Australia immigration English language requirements

For most Australian visa applications, you must demonstrate having the required English language proficiency. You can demonstrate through standardized tests like IELTS, PTE, or TOEFL. The requirements vary based on the Australian visa you applied for and your circumstances. Usually, a minimum score of 6.0 in IELTS is required for Australian immigration.
 

The other tests accepted by the Australian government are given below.
 

• PTE- Pearson Test of English
• TOEFL - Test of English as a Foreign Language
• CAE Cambridge English (also known as C1 Advanced)
• OET- Occupational English Test, health professionals
   

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What are the English language requirements for Australian visas?

The English language requirements for the different Australian visas are given below.

Visa Type	English Language Proficiency
Skilled Migration Visas	IELTS - 6 points or above
Student Visas	IELTS - 6 points or above
Work Visas	IELTS - 5 points or above
Family and Partner Visas	IELTS - 4.5 points or above

 

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What are the levels of language proficiency for Australian immigration?

The various levels of English language proficiency for Australian immigration are given below.
 

• Superior Level
• Proficient Level
• Competent Level
• Vocational Level
• Functional Level
   

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What is the Superior level of English language?

For Australian immigration, the Superior English level requires a band score of at least 8.0. You must score 8.0 in the four IELTS test sections: Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking.
 

This level of proficiency is associated with enhanced opportunities for career growth and immigration points.
 

Detailed information about the superior English language level scores is given below.

Test	Required Score
IELTS	At least 8 points
TOEFL	32 or more
PTE Academic	79 points and higher
CAE	200 or more
OET	Grade A in all sections

 

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What is the Proficiency level of English language?

For Australian immigrants, proficient English language skills require a band score of 7.0. This level demonstrates an ability to communicate in English effectively in various situations.
 

Detailed information about the scores for proficient level of English is given below.

Test	Required Score
IELTS	At least 7 points
TOEFL	27 or more
PTE Academic	65 points and higher
CAE	185 or more
OET	Grade B in all sections

 

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What is the Competency level of English language?

For the Competent level of English proficiency, an applicant must have an overall score of 6.0 in each of the four test sections. It is the minimum requirement for skilled migration visas.  

Detailed information about the scores for a competent level of English is given below.

Test	Required Score
IELTS	At least 6 points
TOEFL	21 or more
PTE Academic	50 points and higher
CAE	169 or more
OET	Grade B in all sections

 

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What is the Vocational level of English language?

The Vocational level of English language proficiency for Australian immigration requires the applicant to have an overall score of 5.0. This level is considered adequate for technical or vocational work in Australia.

Detailed information about the scores for the vocational level of English is given below.

Test	Required Score
IELTS	At least 5 points
TOEFL	32 or more
PTE Academic	36 points and higher
CAE	154 or more
OET	Grade B in all sections

 

What is the Functional level of the English language?

A functional level of English proficiency is required for Australian immigration for eligible family members of the dependent. With this proficiency level, the individual can communicate and comprehend basic English.

Detailed information about the scores for the functional level of English is given below.

Test	Required Score
IELTS	At least 4.5 points
TOEFL	32 or more
PTE Academic	30 points and higher
CAE	147 or more
OET	Grade B in all sections

 

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