When applying for an Australian skilled work visa, meeting the English language requirements is a critical step. The Department of Home Affairs (DOHA) assesses your English proficiency to ensure you can effectively integrate into the Australian workforce and community. Various tests are accepted for demonstrating English proficiency, and the required scores depend on the visa subclass and your occupation.
Accepted English Language Tests
DOHA accepts the following tests for General Skilled Migration and employer-sponsored visas:
- IELTS (International English Language Testing System)
- PTE Academic (Pearson Test of English Academic)
- TOEFL iBT (Test of English as a Foreign Language internet-based test)
- OET (Occupational English Test) – primarily for healthcare professionals.
English Proficiency Levels
English proficiency is assessed at different levels:
- Vocational English
- Competent English
- Proficient English
- Superior English
Each level corresponds to minimum scores in the accepted tests. Here’s a breakdown:
Level | IELTS | PTE Academic | TOEFL iBT | OET |
| Competent | 6.0 in each band | 50 in each band | 64 (minimum 4 in each section) | B in each band |
| Proficient | 7.0 in each band | 65 in each band | 94 (minimum 24 in listening, 24 in reading, 27 in writing, 23 in speaking) | B in each band |
| Superior | 8.0 in each band | 79 in each band | 110 (minimum 28 in each section) | A in each band |
| Vocational | 5.0 in each band | 36 in each band | 35 (minimum 4 in listening, 4 in reading, 14 in writing, 14 in speaking) | B in each band |
English Requirements by Visa Subclass
- Minimum Requirement: Competent English
- Higher proficiency may be required for a positive skills assessment if applying through the Direct Entry pathway
- Minimum Requirement: Competent English
- Proficient or Superior English can award you higher scores for the points test
- Minimum Requirement: Competent English
- Higher levels of English can boost your points for state nomination
- Minimum Requirement: Competent English
- Higher scores may be beneficial depending on occupation or state/territory requirements
- Minimum Requirement: Competent English
- Exceptions may apply if you’re exempt under specific streams.
- Minimum Requirement: Vocational English.
English Requirements for Specific Professions
Engineers
- Typically require Competent English to satisfy the requirements of Engineers Australia (the skills assessing body)
Nurses and Medical Practitioners
- Occupational English Test (OET) is commonly used, with a minimum grade of B in each band
- Alternatively, IELTS scores of 7.0 in each band are often required for skills assessment and registration
Accountants
- Accountants generally need Proficient English for skills assessment with bodies like CPA Australia or Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand (CAANZ)
Tips for Meeting English Language Requirements
- Choose the Right Test: Pick a test that aligns with your strengths. For example, OET is tailored to healthcare professionals and uses industry-specific terminology
- Practice: Familiarise yourself with the test format to build confidence and improve your scores
- Plan Ahead: Ensure you allow enough time to meet the requirements before lodging your visa application.
By achieving the required English language proficiency, you’ll enhance your chances of successfully obtaining an Australian skilled work visa and demonstrating your readiness to contribute to Australia’s workforce.
For further assistance, reach out to our team of migration experts who can guide you through the visa application process!
