English Requirement for Australian Visa – General Information

Posted by ONEderland Consulting on April 22nd, 2023

English Requirement for Australian Visa – General Information

In applying for an Australian visa, there is one essential thing that you should never forget which is the English requirement for an Australian Visa. It can be worrying because it plays an important role, determining whether you get the visa or not. Considering how crucial the English requirement is for your visa applications, we would like to provide you with more information on this matter.

Review the details below to learn about the English language requirements for an Australian visa and ensure you meet the necessary criteria.

What is the English Requirement?

Always be noted that meeting the English requirement for an Australian visa is very important because English is the first language in the country. The Australian government divides English proficiency into five different levels:

• Functional English
• Vocational English
• Competent English
• Proficient English
• Superior English

You’ll need to take a test to determine which level you belong to. Various types of tests are available, and the score you get on your chosen test will determine your points and your level of English ability.

What kind of tests should you take?

There are kinds of tests that would be required to get English skill levels, and there are specific points to be able required for the test:

1. IELTS (International English Language Testing System): This is the primary test to know your English ability based on the score of four component tests.
2. OET (Occupational English Test): This test is prepared for medical and allied health professionals, also to be evidence of the proficient and superior level of English.
3. TOEFL iBT (Test of English as a Foreign Language internet-based Test): Most state and territory governments also recognise these tests, as do some skills assessment authorities, to be accepted for all skilled subclasses.
4. PTE (Pearson Academic Test of English): This isn’t much different from TOEFL iBT
5. CAE (Cambridge Test of English): This evidence of the test just accepted from January 2015

Additionally, your test must have been completed within 12 months of your visa lodgement or can be completed during visa application processing.

Now, Discover your Minimum Scores for Your English Requirement Visa

Each level required a minimum score from four components: Speaking, Reading, Listening and Writing. We summarized the needed minimum score that is:

Functional English

This level provides that you don’t need to take the tests if you are the holder and citizen of these passports:

1. Canada,
2. New Zealand,
3. United Kingdom,
4. United States, and
5. The Republic of Ireland.

However, there is an additional fee required if you are taking your relatives or spouse to the visa application if they didn’t meet the minimum English requirement.

In some circumstances, functional English can be established via interview. But you could prove your english ability or at least known that you have the functional english, if you are completed all the education for english medium as in:

1. Degree, higher degree, diploma or trade certificated at least 2 years, or; at least completed them all in 1 year full-time or equivalent part-time study,
2. Primary education, and at least in secondary education in 2 years,
3. Secondary education at least 5 years,
4. Complete the degree, higher degree, diploma or associate diploma in Australia at least for 1 year full-time study or equivalent part-time study

Vocational English

*If you have held a 457 visa for at least two years, or if you have ENS and RSMS visas under the Temporary Resident Transitional stream, you may be able to receive Vocational English to meet your English proficiency requirements.

Competent English

This levels also provides that you don’t need to take the tests if you are the holder and citizen of these passport:

1. Canada,
2. New Zealand,
3. United Kingdom,
4. United States, and
5. The Republic of Ireland.

Proficient English

This test is also required to native English speakers to get the higher levels of their English ability.

Superior English

This level highly required you to achieve this minimum score for the test, and also if you are in specific position or specific occupations:

Source: English language visa requirements

Soft Skills Matter: The Importance of English Skills

Improving your English ability can help you to expand your opportunities, mostly for professional career or–even your personal life.

This article might tell you that meeting the minimum scores, or the averages can increase your chances of getting better points – for the purpose of a skilled working visa –and it is calculated to grant you a visa.

However, it’s also important to keep increasing your soft-skill; and language proficiency is just one part of your soft skill which will help you in settling into a new country. It’s also crucial to learn about the culture, customs, and values of the people you’ll be living and working with.

Moving to a new place can make you reflect on your lifestyle. Migration is not always easy. Adapting to a new environment can be challenging and overwhelming.

If you do have this kind of questions:

1. English is my second language, but I don’t have enough physical evidence. Should I take the requirement tests?
2. Is there any specific process of English requirements for a certain Australia visa?
3. Which courses do I need to take to meet the English requirements as a beginner?

We know that you may have many questions about the English requirements that seem simple yet are still complicated for your visa applications, especially for you who aim for higher chances of being granted a visa and migrate to Australia.