Why English Proficiency Matters in the Australian Visa Process?

Australia’s migration policy is designed to attract individuals who can integrate into the workforce and community quickly. Strong English skills are seen as vital for:

• Employability: Skilled workers with high English levels adapt faster to Australian workplaces.

• Safety and compliance: Understanding laws, rights, and responsibilities.

• Social integration: Building connections within the community.

• Academic success: For students, English proficiency is key to completing courses successfully.

Because of this, most visas require applicants to sit an approved English test. To learn more about preparing your visa, visit our Millennium Migration services page.

Which Visas Require an English Test in 2025?

Not all visas require proof of English, but the majority of skilled, employer-sponsored, and student visas do. As of 2025, the following subclasses require an approved test:

• Student Visa (Subclass 500) – ensures students can complete academic study in English.

• Temporary Skill Shortage (Subclass 482) – for overseas workers filling skills gaps.

• Employer Nomination Scheme (Subclass 186) – for permanent employer-sponsored visas.

• Skilled Independent (Subclass 189) – points-tested permanent skilled visa.

• Skilled Nominated (Subclass 190) – state/territory nominated skilled visa.

• Skilled Work Regional (Subclass 491) – provisional visa leading to permanent residency.

• National Innovation Visa (Subclass 858) – previously Global Talent, requires Competent English or higher.

Accepted English Tests in 2025

The Department of Home Affairs now accepts eight internationally recognised tests for migration purposes:

1. IELTS (Academic & General Training) – including One Skill Retake.

2. PTE Academic.

3. TOEFL iBT (centre-based only).

4. OET (Occupational English Test) – popular for health professionals.

5. CELPIP General.

6. Cambridge C1 Advanced.

7. LanguageCert Academic.

8. MET (Michigan English Test, with Single Section Retake option).

⚠️ Important: At-home or online versions such as IELTS Online or TOEFL iBT Home Edition are not valid for Australian visas. Tests must be taken in an authorised test centre.

For more on English testing requirements, check the official DHA English requirements page.

English Levels and Score Requirements (2025 Framework)

Australia’s migration program defines five key levels of English proficiency, each linked to specific visa types.

1. Functional English

Required mainly for partner/family visas.

• IELTS: 4.5 in each band

• PTE: 24 in each skill

2. Vocational English

Often needed for temporary work visas (482).

• IELTS: 5 in each band

• PTE: Listening 33, Reading 36, Writing 29, Speaking 24

3. Competent English

The minimum for skilled visas (189, 190, 491).

• IELTS: 6 in each band

• PTE: Listening 47, Reading 48, Writing 51, Speaking 54

4. Proficient English

Earns extra points in the skilled migration system.

• IELTS: 7 in each band

• PTE: Listening 58, Reading 59, Writing 69, Speaking 76

5. Superior English

Highest level – maximum points for skilled migration.

• IELTS: 8 in each band

• PTE: Listening 69, Reading 70, Writing 85, Speaking 88

Learn Other Tests Scores Here

Validity of English Test Results

• General rule: English test results are valid for 3 years for migration purposes.

• Functional English (partner/family visas): Test must be taken within 12 months of visa application.

• Student visas (Subclass 500): Some universities or colleges may require recent results, typically within 2 years.

If your test is close to expiry, plan ahead—re-sitting the test may be necessary before lodging your visa. See official guidance on the Home Affairs site.

Exemptions from English Testing

Not everyone needs to sit an English test. You may be exempt if:

• You are a citizen of:

• United Kingdom

• United States

• Canada

• New Zealand

• Republic of Ireland

• You have completed at least 5 years of full-time study in an English-speaking country or in English-medium education (secondary or higher).

⚠️ Always confirm with DHA before assuming you qualify for an exemption. Incorrect assumptions can lead to refusal. Our Visa Consultation Service can help verify exemptions.

Tone and Language

• Use natural, personal language

• Avoid robotic legal terms

• Imagine telling your story to a friend

Think: not “hereby declare the cohabitation agreement…”, but “we moved in together after 10 months because we were inseparable.”

How English Scores Affect Skilled Migration Points

For skilled visas (189, 190, 491), your English ability adds to your total points score:

• Competent English: 0 points (just meets the minimum).

• Proficient English: +10 points.

• Superior English: +20 points.

In competitive visa rounds, these extra points can be the difference between an invitation and years of waiting.

👉 See the full breakdown in Points-Test Calculator.

Preparing for Your English Test

• Take practice exams – simulate test-day conditions.

• Focus on weakest skills – one low band can disqualify you.

• Consider a preparation course – online or in-person.

• Understand test formats – each exam has different question styles.

• Book early – spots fill quickly in migration-heavy countries.

External prep resources like IELTS Official or Pearson PTE Academic offer free practice tests.

Key Takeaways for Applicants

• Check your visa subclass: Each has its own English requirement.

• Only take approved tests: At-home/online tests are not accepted.

• Watch your expiry date: Most results valid for 3 years, but not all.

• Understand exemptions: Don’t assume—prove it with documents.

• Plan strategically: Stronger English scores can earn more migration points.

The 2025 English test updates have reshaped how applicants prepare for their Australian visas. With new accepted tests, revised score requirements, and stricter rules on validity, applicants must be well-prepared to meet the standards. Whether you’re a student, skilled worker, or partner visa applicant, understanding these changes will help you lodge a stronger, faster, and more successful visa application.

By carefully choosing the right test, meeting the required scores, and planning ahead, you can avoid unnecessary delays and maximise your chances of success in Australia’s competitive migration system.

Work With an Expert (Optional but Smart)

A registered migration agent can:

• Review your statement

• Suggest missing elements

• Ensure your story and evidence are aligned

Want help from a registered agent ( Sam Lotfollahi) with 16+ years of experience?

Book a consult with buttom below or email us.

How We Can Help

At Millennium Migration, we’ve proudly assisted clients for over 16 years in navigating complex visa requirements. If you’re unsure which English test or score level applies to your visa, our team can provide expert guidance, prepare your application, and save you from costly delays.

Click link below and Book a consultation now

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