Skilled – Independent (Migrant) Visa (Subclass 175)
The department is not accepting any new applications for this visa.
The following information applies to you, if you lodged an application for this visa subclass on or before 30 June 2012.
If you are interested in the Points Tested skilled migration you must use SkillSelect to submit an Expression of Interest for a skilled visa. You are able to submit an Expression of Interest from anywhere in the world.
See: SkillSelect
If you are a provisional visa holder and you want to apply for a second provisional visa or add a family member to your application you may be eligible to apply for the Skilled Regional (Provisional) subclass 489 visa.
See: Skilled – Nominated or sponsored (Provisional) (subclass 489) visa
English Language Ability – Eligibility
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You must demonstrate that you meet the English language threshold.
The English language threshold is at the competent English level which is a minimum score of six in each of the four components of the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) test system or other language test and score specified by the Minister for Immigration and Citizenship. Your test results must be from a test you sat no more than two years before the day you lodge your application.
You meet the English language threshold of competent if you hold a valid passport from, and are a citizen of, one of the following countries:
- United Kingdom (UK)
- Canada
- New Zealand
- United States of America (USA)
- Republic of Ireland.
Evidence to attach to your application
You must provide one of the following:
- evidence that you hold an eligible passport
or - IELTS Test Report Form (TRF) Number to show you have a band score of at least six on each of the four components – speaking, reading, listening and writing
or - evidence that you undertook a language test as specified by the minister.
Which English language test should I sit?
Generally, you will be required to sit the IELTS test to assess your English language ability. Occupational English Test (OET) results may also be provided as evidence of your English language ability.
Note: OET is currently only available for health practitioners.
What is the IELTS?
The IELTS is a test designed to assess an applicant's English language ability. It has an academic test and a general training test – you need only take the general training test unless otherwise advised by your skills assessing authority.
IELTS examinations are available worldwide and further information is available on their website.
See: International English Language Testing System
However, if you are using an IELTS test to show a secondary applicant’s level of English as ‘functional’, they must have sat the test no more than 12 months before you made your application.
See: English Language Requirements for Secondary Applicants
Skills assessments and English
A higher level of English is required for certain occupations where it forms part of the skills assessment. You can find out if your occupation requires a higher level of English by contacting the assessing authority for your nominated occupation. Contact details for assessing bodies are available at the end of the Skilled Occupation List.
See:
Skilled Occupation List
Australian Skills Recognition Information
Before lodging an application, please read all related requirements.