What Is the Minimum English Language Requirement for Visa Applications - March 2025 Update

For most visa applications, one requirement is to demonstrate your English proficiency through demonstrate it through 1 of the 5 recognised English language tests, which are:

What Visas Require Evidence in English Language Proficiency?

Skills in Demand (Subclass 482) Visa

The minimum English requirement below applies to both the Core Skills stream and Specialist Skills stream. English language exemptions may apply for this visa.

English Test	Minimum Required English Results
IELTS	Overall band score of at least 5.0 with a score of at least 5 in each of the test components.
PTE Academic	Overall test score of at least 36 with a score of at least 36 in each of the test components.
TOEFL iBT	Total score of at least 35 with at least 4 of each of the test components of listening and reading, and a score of at least 14 for each test components of speaking and writing.
Cambridge C1 Advanced	Overall test score of at least 154 with a score of at least 154 in each test components.
OET	Score of at least ‘B’ in each component.

The above visas require primary applicants to meet at least a competent English, and for secondary applicants who are above 18 years old to meet at least functional English. Refer to the table below.

English Test	Primary Applicant - Minimum Required English Results	Secondary Applicant(s) (above 18 years old) - Minimum Required English Results
IELTS	At least 6.0 in each of the test components.	Average band score of at least 4.5 based on 4 test components.
PTE Academic	At least 50 in each of the test components.	Total band score of at least 30 based on the 4 test components
TOEFL iBT	At least 12 for listening, 13 for reading, 21 for writing and 18 for speaking.	Total band score of at least 32 based on the 4 test components.
Cambridge C1 Advanced	At least 169 in each test components.	Total band score of at least 147 based on the 4 test components.
OET	Score of at least ‘B’ in each component.	Not Applicable

The above visas require primary applicants to meet at least a competent English. Refer to the table below.

English Test	Minimum Required English Results
IELTS	At least 6.0 in each of the test components.
PTE Academic	At least 50 in each of the test components.
TOEFL iBT	At least 12 for listening, 13 for reading, 21 for writing and 18 for speaking.
Cambridge C1 Advanced	At least 169 in each test components.
OET	Score of at least ‘B’ in each component.

The above visas require primary applicants to meet at least a functional English. Refer to the table below.

English Test	Minimum Required English Results
IELTS	Average band score of at least 4.5 based on 4 test components.
PTE Academic	Total band score of at least 30 based on the 4 test components.
TOEFL iBT	Total band score of at least 32 based on the 4 test components.
Cambridge C1 Advanced	Total band score of at least 147 based on the 4 test components.

Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485)

The English requirement for the Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485) applies to both the Post-Vocational Education Workstream and the Post-Higher Education Workstream. However, English language exemptions may apply for this visa. Refer to the table below.

English Test	Minimum Required English Result	Minimum Requirement English Result for British National Overseas (BNO) or Hong Kong passports
IELTS	Overall band score of at least 6.5 with a score of at least 5.5 in each of the test components.	Overall band score of at least 6.0 with a score of at least 5.0 in each of the test components.
PTE Academic	Overall test score of at least 57 with a score of at least:	Overall test score of at least 50 with a score of at least 36 for each component
	43 for listening
	48 for reading
	42 for speaking
	51 for writing
TOEFL iBT	Total score of at least 83 with at least:	Total score of at least 64 with at least:
	7 for listening	4 for listening
	8 for reading	4 for reading
	18 for writing	14 for writing
	16 for speaking	14 for speaking
Cambridge C1 Advanced	Overall test score of at least 176 with a score of at least 162 in each test components.	Overall test score of at least 169 with a score of at least 154 in each test components.
OET	Score of at least ‘B’ in each component.	Score of at least ‘B’ in each component.

Temporary Work (International Relations) Visa (Subclass 403) - MATES stream

The applicant for Temporary Work (International Relations) visa (Subclass 403) - Mobility Arrangement for Talented Early-professionals Scheme (MATES) stream must meet the minimum English requirement in 1 year before submitting a valid visa application or the day of the visa decision. Refer to the table below.

English Test	Minimum Required English Results
IELTS	Overall band score of at least 6.0 with a score of at least 5 in each of the test components.
PTE Academic	Overall test score of at least 50 with a score of at least 36 in each of the test components.
TOEFL iBT	Total score of at least 64 with at least 4 for listening and reading components, and a score of at least 14 for speaking and writing components.
Cambridge C1 Advanced	Overall test score of at least 169 with a score of at least 154 in each test components.
OET	Score of at least ‘C’ in each component.

Pacific Engagement Visa (Subclass 192)

The Pacific Engagement Visa (Subclass 192) applicant must meet the minimum English requirement in 3 years before submitting a valid visa application or the day of the visa decision. They will only have to focus on the listening and speaking components of the English test to meet the requirements. Refer to the table below.

English Test	Minimum Required English Results
IELTS	At least 5.0 for each of the listening and speaking test components.
PTE Academic	At least 36 in each of the listening and speaking test components.
TOEFL iBT	At least 4 for listening component, and a score of at least 14 for speaking component.
Cambridge C1 Advanced	Score of at least 154 of the listening and speaking test components.
OET	Score of at least ‘B’ for each listening and speaking test components.

Student Visa (Subclass 500)

Student visa (Subclass 500) applicants may be required to provide evidence of English language tests. English language exemptions may apply for this visa.

How Can Agape Henry Crux Help

If you have further questions regarding meeting the English language requirement, book a time with an immigration lawyer for professional advice at Agape Henry Crux. Our team of immigration lawyers and migration agents works together with our Accredited Specialist Immigration Lawyers, who specialise in handling highly complex matters. You can book a consultation with one of our lawyers or agents to seek professional advice by calling 02-8310 5230 or email us at info@ahclawyers.com.

We speak fluent English, Mandarin and Cantonese. If this isn’t your language, we can also help you arrange an interpreter.

This article/presentation (“publication”) does not deal extensively with important topics or changes in law and is not intended to be relied upon as a substitute for legal or other advice that may be relevant to the reader's specific circumstances. If you find this publication of interest and would like to know more or wish to obtain legal advice relevant to your circumstances, please contact our office.

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