Estimated reading time: 4 minutes
As with all countries, when moving there for work or education – there are certain requirements that must be met. In regards to the Australian migration requirement, you must prove you have proficient English. The higher the English language score you get, you can score more points in the migration application. This can be done in a myriad of manners. Depending on what visa you have chosen to apply for, the proof of the English language can differ.
Essentially, to prove your English language ability to Australian migration, you would have to show the following:
- That you have studied in English for five years in either Australia, United Kingdom, Canada, United States, South Africa or Ireland.
- That you have passed an English language ability test.
- That you have been enrolled in your educational institute.
English Exams – When, Where, Administration, Components, Results for Australia migration and Visas:
The Department of Home Affairs in Australia accepts five different English language tests for Australian migration and visa applications. These tests are administered all over the world and most are also accepted all over the world. Please see the table below for the details.
| Name of the English language tests for Australian migration | WHEN & WHERE | ADMINISTRATION | COMPONENTS | RESULTS |
| IELTS (International English Language Testing System) | Taken up to 48 times per year in over 900 locations in 130 countries. | IELTS is a paper test but is administered on a computer in Australia. | Listening (30 minutes) Reading (60 minutes) Writing (60 minutes) Speaking (10-15 minutes) | Scores are given using a 9-band system that will provide scores on each component. The test report will be sent to you about 2 weeks after the test date. |
| TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) | Taken up to 50 times a year in several test centers in 130 countries. | TOEFL is a paper test. There is also an online option. | Reading (60-90 minutes) Listening (60-90 minutes) Speaking (60-90 minutes) Writing (50 minutes) | The papers are marked out of 30, with an overall score of 120. Your results can be sent online unless requested otherwise. It usually takes about 10 days post exam. |
| PTE ACADEMIC (Pearson Test of English Academic) | Taken up to 363 times a year in over 200 locations worldwide. | Computer test. | Speaking and Writing (70-95 minutes) Reading (30-40 minutes) Listening (45-55 minutes) | The test scores range between an overall score of 10-90 points. The results are then delivered after about 5 business days. |
| OET (Occupational English Test) | Taken up to 10 times a year in about 30 countries. | Paper test. | Reading (60 minutes) Listening (50 minutes) Speaking (20 minutes) Writing (50 minutes) | Graded between A (highest) to E (lowest) for each test. The results are published after 15 business days. |
| CAE (Cambridge) | Taken up to 3 times per month in 130 countries. | Can be either paper or computer based. | Reading and Use of English (90 minutes) Writing (90 minutes) Listening (40 minutes) Speaking (15 minutes) | The overall score is between 180-210 points. Results are released online after four to six weeks of the exams being taken on paper, and two to three weeks if the test was based on the computer. |
What results do you need to be accepted by the department for Australian migration?
Each visa type required a different English language proficiency level. This table showcases the test score equivalencies for the tests.
| ENGLISH LANGUAGE PROFICIENCY LEVEL | IELTS | TOEFL | PTE | OET | CAE |
| Vocational | 5.0 | Listening and Reading – 4.0 Writing and Speaking – 14 | 36 | B | 154 |
| Competent | 6.0 | Listening – 12 Reading – 13 Writing – 21 Speaking – 18 | 50 | B | 169 |
| Proficient | 7.0 | Listening and Reading – 24 Writing – 27 Speaking – 23 | 65 | B | 185 |
| Skilled | 8.0 | Listening – 28 Reading – 29 Writing – 30 Speaking -26 | 79 | A | 200 |
How long are these results valid for?
The test results are valid for about three years. If the migration application has been put in with test results from a test that was conducted more than three years prior, it will not be valid.
What level of English is required for an Australian migration visa?
As mentioned before, each migration visa requires a different level of English language proficiency for immi applications.
The 482 Australian Visa requires a COMPETENT level of English.
The ENS Australian visa requires a COMPETENT level of English.
The RSMS Australian visa requires a COMPETENT level of English.
The 189 visa, 190 visa, and 489 Australia migration visas require at least a COMPETENT level of English however, you will only receive points for the PROFICIENT (10 points) or SUPERIOR (20 points) levels of English.
Finally, if you have any questions in terms of Australian migration application or English test score requirements, we (Australian Visa Lawyer) are happy to help.
