Most Australian visa subclasses require applicants to demonstrate a minimum level of English language proficiency. The Department of Home Affairs (DHA) uses a five-level English proficiency framework — from Functional English (the lowest level) to Superior English (the highest) — and requires different levels depending on the visa subclass.

English proficiency is demonstrated through scores from approved English language tests. DHA specifies which tests are accepted and what scores correspond to each proficiency level. Accepted tests currently include IELTS, PTE Academic, TOEFL iBT, Cambridge C1 Advanced and C2 Proficiency, and OET (Occupational English Test). DHA does not accept test results from remote-proctored (at-home) sittings.

• Migration Regulations 1994 — English language requirements are set as criteria for individual visa subclasses; the specific level required is stated in the visa subclass criteria
• DHA: English language visa requirements page — immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/english-language
• Specific score requirements for each test and proficiency level are published on the DHA website — scores are subject to periodic revision

The five proficiency levels

DHA uses five named levels of English proficiency, each with specific test score benchmarks:

• Functional English: The lowest level, required for some family and partner visa subclasses. Exemptions apply for longer-term residents and certain family members. Score benchmarks are lower than competent English. See DHA: Functional English.
• Vocational English: A mid-level standard required for some employer-sponsored and regional visa subclasses, and for some trade skills assessments. IELTS equivalent: 5.0 in each band. See DHA: Vocational English.
• Competent English: The most commonly required level for skilled migration visas (including subclasses 189, 190, 491, 482, and 186). IELTS equivalent: minimum 6.0 in each of the four components (listening, reading, writing, speaking). See DHA: Competent English.
• Proficient English: A higher standard required for some visas, and for maximum points in the General Skilled Migration points test. IELTS equivalent: minimum 7.0 in each component. See DHA: Proficient English.
• Superior English: The highest standard, used for maximum points under certain skilled visa categories. IELTS equivalent: minimum 8.0 in each component, or native speaker. See DHA: Superior English.

The exact score equivalences for all accepted tests at each level are published at the above links. Scores are subject to change — check the DHA website for current benchmarks.

Accepted tests

DHA currently accepts results from the following English language tests:

• IELTS (Academic and General Training, including One Skill Retake)
• PTE Academic (Pearson Test of English Academic)
• TOEFL iBT (Internet-Based Test)
• Cambridge English (C1 Advanced and C2 Proficiency)
• OET (Occupational English Test — for healthcare professionals in relevant visa subclasses)

At-home tests not accepted: DHA does not accept evidence from English language tests delivered completely online (remote-proctored or at-home sittings). Applicants must attend an approved test centre.

Test result validity

Test results are generally valid for a limited period. The DHA website publishes current validity rules — applicants should check the DHA English language page for the current rules on test score expiry and transitional provisions.

Who is exempt from the English language requirement?

Citizens of the following countries are generally exempt from English language test requirements for most visa subclasses, as English is their native language or their country's primary official language:

• United Kingdom
• United States of America
• Canada
• New Zealand
• Republic of Ireland

Additional exemptions may apply based on long-term Australian study (for example, having completed at least five years of full-time study where the instruction was in English in Australia, the UK, Canada, USA, NZ, or Republic of Ireland). Exemptions vary by visa subclass — practitioners should check the specific exemptions for the relevant visa.

Points test — English as a bonus

For skilled visas assessed under the General Skilled Migration points test, English language proficiency contributes points. Competent English (IELTS 6.0 in each band) is the minimum required to receive any points for English. Proficient English (7.0 each band) and Superior English (8.0 each band) attract additional bonus points. This makes English proficiency a strategic factor in competitive Expressions of Interest.

Requirements for specific visa subclasses may differ from the general framework. For example, the Skills in Demand visa (subclass 482) has recently updated its English language requirements; practitioners should check the specific subclass page on the DHA website for any visa-specific rules.

Many assessing authorities also have their own English language requirements as part of the skills assessment process — these are separate from and in addition to the DHA visa English language requirements. Applicants should check the assessing authority's requirements when planning their application.