English Testing

For several visa categories, applicants must provide proof of their English language ability.

In many cases, you may be asked by the Department of Immigration to undertake the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) test. The IELTS has four components - speaking, reading, listening and writing. Further information on the IELTS can be obtained from the IELTS website

Proficient English

To establish proficient English, you must obtain a score of at least 7 out of 9 for all four components of the IELTS test. Note that even if you are a native English speaker, you must complete English language testing to get points for proficient English.

Competent English

You can establish a competent level of English by:

1. Obtaining a score of at least 6 out of 9 for all four components of the IELTS test
2. Passing the Occupational English Test conducted by the National Language and Literacy Institute of Australia.
3. Holding National Accreditation Authority for Translators and Interpreters (NAATI) accreditation as an interpreter
4. Showing that your first spoken language must be English, and you hold a passport from one of the following 5 countries:
   • Canada
   • New Zealand
   • United Kingdom
   • United States
   • Ireland

Competent English is the threshold requirement which needs to be met for most general skilled applications. This includes:

• Skilled - Independent
• Skilled - Sponsored
• Skilled - Graduate

Note that if you nominate a trade occupation, you only need to show vocational English (see below).

Concessional Competent English

To establish proficient English, you must obtain a score of at least an average score of 5.5 over all four components of the IELTS test.

Applicants for Skilled Regional Sponsored visas must show at least concessional competent English to meet threshold requirements, and at this level, would need to pay the English Education Charge.

Vocational English

You can show you have vocational English ability by scoring at least 5 out of 9 on all four components of the IELTS test, or by holding NAATI accreditation. Vocational English is the threshold level of English which needs to be demonstrated for general skilled applicants nominating trade occupations. You would need at least vocational English to qualify for employer nomination.

Functional English

You can show you have functional English ability by providing evidence of the following:

1. Scoring at least 4.5 averaged over the four components of the IELTS test.
2. Holding a degree, diploma or trade qualification from an academic institution as a result of at least 2 years full time study where all instruction has been conducted in English
3. Working in an English speaking country for 2 years or more

If your spouse has less than functional English, then you would need to pay the "English Education Charge" to cover English language tuition in applying for skilled migration or business migration.

Applying for migration to Australia can be complex, so we recommend that you contact us to check your likely eligibility for immigration to Australia before you proceed with an application.

Acacia recommends taking an IELTS preparation course such as the one below to ensure you score the highest marks: