English language ability

You must demonstrate that you meet the English language threshold at the time you apply. This means that you must already have your English language test results before you lodge your application.

In most cases, the English language threshold is at the competent English level. However, if your nominated occupation is a trade occupation, the threshold is vocational English.

You must meet one of the following:

• provide evidence that you have undergone an English language test and meet the English language threshold
• hold a valid passport from, and be a citizen of, one of the following countries:
  • United Kingdom (UK)
  • Canada
  • New Zealand
  • United States of America (USA)
  • Republic of Ireland.

English levels

The following table shows the English language levels and the evidence you will need to provide with your application.

Level of English	Evidence required
Proficient	You must provide one of the following: IELTS Test Report Form (TRF) Number to show you have a band score of at least seven (7) on each of the four (4) components – speaking, reading, listening and writing or evidence of having achieved a score of `B´ or higher on each of the four (4) components of the OET Test.
Competent	You must provide one of the following: evidence that you hold an eligible passport IELTS TRF Number to show you have a band score of at least six (6) on each of the four (4) components – speaking, reading, listening and writing.
Vocational (if you have nominated a trade occupation)	You must provide one of the following: evidence that you hold an eligible passport your IELTS TRF Number to show you have a band score of at least five (5) on each of the four (4) components.

Note: From 1 January 2010, applicants will not be able to claim Vocational English for GSM visas.

Which English language test should I sit?

Generally, you will be required to sit the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) test to assess your English language ability. Occupational English Test (OET) results may also be provided as evidence of your English language ability.

What is the International English Language Testing System (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

Your test results must be from a test you sat no more than two (2) years before the day of making your application.
Note: You will not be required to sit the IELTS test to demonstrate that you meet the English language threshold 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.

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:
Form 1121i Skilled Occupation List (SOL) and Employer Nomination Scheme Occupation List (ENSOL) (129KB PDF file)
Australian Skills Recognition Information

 

Before lodging an application, please read all related eligibility requirements.
See: Return to previous page