What is the Required Minimum English Test Score to Apply for a Visa?

Embarking on your journey to Australia? Let's talk about one essential aspect: English Language competency! Some visas may require you to show proof of your English skills, but worry not! We've got you covered. Here's a glimpse of the required competency levels for certain visas, helping you set your target score confidently. Get ready to unlock your dreams in Australia!

For Temporary Skill Shortage Visa (TSS) (Subclass 482) 

Skilled workers aiming to apply for Temporary Skill Shortage Visa (Subclass 482) Short-term Stream must score: 

Type of English Test Minimum Score
International English Language Testing System (IELTS) At least five (5) overall band scores, and at least 4.5 on four (4) test components
PTE At least 36 academic overall test score, with at least 30 in each of the test components
TOEFL At least a total score of 35, and at least 12 for speaking and writing
OET At least a “B”
Cambridge English (CAE) Advanced At least 154 overall test score, with at least 147 in each test components

Meanwhile, for Medium-Long term TSS applicants must score:

Type of English Test Minimum Score
International English Language Testing System (IELTS) At least five (5) overall band scores, and at least five (5) or above on four (4) test components
PTE At least 36 academic overall test score, with at least 36 in each of the test components
TOEFL At least 35 academic overall test score, with at least four (4) for each of the test components of listening and reading, and at least 14 for speaking and writing
OET At least a “B”
Cambridge English (CAE) Advanced At least 154 overall test score

For Employment Nomination Scheme (Subclass 186) and Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme (Subclass 187)  

Individuals aiming to apply for Employment Nomination Scheme (ENS) (Subclass 186) and the Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme (Subclass 187) must aspire for:

Type of English Test Population, million
International English Language Testing System (IELTS) At least six (6) in each of the four (4) test components
PTE At least 50 in each of the four (4) test components
TOEFL At least 12 for listening, 13 for reading, 18 for speaking and 21 for writing
OET At least a “B” in each of the four (4) test components
Cambridge English (CAE) Advanced At least 169 in each of the four (4) components

For Skilled Migration Visa (Subclasses 189, 190, 491, and 494) 

Skilled Migration Visa (Subclasses 189, 190, 491, or 494) applicants must aim for: 

TypeMinimum Score
General Skilled Migration (GSM) points test for Superior English At least 20 points
GSM points for Proficient English At least 10 points
GSM Points test and ENS Subclass 186/RSMS Direct and Transition Stream for Competent English At least satisfy threshold requirement
Vocational English At least satisfy requirements

For Other Australian Visas 

Type Minimum Score
Training (Subclass 407) visa and Temporary Activity (Subclass 403) visa Average of 4.5 in IELTS
Temporary Graduate (Subclass 485) visa and Recognised Graduate (Subclass 124) visa At least 10 points
Distinguished Talent (Subclass 124) visa At least Functional English

How Can Agape Henry Crux Help   

Plan out a strategic migration pathway at Agape Henry Crux. Our Accredited Specialist(s) Immigration Lawyers and our team of immigration lawyers and migration agents are specialised in handling highly complex matters.  You can book one of our lawyers or agents to seek professional advice by calling 02-8310 5230 or emailing us at info@ahclawyers.com.   

We speak fluent English, Mandarin, and Malay. If this isn’t your language, we can also help you arrange an interpreter. 

This article/presentation (“publication”) does not deal extensively with important topics or changes in law and is not intended to be relied upon as a substitute for legal or other advice that may be relevant to the reader's specific circumstances. If you find this publication of interest and would like to know more or wish to obtain legal advice relevant to your circumstances, please contact our office.