English requirements for secondary applicants

Secondary applicants aged 18 years or over who do not have functional English must pay a second instalment visa application charge (VAC) if they have not paid a second VAC for the visa they currently hold.

This means that if secondary applicants did pay the second VAC for their provisional visa, they do not have to pay the second VAC for a Subclass 887 visa.

There is no second VAC for secondary applicants if they are under 18 years of age. 

This payment will entitle secondary applicants to English language tuition in Australia to enable them to achieve functional English language ability.

Functional English is sufficient English to cope with everyday situations and some work situations.

Applicants who are required to pay this charge will receive information about the Adult Migrant English Program (AMEP) and where they can receive tuition when their visa is granted.
See: Adult Migrant English Program (AMEP)
Note: The full amount of this charge must be paid before your visa can be granted.

However, you should not pay this charge until requested to do so by the department.
See: Professionals and Other Skilled Migrants

Evidence to attach to your application

To avoid payment of the second instalment visa application charge, you must provide evidence that any secondary applicants 18 years or over included in the application have at least functional English.

This evidence should be provided when requested by the case officer and before the visa is granted.

Level of English

Evidence required

Functional

You must provide one of the following: your IELTS TRF Number to show you have a band score of at least four and a half (4.5) based on all four components. Important: If you are using an IELTS test to show functional English, it must be from a test sat no more than 12 months before making your application. evidence that you have a degree, diploma or trade qualification requiring at least two (2) years of full time study or training with all instruction conducted in English evidence that you have completed at least one (1) year of full time study in Australia towards a degree or diploma qualification with all instruction conducted in English evidence that you have completed one of the following at an educational institution where all instruction was conducted in English: your primary education and at least three (3) years of secondary education, or at least five (5) years of secondary education.

Before lodging an application, please read all related eligibility requirements
See: Other eligibility