Meeting the English language requirement is a key aspect for visa grant in the skilled visa class. The minimum competency level that is required will depend on which visa you are applying for and can cover aspects such as your country of passport/Citizenship, achieving a minimum score in a specified English test, or completing a specified period of study in English.
If you are required to complete an English test, the date of the test is also an important factor to consider as time limits apply for visa application purposes. Note that an English language requirement may also apply to visa dependents, however this is generally at a lower English competency level than for the primary applicant and can be satisfied with payment of an additional fee before visa grant as an alternative.
In this article, we outline the English language requirements that apply to skilled visas and the documentary evidence that needs to be provided to demonstrate that you meet this requirement. In our discussion we cover the main skilled visa subclasses, including the subclass 887 visa English requirements and subclass 491 visa IELTS requirements.
We also discuss the English language requirements for dependent visa applicants. This includes the partner English requirement for 190 visa, subclass 186 visa dependent English requirement and the partner English requirement for 189 visa.
It is important to note that before you apply for any visa, it is vital that you are fully informed about all requirements for visa grant, including the English language requirements, and ensure that you address each requirement in your application with the required documentary evidence. This will give you the best chance of a successful outcome. Otherwise, you risk a visa refusal and/or unnecessary processing delays.
General Skilled Migration (GSM)
The GSM visa program comprises the following visas:
- Subclass 189 Skilled (Independent) Visa
- Subclass 190 Skilled (Nominated) Visa
- Subclass 491 Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa
The subclass 189 and 190 visas are both permanent residence visas whereas the subclass 491 visa is a provisional visa which provides a pathway to permanent residence after three years. For each of these visas subclasses, the primary applicant is required to achieve a competent level of English.
This can be demonstrated by meeting one of the following:
- If you hold a valid passport issued by the UK, USA, Canada, New Zealand or the Republic of Ireland and you are a citizen of that country;
- If you complete an English test and attain the specified minimum results as listed below
| English Test | Minimum Result required |
| International English Language Testing System (IELTS) | Achieve a score of at least 6 in each of the four test components (speaking, reading, listening and writing) |
| Occupational English Test (OET) | Achieve a score of at least ‘B’ in each of the four test components |
| Test of English as a Foreign Language internet-based test (TOEFL iBT) | Achieve the following minimum test scores in each of the four test components: 12 for listening, 13 for reading, 21 for writing and 18 for speaking |
| Pearson Test of English (PTE) Academic | Achieve a test score of at least 50 in each of the four test components (speaking, reading, listening and writing) |
| Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE) test | Achieve a test score of at least 169 in each of the four test components (speaking, reading, listening and writing) |
The above table includes the subclass 491 visa IELTS requirements, as well as for the subclass 189 and 190 visa subclasses. Note however that other English tests are also acceptable for this purpose.
Timing of the English test is an important factor for visa grant eligibility as it must have been completed within three years of receipt of an invitation to apply for the visa. You should therefore plan ahead and leave yourself sufficient time to comply with this requirement.
Additional English language requirements may also apply to the subclass 190 and 491* visas, which require sponsorship by a State or Territory Government. These requirements can vary for each State and Territory and can also depend on which occupation you are applying for. It is important to check this information with the relevant Government authority before you lodge your nomination application, otherwise you risk having your State Sponsorship application refused.
* Note there is also the option under the subclass 491 visa to be sponsored by an eligible family member who is usually resident in a designated regional area of Australia.
It is important to note that the English language requirements set out above are the minimum competency levels that are required to meet the visa application eligibility requirements. But they do also serve another purpose: your English language competency level is a relevant factor when it comes to calculating your points score (note that skilled visas under the GSM programme require you to achieve a minimum score in the points test as part of the visa eligibility requirements). Achieving the minimum results outlined above will not result in any additional points, however scoring above this level can add points to your test score and may therefore be beneficial to your application. For further information about the points test we would recommend that you make the proper further enquires to ensure that you are fully informed about this aspect before you lodge your application to give yourself the best chance of a successful outcome.
A Note About Visa Changes
Please be aware that as of 16 November 2019, the Subclass 491 Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa replaced the Subclass 489 Skilled Regional (Provisional) visa.
The Subclass 494 Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) visa also replaced the Subclass 187 Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme (RSMS) visa.
The Subclass 491 and 494 visas have a five-year term and provide a pathway to permanent residence with a new Subclass 191 Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) visa, which will be introduced from 16 November 2022.
Applications under the Second Provisional Visa stream of the Subclass 489 visa continue to be accepted. To qualify under this stream, you must hold a subclass 475, 487, 495 or 496 visa at time of lodgement of your application. Be aware that these visa subclasses are no longer being granted by the Department of Home Affairs.
These changes only affect the Direct Entry visa stream under the subclass 187 visa programme. Applications remain open to eligible Subclass 482 Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) and Subclass 457 Temporary Work (Skilled) visa holders under the Temporary Residence Transition Stream (TRTS).
The changes also do not affect the Subclass 887 Skilled (Regional) visa permanent residence visa pathway, which continues to be available to eligible subclass 489 visa holders. The subclass 887 visa English requirements are a time of decision criterion, and applies where the applicant who is at least 18 years of age at the time of application, does not have functional English, and has not paid a second instalment of visa application charge in relation to the application for the subclass 489 visa.
Partner Points
The partner English requirement for 190 visa and partner English requirement for 189 visa as well as for the subclass 491 visa are applicable to the calculation of the points to be awarded to the primary applicant in their skilled visa application.
Under the Migration Points Test, 5 points may be awarded if the applicant has a spouse or de facto partner who:
- is an applicant for the same visa subclass as the applicant;
- is not an Australian permanent resident or an Australian citizen; and
- at the time of invitation to apply for the visa, had competent English.
An additional 10 points may be awarded if the applicant has a spouse or de facto partner who:
- is an applicant for the same subclass of visa as the primary applicant;
- is not an Australian permanent resident or an Australian citizen;
- was under 45 at the time the invitation to apply for the visa was issued to the primary applicant;
- at the time of invitation to apply for the visa, nominated a skilled occupation on the relevant Skilled Occupation List;
- at the time of invitation to apply for the visa, had been assessed by the relevant assessing authority for the nominated skilled occupation as having suitable skills for the occupation and the assessment was not for a Subclass 485 (Temporary Graduate) visa; and
- at the time of invitation to apply for the visa, had competent English.
Note there may be additional circumstances where visa dependants may be required to meet an English language requirement (discussed later in this article).
Temporary Skill Shortage Visa (TSS)
The Subclass 482 Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) visa is a temporary employer sponsored visa which allows you to live and work in Australia for up to a period of either two or four years, depending on your occupation. In some cases, it may also provide a pathway to permanent residence after three years if you meet certain requirements at that time.
This visa comprises the following streams:
- Short-term stream, if the nominated occupation is included in the Short-term Skilled Occupation list (STSOL);
- Medium-term stream, if the nominated occupation is included in the Medium-term Skilled Occupation list (MTSOL);
- Labour agreement stream, which requires the sponsoring employer to enter into a labour agreement with the Department.
The English language requirement that applies will depend on the stream that you apply for, as set out below.
Short-term Stream
| English Test | Minimum Result required |
| IELTS | Achieve an overall band score of at least 5.0 with a score of at least 4.5 in each of the test components |
| OET | Achieve a score of at least ‘B’ in each of the four test components |
| TOEFL iBT | Achieve a total score of at least 35 with a score of at least 3 for each of listening and reading test components, and a score of at least 12 for each of the speaking and writing test components |
| PTE Academic | Achieve an overall test score of at least 36 with a score of at least 30 in each of the test components |
| Advanced CAE test | Achieve an overall test score of at least 154 with a score of at least 147 in each of the test components |
Medium-term Stream
| English Test | Minimum Result required |
| IELTS | Achieve an overall band score of at least overall band score of at least 5.0 with a score of at least 5 in each of the test components |
| OET | Achieve a score of at least ‘B’ in each of the four test components |
| TOEFL iBT | Achieve a total score of at least 35 with a score of at least 4 for each of the listening and reading test components, and a score of at least 14 for each of the speaking and writing test components |
| PTE Academic | Achieve an overall test score of at least 36 with a score of at least 36 in each of the test components |
| Advanced CAE test | Achieve an overall test score of at least 154 with a score of at least 154 in each of the test components |
Note that the minimum English test score required may be at a higher level where you are required to hold a registration, license or membership to work in the nominated occupation in Australia. This is determined by the registration authority applicable to your occupation.
Also note that the English test must have been completed within three years of lodging the visa application.
Labour Agreement Stream
The required English language competency will be set out in the labour agreement of the sponsoring employer.
Exemptions To TSS English Language Requirement
An English test is not required in the following cases:
- If you hold a valid passport issued by the UK, USA, Canada, New Zealand or the Republic of Ireland and you are a citizen of that country
- If you have completed at least five years of full-time study in a secondary or higher education institution where this was conducted in English
- If you are nominated for an occupation to be performed at a diplomatic or consular mission of another country or an Office of the Authorities of Taiwan located in Australia
- if you are nominated in relation to an occupation that requires you to hold a licence, registration or membership to perform the occupation; you have been granted that license, registration or membership; and for the purposes of the grant of that license, registration or membership, you were required to demonstrate a level of English language proficiency that is equivalent to, or better than, the level of English language proficiency that is required to achieve the required test scores for an approved English language test that you would have otherwise been required to achieve
- If you are employed by an offshore business and will be sponsored either by the business or an associated entity, and the position has guaranteed annual earnings of at least $96,400
Note that visa dependants are not required to meet an English language requirement.
Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS)
The Subclass 186 Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) visa is a permanent residence employer nominated visa which consists of the following three streams:
- Temporary Residence Transition (TRT) – this requires you to hold a subclass 482 visa and to have worked for your nominated employer full-time for at least three years (note there are other specified requirements);
- Direct entry – this applies if you do not qualify for the TRT stream
- Labour Agreement – this applies if the nominating employer has entered into a labour agreement with the Government
If you apply for the subclass 186 visa under the TRTS or Direct Entry streams, you will be required to achieve a competent level of English.
This can be demonstrated by meeting one of the following:
- If you hold a valid passport issued by the UK, USA, Canada, New Zealand or the Republic of Ireland and you are a citizen of that country
- If you complete an English test and attain the specified minimum results as listed below
| English Test | Minimum Result required |
| IELTS | Achieve a score of at least 6 in each of the four test components (speaking, reading, listening and writing) |
| OET | Achieve a score of at least ‘B’ in each of the four test components |
| TOEFL iBT | Achieve the following minimum test scores in each of the four test components: 12 for listening, 13 for reading, 21 for writing and 18 for speaking |
| PTE Academic | Achieve a test score of at least 50 in each of the four test components (speaking, reading, listening and writing) |
| Advanced CAE test | Achieve a test score of at least 169 in each of the four test components (speaking, reading, listening and writing) |
For the labour agreement stream, the requirements set out above will generally apply, unless a different English requirement is specified in the agreement.
Note also that the subclass 186 visa dependent English requirement is outlined below in this article.
SESR Visa
The Subclass 494 Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) (SESR) visa is a temporary (provisional) visa which enables the visa holder to enter and stay in Australia for a period of five years from the date of grant. ‘Provisional’ means it provides a pathway to permanent residence via the Subclass 191 Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) visa after holding the Subclass 494 visa for at least three years (other requirements must also be met to qualify for permanent residence). A key point to note is that the Subclass 494 visa holder (and all dependents) must live and work only in a designated regional area.
The SESR visa comprises of an employer sponsored and labour agreement stream.
If you apply for the subclass 494 visa under the employer sponsored stream, you will be required to achieve a competent level of English.
This can be demonstrated by meeting one of the following:
- If you hold a valid passport issued by the UK, USA, Canada, New Zealand or the Republic of Ireland and you are a citizen of that country
- If you complete an English test and attain the specified minimum results as listed below
| English Test | Minimum Result required |
| IELTS | Achieve a score of at least 6 in each of the four test components (speaking, reading, listening and writing) |
| OET | Achieve a score of at least ‘B’ in each of the four test components |
| TOEFL iBT | Achieve the following minimum test scores in each of the four test components: 12 for listening, 13 for reading, 21 for writing and 18 for speaking |
| PTE Academic | Achieve a test score of at least 50 in each of the four test components (speaking, reading, listening and writing) |
| Advanced CAE test | Achieve a test score of at least 169 in each of the four test components (speaking, reading, listening and writing) |
For the labour agreement stream, the requirements set out above will generally apply, unless a different English requirement is specified in the agreement.
Dependants
Including Partner English Requirement For 190 Visa And Partner English Requirement For 189 Visa
If you apply for one of the visas listed below, each of your dependants who are also applying for the visa and who are 18 years of age or older will be subject to an English language requirement:
- Subclass 189 Skilled (Independent) Visa
- Subclass 190 Skilled (Nominated) Visa
- Subclass 491 Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa
- Subclass 186 Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) Visa
- Subclass 494 Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) Visa
Your dependent/s will need to achieve a functional level of English, which can be demonstrated by meeting one of the following:
- Hold a valid passport issued by the UK, USA, Canada, New Zealand or the Republic of Ireland and you are a citizen of that country
- Completed at least five years of secondary education in an institution in or outside Australia conducted in English
- Completed at least one year of full-time study or equivalent part-time study towards a degree, higher degree, diploma, or associate diploma in an institution in Australia and conducted in English
- Completed a degree, a higher degree, a diploma or a trade certificate that required at least two years of full-time study or training in an institution in or outside Australia and conducted in English.
- Completed all years of primary education and at least three years of secondary education in an educational institution in or outside Australia and conducted in English
- An assessment of functional English from a service provider of the Adult Migrant English Program (AMEP) for eligible visa holders in Australia
- Complete an English test and attain the specified minimum results as listed below
| English Test | Minimum Result required |
| IELTS | Achieve an average band score of at least 4.5 based on the four test components of speaking, reading, listening and writing |
| TOEFL iBT | Achieve a total band score of at least 32 based on the four test components of speaking, reading, writing and listening |
| PTE Academic | Achieve an overall band score of at least 30 based on the four test components of speaking, reading, writing and listening |
| Advanced CAE test | Achieve an overall band score of at least 147 based on the four test components of speaking, reading, writing and listening |
The English test must have been completed within 12 months of lodging your application.
Where the above evidence cannot be provided, it my also be acceptable in some cases to assess an applicant’s English competency level based on an interview with the Department.
Note that you also have the option to pay a second instalment of the visa application fee, payable before grant of the visa, as an alternative to your dependent/s satisfying the English language requirement. The current fee payable is between $4,885 and $4,890, depending on the visa class which you apply for.
The above sets out the dependent visa English language requirements for the main skilled visa subclasses, including the subclass 186 visa dependent English requirement, partner English requirement for 190 visa and partner English requirement for 189 visa.
Get More Information
Skilled Regional State Sponsorship Visa
For further information on the subclass 491 and 494 visas, please see the following articles:
New Skilled Regional Visas to be introduced
Further Regulations released for the new regional sponsored visas to commence from 16 November 2019
Applications for the new provisional regional sponsored visas are now open
Regional Sponsor Migration Scheme
Skilled State Sponsorship Visa
For more information on the subclass 190 visa, please see our articles on the Subclass 190 State Sponsorship Visa and Adelaide 190 Visa.
Also refer to our Australian Permanent Resident Visa Case Study article to read about a real-life case study where PAX Migration Australia assisted a client to apply for a subclass 190 visa and who, after a long migration journey, was finally granted permanent residence in Australia.
You can read a further case study example in our State Sponsorship Visas In Australia article which explains how a client successfully applying for a state sponsorship visa with PAX Migration Australia’s assistance.
Skilled Visas
To learn more about applying for a skilled visa, please see the following articles:
State Sponsorship Visas In Australia
Australian Skilled Migration Visa List
General Skilled Migration Visa Options
General Skilled Migration Visa Points
Employer Nomination Migration Scheme
Employer Sponsor Visa Requirements
Changes To 457 Temporary Work Skilled Visa
Business Requirements For Accredited Sponsorship
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Contact us to book a no-obligation consultation to obtain tailored advice on your visa options and the skilled visa English language requirements, including the subclass 887 visa English requirements, subclass 491 visa IELTS requirements, partner English requirement for 190 visa, subclass 186 visa dependent English requirement and the partner English requirement for 189 visa.
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In conclusion, we note that the above provides an overview only of the English language requirements for skilled visas, including the subclass 887 visa English requirements and subclass 491 visa IELTS requirements. We have also discussed the partner English requirement for 190 visa, the subclass 186 visa dependent English requirement and the partner English requirement for 189 visa.
Given the highly complex nature of the migration laws, and the fact that every individual case is different, we recommend that you engage a registered migration agent as they will be able to provide you with detailed advice about these requirements and how they apply to you. This will enable you to be fully informed before you lodge your application and avoid unnecessary processing delays or a potential refusal.
Australia’s migration laws are complex, and each case is different. We recommend that you seek professional advice if you are interested in applying for a visa to Australia, as being fully informed will give you the best chance of achieving a successful outcome on your case. A migration professional can help you to do this. Also be aware that several terms are defined in the migration provisions. It is vital to have a good understanding of these terms and how they apply in practice. Detailed advice about these is beyond the scope of this article and we would therefore recommend that you seek further information in this regard.
For up to date advice on applying for a visa, including the subclass 887 visa English requirements, subclass 491 visa IELTS requirements, partner English requirement for 190 visa, subclass 186 visa dependent English requirement and the partner English requirement for 189 visa, contact PAX Migration Australia, a leading immigration service providing advice on a range of visas. Contact us for a no obligation discussion on how we may be able to assist you in achieving your migration goals in Australia.
