English Requirements for Australian Migration Visas: Overview
English is a legal requirement for most Australian migration visas — not a recommendation, but a mandatory condition. Understanding how the English requirement is structured helps you plan your test and avoid lodging an application before you have the scores you need.
The three main English levels
Australian migration law defines three English levels:
Competent English: The minimum level for most migration visas. Equivalent to IELTS 6.0 in each band or PTE 50 in each skill.
Proficient English: A higher requirement for certain visas and conditions. Equivalent to IELTS 7.0 or PTE 65 in each band.
Superior English: The highest level, usually awarded bonus points in the EOI for skilled migration. Equivalent to IELTS 8.0 or PTE 79.
Accepted tests
DHA accepts results from recognised tests:
- IELTS (International English Language Testing System) — the most widely used
- PTE Academic (Pearson Test of English Academic) — more test dates, fast results
- OET (Occupational English Test) — designed specifically for healthcare professions
- TOEFL iBT — less common in migration
- Cambridge C1 Advanced and C2 Proficiency
Which visa needs which level
Visa 482 (TSS): Competent English required (IELTS 5.0/PTE 36 if from an English-speaking country, or per STSOL/MLTSSL).
Visa 186 (ENS): Competent English — IELTS 6.0 or equivalent.
Skilled Independent (189), Skilled Nominated (190): Competent English to lodge an EOI; Proficient/Superior add points.
Partner visa: No English requirement for the applicant (exceptions apply in some cases).
Student visa: Separate requirements set by the institution and course.
When the requirement can be waived
Some applicants are exempt from sitting an English test — see the article on English requirement exemptions for visas for full details.
How long a test certificate stays valid
English test results are usually valid for 3 years from the test date, but there are exceptions depending on the visa and the test. Check how long English test results remain valid for your specific visa.