What are the Current Skills in Demand (SID) (SC482) and Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) (SC186) Minimum English Requirement?
English proficiency is a visa criterion for individuals to meet for Skills in Demand (SID) (Subclass 482) visa and Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) (SC186) visa. This means that individuals who wish to apply for one of the visa subclasses are required to sit for a recognised English test to determine their level of English proficiency and to meet these visa subclasses minimum requirement.
Note: there were some changes to the English language requirement for SID (SC482) effective on 13 September 2025.
What are the Current English Test Providers?
There has been new English Test providers since the update on English test in August 2025. The full provider list is listed below:
International English Language Testing System Academic (IELTS Academic), including One Skill Retake (OSR)
International English Language Testing System General Training (IELTS General Training), including One Skill Retake (OSR)
Test of English as a Foreign Language internet-Based Test (TOEFL iBT)
Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program General (CELPIP General)
Michigan English Test (MET), including Single Section Retake (SSR)
What are the Current SID (SC482) and ENS (SC186) Visa Minimum English Requirements?
Skills in Demand (SID) (Subclass 482) - Core Skills or Specialist Skills Stream | Test Taken on or after 13 September 2025
English test that offers single skill retake options may be accepted for that skill.
IELTS (Academic and General Training) – Score of at least 5 in each test component.
PTE – Score of at least 33 in listening, 36 in reading, 29 in writing and 24 in speaking.
OET – Score of at least 220 in listening, 240 in reading, 200 in writing and 270 in speaking.
TOEFL iBT – Score of at least 8 for listening and reading and a score of at least 9 for writing and 14 for speaking.
CELPIP – Score of at least 5 in each test component.
LANGUAGECERT Academic – Score of at least 41 in listening, 44 in reading, 45 in writing and 54 in speaking.
MET – Score of at least 49 in listening, 47 in reading, 45 in writing and 38 in speaking.
Skills in Demand (SID) (Subclass 482) - Core Skills or Specialist Skills Stream | Test Taken before 13 September 2025
IELTS – Overall band score of at least 5.0 with a score of at least 5 in each test component.
PTE – Overall test score of at least 36 with a score of at least 36 in each test component.
OET – Score of at least ‘B’ in each of the four components.
TOEFL iBT – Total score of at least 35 with a score of at least 4 for listening and reading and a score of at least 14 for speaking and writing.
Cambridge C1 Advanced test (previously known as CAE) – Overall test score of at least 154 with a score of at least 154 in each test component.
Note: There may be exemptions for some individuals for the SID (Subclass 482) visa’s English requirement.
Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) (Subclass 186)
Applicants must meet minimum Competent English level to be eligible to apply for ENS (Subclass 186) Direct Entry stream and Temporary Residence Transition (TRT) stream.
Related:
Understand English Language Proficiency Requirement for Australian Visa
Transition from the SID (Subclass 482) Visa to the ENS (Subclass 186) Visa FAQ
Skills in Demand SID (Subclass 482) Visa: Do I Need a Skills Assessment?
How Can Agape Henry Crux Help
If you have any queries regarding meeting the English requirement for your SC482/186 visa application, consider speaking with an immigration lawyer for tailored professional advice. At Agape Henry Crux, our team of immigration lawyers work together with 2 of our Accredited Specialists in Immigration Law, who specialise in handling highly complex matters. You can book a consultation with one of our lawyers to seek professional advice by calling 02-8310 5230 or emailing us at info@ahclawyers.com.
We speak fluent English, Mandarin and Cantonese. If this isn’t your language, we can also help you arrange an interpreter. Read our clients’ testimonials on Agape Henry Crux and Accredited Specialist in Immigration Law, Jason Ling.
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.
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