Professionals and other Skilled Migrants

Skilled – Independent (Residence) visa (subclass 885)

  1. About this Visa
  2. How this Visa Works
  3. Eligibility
  4. Obligations
  5. Applying for this Visa

English language ability

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You must demonstrate that you meet the English language threshold. 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 and this will give you 15 points.

You also meet the English language threshold and will receive 15 points if you meet one of the following:

If you wish to claim 25 points you will need to meet the required English language test results for proficient English.

English levels

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

Level of English Points Evidence required
Proficient 25 points

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 15 points

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 15 points 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.

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.

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

Note: You will not be required to sit the IELTS test to demonstrate that you meet the English language threshold if you hold a passport from one of the following countries:

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

There is more information to help you understand how your English language ability is assessed.
See: Information form 966i Migrating to Australia – English language assessment (58KB PDF file)

 

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

  1. About this Visa
  2. How this Visa Works
  3. Eligibility
  4. Obligations
  5. Applying for this Visa