get there, it’s one of the most efficient ways to boost your points total.
For full details on how English points interact with other criteria, see our guide to PR eligibility in Australia.
What Changed on 7 August 2025
On 7 August 2025, the Department of Home Affairs overhauled the approved English language tests for visa purposes. This wasn’t a minor tweak. The changes affected which tests are accepted, how scores are calculated, and even which test formats are valid.
Here’s what happened:
- New tests were added. CELPIP General, LANGUAGECERT Academic, and the Michigan English Test (MET) are now accepted alongside the previously approved tests.
- Score requirements changed for several tests. PTE Academic, TOEFL iBT, OET, and Cambridge C1 Advanced all received updated minimum scores. For PTE Academic, the old uniform score of 50 for competent English was replaced with component-specific minimums (47, 48, 51, and 54).
- OET moved from letter grades to numerical scores. Previously, you needed a “B” in each component. Now, OET uses specific numerical thresholds (290, 310, 290, 330 for competent English).
- Online and at-home test versions were explicitly banned. More on this below.
If you took your test before 7 August 2025, your results may still be valid under the old scoring framework, provided they haven’t expired. Tests taken on or before 6 August 2025 remain valid until 6 August 2028 (subject to the standard 3-year validity window). We’ve written a detailed English test score comparison for old vs. new thresholds that covers this transition in depth.
Competent English Score Requirements: Full Comparison
Below are the minimum scores required for competent English across all nine approved tests. Because the scoring changed on 7 August 2025, we’ve included both the current and previous requirements.
Tests Taken On or After 7 August 2025
| Test | Listening | Reading | Writing | Speaking |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cambridge C1 Advanced | 163 | 163 | 170 | 179 |
| CELPIP General | 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 |
| IELTS Academic | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 |
| IELTS General Training | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 |
| Michigan English Test (MET) | 56 | 55 | 57 | 48 |
| OET (numerical) | 290 | 310 | 290 | 330 |
| LANGUAGECERT Academic | 57 | 60 | 64 | 70 |
| PTE Academic | 47 | 48 | 51 | 54 |
| TOEFL iBT | 16 | 16 | 19 | 19 |
Tests Taken On or Before 6 August 2025 (Valid Until 6 August 2028)
| Test | Listening | Reading | Writing | Speaking |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cambridge C1 Advanced | 169 | 169 | 169 | 169 |
| IELTS (Academic or General Training) | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 |
| OET | B | B | B | B |
| PTE Academic | 50 | 50 | 50 | 50 |
| TOEFL iBT | 12 | 13 | 21 | 21 |
Source: Department of Home Affairs, Competent English
If you’re applying for the 482 visa and need to meet the English requirement, check our dedicated breakdown for that subclass.
Which Visas Need Which English Level?
Not every visa requires the same level of English. Here’s a general overview of common visa subclasses and the English level typically required:
- Subclass 482 (Skills in Demand visa): Competent English for most streams. Some concessions exist for certain salary levels or passport holders. See our 482 visa key requirements guide.
- Subclass 186 (Employer Nomination Scheme): Competent English. This is a permanent residency visa through employer sponsorship, so getting English right is critical.
- Subclass 189 and 190 (Skilled Independent and Skilled Nominated): Competent English is the minimum to be eligible, but proficient or superior English earns 10 or 20 bonus points respectively on the points test.
- Subclass 491 (Skilled Work Regional): Same as 189/190. Competent is the minimum, higher levels earn more points.
- Subclass 500 (Student visa): Generally requires IELTS 5.5 overall (or equivalent) for most courses, though this varies by institution. See our student visa guide.
- Partner and family visas: Typically require functional English for the secondary applicant, or payment of a second instalment fee if they can’t meet this level.
Always check the specific requirements for your visa subclass on the Department of Home Affairs English language page, as some visa conditions have unique concessions or exemptions.
Which English Test Should You Choose?
With nine approved tests, you have more options than ever. But more choice doesn’t always make things easier. Each test has a different format, scoring system, and set of strengths. Here’s an honest look at the most popular options.
PTE Academic
Best for: People who prefer computer-based testing and want fast results.
PTE Academic is fully computer-based with AI scoring for the speaking component. This removes the variability that comes with human examiners. Results typically arrive within 48 hours, which is a genuine advantage if you’re working to a tight visa lodgement deadline.
Under the new scoring (tests from 7 August 2025 onwards), the minimum for competent English is 47 listening, 48 reading, 51 writing, and 54 speaking. The speaking threshold is notably higher than the other components, which catches some people off guard.
IELTS (Academic or General Training)
Best for: People comfortable with face-to-face speaking tests and those who’ve studied with IELTS preparation materials.
IELTS is the most widely recognised English test globally. The speaking component is a face-to-face interview with a human examiner, which some people find more natural and others find more stressful. The scoring hasn’t changed with the August 2025 reforms: 6.0 in each band for competent, 7.0 for proficient, 8.0 for superior.
One practical consideration: IELTS now offers a “One Skill Retake” option for certain test versions, allowing you to resit a single component if you narrowly missed the mark. This can save significant time and money compared to retaking the entire exam.
TOEFL iBT
Best for: Applicants already familiar with American English academic testing formats.
TOEFL iBT has relatively low minimum scores for competent English under the new framework (16 listening, 16 reading, 19 writing, 19 speaking). However, the test format is quite different from IELTS or PTE. The speaking section involves recording responses to a computer rather than speaking to a person or using AI evaluation in the same way PTE does.
One important requirement: when registering for TOEFL iBT, you must select “Taking TOEFL for Australia” to ensure your results are sent to the Department of Home Affairs in the correct format.
OET (Occupational English Test)
Best for: Healthcare professionals (doctors, nurses, dentists, pharmacists, and other health workers).
OET is specifically designed for healthcare contexts. The reading and listening sections use medical scenarios, and the writing task involves composing a referral letter. If you’re in healthcare, OET can feel far more natural than a general academic English test. Under the new system, OET uses numerical scores rather than the old letter grades.
Cambridge C1 Advanced, CELPIP General, LANGUAGECERT Academic, and MET
These are the newer additions to the approved list. CELPIP General is popular in Canada and may suit applicants who’ve already taken it for Canadian immigration purposes. The others are less commonly used for Australian visas at this stage, but they give you additional options if the major tests don’t suit your circumstances.
Online Tests Are Not Accepted
This is a point that trips people up regularly. The Department of Home Affairs does not accept any English language test taken online. This includes remote-proctored and at-home versions of otherwise approved tests.
Specifically, these online versions are not valid for Australian visa purposes:
- CELPIP Online
- IELTS Online
- LANGUAGECERT Academic Online
- MET Digital at-home
- OET@Home
- TOEFL iBT Home Edition
Your test must be completed in person at an approved, secure test centre. If you’ve already taken an online version, that result cannot be used for your visa application. You’ll need to book and sit the test again at a physical location.
This rule applies regardless of when you took the test. Even if you took the at-home version before August 2025, it won’t be accepted.
Passport Exemptions: Who Doesn’t Need a Test?
Not everyone needs to sit an English language test. Citizens of certain countries are exempt from the English testing requirement entirely, provided they hold a valid passport from one of the following countries:
- Canada
- New Zealand
- Republic of Ireland
- United Kingdom
- United States of America
If you hold a valid passport from any of these countries, you’re generally considered to have the required level of English without needing a test result. However, this exemption applies to the passport holder specifically. If your partner or secondary applicant holds a different passport, they may still need to demonstrate their English level separately.
There are also other pathways to demonstrating English ability without a test, such as having completed certain periods of study in English at a recognised institution. The specific options depend on the visa subclass you’re applying for.
How Long Are Test Results Valid?
Test validity depends on the English level being assessed:
- Competent, proficient, and superior English: Test results are generally valid for 3 years from the date of the test.
- Functional English: Test results are valid for 12 months from the test date.
For tests taken on or before 6 August 2025 under the old scoring framework, those results remain valid until 6 August 2028, provided they fall within the 3-year window.
This is important for timing your application. If your test is approaching its expiry date, factor in current visa processing times in Australia to make sure your results won’t expire while your application is being assessed. In some cases, the Department may ask you to provide a new test result if yours expires during processing.
What If You Don’t Meet the Required Score?
Falling short on your English test doesn’t necessarily mean your visa plans are over. You have several options:
- Retake the test. There’s no limit on how many times you can sit an approved English test. Many applicants improve their scores significantly on a second or third attempt with targeted preparation.
- Try a different test. If PTE’s speaking threshold is giving you trouble, IELTS might suit your strengths better, or vice versa. The nine approved tests have genuinely different formats, and your performance can vary between them.
- Use the IELTS One Skill Retake. If you missed the mark in just one component, this option lets you resit only that section rather than the full exam.
- Explore visa-specific concessions. Some visas have English concessions based on salary levels, occupation, or other factors. For example, certain employer sponsored visa applicants earning above a specified salary threshold may face reduced English requirements.
- Get professional advice. An experienced migration lawyer can assess whether alternative evidence of English ability might be accepted for your specific visa, or whether a different visa pathway might work better given your current English level.
At One Planet Migration Law, we regularly help clients work through exactly this situation. Sometimes the solution is straightforward test preparation. Other times, it involves reassessing the visa strategy entirely.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use IELTS General Training instead of IELTS Academic?
Yes. For immigration purposes, both IELTS Academic and IELTS General Training are accepted. The minimum scores are the same for both versions. The choice between them usually comes down to whether you also need the result for university admission (which typically requires Academic) or solely for visa purposes.
Do I need to take all four components on the same day?
Generally, yes. Your test result must be from a single test sitting. The exception is the IELTS One Skill Retake, which allows you to resit one component separately. The MET also offers a Single Section Retake option (check with your test centre for current retake policies).
What if my test was taken before 7 August 2025?
Results from before 7 August 2025 are assessed against the old scoring thresholds. They remain valid until 6 August 2028 (or 3 years from the test date, whichever comes first). You don’t need to retake the test under the new system unless your results have expired.
Is PTE Academic easier than IELTS?
This depends on the individual. PTE Academic is entirely computer-based with AI scoring, which some people find more consistent and less stressful than a face-to-face examiner. Others struggle with the integrated question formats in PTE. The best approach is to take practice tests for both and see which format suits your strengths.
Can I combine scores from different tests?
No. All four component scores must come from the same test type and the same test sitting (with the exception of approved retake options like the IELTS One Skill Retake). You cannot combine an IELTS listening score with a PTE reading score.
Do I still need an English test if I’m applying for citizenship?
The Australian citizenship application process has its own English requirements, which are separate from visa English requirements. Citizenship applicants generally demonstrate English ability through the citizenship test itself, which is conducted in English.
Getting Your English Test Right the First Time
Your English test result is one of the most important documents in your visa application. Getting it wrong, whether that’s choosing an unapproved test format, missing a score threshold by half a point, or submitting an expired result, can set your application back by months.
Our advice? Check the specific English requirement for your visa subclass before you book anything. Choose the test format that genuinely suits how you communicate. Give yourself enough preparation time, especially if you’re aiming for proficient or superior English.
And if you’re unsure about any of it, talk to a migration lawyer before you spend money on a test that might not meet your visa’s requirements. At One Planet Migration Law, Tina Nematian and our team help clients navigate these decisions every day. We’d rather you get it right the first time than have to start over.
Book a consultation with our team to discuss your English test options and visa pathway.
