English Language Requirement

English Language Requirement (IELTS)

There is a level of English language requirement for certain visa subclasses, particularly in the General Skilled Migration, Employer Sponsored Migration and Business Skills Migration streams.

The International English Language Test (IELTS) is the English Language testing system accepted by DIAC to assess your English language ability for migration purposes. For certain categories, the Occupational English Language Test (OET) is accepted. Also, for some visa classes, the English proficiency needs to be tested for secondary applicants over 18 years old, to determine whether a second Visa Application Charge (VAC) is required to be paid.

The four areas examined in the IELTS tests are reading, writing, listening and speaking. The maximum score in each area is nine.

Here are the various levels of English proficiency:

Level of English Description IELTS Points Available
Proficient This is the highest level scored, and demonstrates a comprehensive ability of English An IELTS score of at least 7 in each of the 4 categories. 25 Points in GSM Points Test
Competent (threshold) Your English ability is at a reasonably good level
 An IELTS score of at least 6 in each of the 4 categories  15 Points in GSM Points Test 
This is the minimum English level required for Skilled Independent and Skilled Sponsored.
Concessional Competent You have a basic ability, but it may not be consistent across the four levels of reading, writing, listening and speaking. 
 An average IELTS bandscore of 6  15 Points in GSM Points Test if you have applied for Skilled - Regional Sponsorship and have paid English tuition fee 
Vocational (threshold for trades prior to July 1, 2009)  Your English ability is at a reasonable level An IELTS score of at least 5 in each of the 4 categories  0 Points in GSM Points Test if you nominate a skilled trade occupation or 30 points in the Business Skills - Establish business in Australia. 
Functional You have enough basic English to communicate adequately
An IELTS score of at least 4.5 in each of the 4 categories  0 Points in GSM Points Test or 20 points in the Business Skills - Establish business in Australia. 
Limited English Very basic, with a lot of errors An IELTS score of at least 4 in each of the 4 categories 0 Points in GSM Points Test or 10 points in the Business Skills - Establish business in Australia.
No English Extremely limited An IELTS score of less than 4 in each of the 4 categories 0 Points in GSM Points Test

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