How to be Exempted from the English Language Requirement for Visa Applications?
For most visa applications, an important requirement is to demonstrate your English proficiency through a recognised English language test. However, there are certain visas that applicants may be exempted if they meet some of the following criteria. We have compiled a list of visas and their requirements, if you can be exempted from the English proficiency test.
Skills in Demand (Subclass 482) Visa
The minimum English requirement applies to both the Core Skills stream and Specialist Skills stream of the Skills in Demand (Subclass 482) Visa. Hence, the English exemptions also apply similarly for both streams. The visa applicant can be exempted if they meet one of the following:
You are a passport holder from the following countries:
The United Kingdom
The United States of America
Canada
New Zealand
The Republic of Ireland
You have completed at least 5 years of full-time study in at least a secondary level institution, where most classes were conducted in English. The following information will be required:
Name of location of the institution(s)
Level of qualification(s)
Official transcript from the secondary and/or tertiary institution
Number of contact hours per week in English
Number of years of study
Your nominated occupation requires you:
To hold a licence, registration or membership
You were granted the licence, registration or membership
You had to prove that you had equal or higher English language proficiency than the required English requirement
Your nominated occupation in Australia will be performed at
Diplomatic or consular mission of another country
An Office of the Authorities of Taiwan
You are:
An employee of an overseas business
The business or its associated entity has nominated you to work in Australia
You will receive guaranteed annual earnings of at least AUD 96,400
Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme (Subclass 187) Visa – Temporary Residence Transition (TRT) stream
Visa applicants for Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme (Subclass 187) Visa – Temporary Residence Transition (TRT) stream are exempt from this requirement if they have undertaken a minimum of 5 years of full-time study at a secondary or higher education institution where all tuition was conducted in English.
Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485)
For the Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485), the English requirement applies to both Post-Vocational Education Work stream and Post-Higher Education Work stream. Visa applicants are not required to take the English Language Test, if you are a citizen or hold a valid passport from one of the following countries:
The United Kingdom
The United States of America
Canada
New Zealand
The Republic of Ireland
Student Visa (Subclass 500)
Student visa (Subclass 500) applicants may be exempted from providing an English language test, if one of the following applies:
You are a passport holder from the following countries:
The United Kingdom
The United States of America
Canada
New Zealand
The Republic of Ireland
You have completed 5 years’ study in English in the following countries:
Australia
The United Kingdom
The United States of America
Canada
New Zealand
South Africa
The Republic of Ireland
You are an applicant who is a Foreign Affairs or Defence sponsored student, or a Secondary Exchange student (AASES)
You are enrolled in a principal course of study (if any):
That is a registered school course
That is a standalone English Language Intensive Course for Overseas Students (ELICOS)
Registered and delivered in a language other than English
You are enrolled in a registered post-graduate research course
In the 2 years before applying for the student visa, you completed:
The Senior Secondary Certificate of Education in Australia in English, while you held a student visa
A substantial component of a course that would qualify you under the Australian Qualifications Framework at the Certificate IV or higher level, while you held a student visa.
If you hold a British National Overseas (BNO) passport, you may be requested to provide evidence of an English test score with your visa application.
How Can Agape Henry Crux Help
If you are unsure if you meet the English exemption criteria, reach out to Agape Henry Crux. Our team of immigration lawyers and migration agents work 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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