English proficiency is a fundamental requirement for Australian skilled migration, affecting both visa eligibility and points allocation. With the August 2025 expansion to eight approved test providers and updated score requirements, understanding these proficiency levels is crucial for skilled visa applicants. This comprehensive guide breaks down all four proficiency levels and their requirements across different test providers.
The Four Levels of English Proficiency
Australian immigration law recognizes four distinct levels of English proficiency for skilled migration:
- Functional English - Basic communication ability
- Vocational English - Working English for trade occupations
- Competent English - Minimum for most skilled visas (0 points)
- Proficient English - Higher level (10 points)
- Superior English - Highest level (20 points)
Each level serves different purposes across various visa subclasses and can significantly impact your points score for skilled migration.
Understanding the August 2025 Changes
The legislative changes effective August 7, 2025, through instrument LIN 25/016, expand test provider options while maintaining score standards. The key principle: when you take your test determines which requirements apply, not when you lodge your visa application.
Test Validity Periods
The validity period depends on when you took your test:
- Tests before August 7, 2025: Valid for 36 months from test date to visa lodgement
- Tests from August 7, 2025: Valid for 36 months from either:
- Date of invitation (for invited visas like 189, 190, 491)
- Date of lodgement (for non-invited visas like 186, 494)
Functional English Requirements
Functional English is the basic level required for secondary applicants and certain visa categories. Updated through instrument LIN 25/014.
When Functional English Applies
- Secondary applicants (partners and dependents)
- Avoiding the second installment English fee
- Certain provisional visa holders
Test Validity for Functional English
- Within 12 months before application, OR
- Taken after the application date
Functional English Scores
Tests Before August 7, 2025
| Test Provider | Required Score |
|---|---|
| IELTS | Overall 4.5 |
| TOEFL iBT | Total 32 |
| PTE Academic | Overall 30 |
| Cambridge (CAE) | Overall 147 |
Tests From August 7, 2025
| Test Provider | Required Score |
|---|---|
| IELTS General/Academic | Average band score 4.5 |
| TOEFL iBT | Total band score 26 |
| PTE Academic | Overall band score 24 |
| OET | Overall band score 1020 |
| CELPIP General | Overall band score 5 |
| LANGUAGECERT Academic | Overall band score 38 |
| MET | Overall band score 38 |
| Cambridge CAE | Not applicable (removed from new instrument) |
Vocational English
Vocational English demonstrates sufficient proficiency for trade and vocational occupations.
When Vocational English Applies
- Certain trade occupation assessments
- Some employer-sponsored visas
- Specific state nomination requirements
Vocational English Scores - Tests BEFORE August 7, 2025
| Test Provider | Overall | Speaking | Listening | Reading | Writing |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| IELTS | 5.0 | 4.5 | 4.5 | 4.5 | 4.5 |
| TOEFL iBT | 35 | 12 | 3 | 3 | 12 |
| PTE Academic | 36 | 30 | 30 | 30 | 30 |
| Cambridge (CAE) | 154 | 147 | 147 | 147 | 147 |
| OET | - | C | C | C | C |
Vocational English Scores - Tests FROM August 7, 2025
| Test Provider | Speaking | Listening | Reading | Writing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| IELTS Academic/General | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| TOEFL iBT | 14 | 8 | 8 | 9 |
| PTE Academic | 24 | 33 | 36 | 29 |
| Cambridge C1 Advanced | Excluded | Excluded | Excluded | Excluded |
| OET | 270 | 220 | 240 | 200 |
| CELPIP General | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| LANGUAGECERT Academic | 54 | 41 | 44 | 45 |
| MET | 38 | 49 | 47 | 45 |
Competent English - The Skilled Migration Baseline
Competent English is the minimum requirement for most skilled visas and awards 0 points in the points test.
When Competent English Applies
- Minimum for Subclass 189, 190, 491
- Subclass 186 Direct Entry stream
- Subclass 494 Employer Sponsored Regional
- Partner skills assessments
Competent English Scores - Tests BEFORE August 7, 2025
| Test Provider | Speaking | Listening | Reading | Writing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| IELTS | 6.0 | 6.0 | 6.0 | 6.0 |
| TOEFL iBT | 18 | 12 | 13 | 21 |
| PTE Academic | 50 | 50 | 50 | 50 |
| Cambridge (CAE) | 169 | 169 | 169 | 169 |
| OET | B | B | B | B |
Competent English Scores - Tests FROM August 7, 2025
| Test Provider | Speaking | Listening | Reading | Writing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| IELTS Academic/General | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 |
| TOEFL iBT | 19 | 16 | 16 | 19 |
| PTE Academic | 54 | 47 | 48 | 51 |
| Cambridge C1 Advanced | 179 | 163 | 163 | 170 |
| OET | 330 | 290 | 310 | 290 |
| CELPIP General | 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 |
| LANGUAGECERT Academic | 70 | 57 | 60 | 64 |
| MET | 48 | 56 | 55 | 57 |
Proficient English - 10 Points
Proficient English demonstrates strong language skills and awards 10 points in the skilled migration points test.
Strategic Value of Proficient English
- 10 additional points can be decisive for invitations
- Often achievable with focused preparation
- Better ROI than some other point categories
Proficient English Scores - Tests BEFORE August 7, 2025
| Test Provider | Speaking | Listening | Reading | Writing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| IELTS | 7.0 | 7.0 | 7.0 | 7.0 |
| TOEFL iBT | 23 | 24 | 24 | 27 |
| PTE Academic | 65 | 65 | 65 | 65 |
| Cambridge (CAE) | 185 | 185 | 185 | 185 |
| OET | B | B | B | B |
Proficient English Scores - Tests FROM August 7, 2025
| Test Provider | Speaking | Listening | Reading | Writing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| IELTS Academic/General | 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 |
| TOEFL iBT | 24 | 22 | 22 | 26 |
| PTE Academic | 76 | 58 | 59 | 69 |
| Cambridge C1 Advanced | 194 | 175 | 179 | 193 |
| OET | 360 | 350 | 360 | 380 |
| CELPIP General | 8 | 9 | 8 | 10 |
| LANGUAGECERT Academic | 82 | 67 | 71 | 78 |
| MET | 59 | 61 | 63 | 74 |
Superior English - Maximum 20 Points
Superior English represents exceptional language proficiency and awards the maximum 20 points for English in the points test.
Strategic Importance of Superior English
- Maximum 20 points - equivalent to 5-10 years of work experience
- Can compensate for lower points in other categories
- Highly valued by states for nomination
- Demonstrates exceptional communication skills
Superior English Scores - Tests BEFORE August 7, 2025
| Test Provider | Speaking | Listening | Reading | Writing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| IELTS | 8.0 | 8.0 | 8.0 | 8.0 |
| TOEFL iBT | 26 | 29 | 29 | 30 |
| PTE Academic | 79 | 79 | 79 | 79 |
| Cambridge (CAE) | 200 | 200 | 200 | 200 |
| OET | A | A | A | A |
Superior English Scores - Tests FROM August 7, 2025
| Test Provider | Speaking | Listening | Reading | Writing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| IELTS Academic/General | 8 | 8 | 8 | 8 |
| TOEFL iBT | 28 | 26 | 27 | 30 |
| PTE Academic | 88 | 69 | 70 | 85 |
| Cambridge C1 Advanced | 208 | 186 | 190 | 210 |
| OET | 400 | 390 | 400 | 420 |
| CELPIP General | 10 | 10 | 10 | 12 |
| LANGUAGECERT Academic | 89 | 80 | 83 | 89 |
| MET | Excluded | Excluded | Excluded | Excluded |
Points Test Strategy
Use our Points Calculator to see how English proficiency impacts your total score.
English Points in Context
| English Level | Points | Equivalent Value |
|---|---|---|
| Competent | 0 | Minimum requirement |
| Proficient | 10 | = Bachelor degree OR 3 years experience |
| Superior | 20 | = 8 years experience OR Age 25-32 |
Strategic Considerations
When to aim for Superior English:
- You’re close to 65 points but lack other options
- Your occupation has high competition
- You want to maximize state nomination chances
- English is your strongest skill area
When Proficient is sufficient:
- You have strong points from other categories
- Time constraints limit preparation
- Cost-benefit analysis favors other point sources
Visa-Specific Applications
Subclass 189 (Skilled Independent)
- Minimum: Competent English
- Competitive advantage: Superior English often necessary for invitation
Subclass 190 (Skilled Nominated)
- Minimum: Competent English
- State preference: Many states favor Superior English applicants
Subclass 491 (Skilled Work Regional)
- Minimum: Competent English
- Regional advantage: Lower competition may make Proficient sufficient
Subclass 186 (Employer Nomination Scheme)
- Direct Entry: Competent English required
- Transition stream: May have different requirements
- No points test applies
Subclass 494 (Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional)
- Competent English typically required
- Employer support may influence requirements
Test Selection Strategy
For Achieving Superior English
Best options for high scorers:
- PTE Academic: Component-specific scoring may be more achievable
- IELTS: Familiar format but 8.0 per band is challenging
- CELPIP: Balanced requirements across components
Most challenging for Superior:
- MET: Not available for Superior level (excluded)
- TOEFL iBT: Very high component requirements
- OET: Designed for healthcare, high scores required
For Achieving Proficient English
Most accessible options:
- PTE Academic: Component scores vary but achievable
- IELTS: Band 7 is attainable with preparation
- Cambridge C1 Advanced: If you have Cambridge background
Test Format Considerations
Computer-based advantages:
- Faster results
- More test dates
- Consistent scoring
- Options: PTE Academic, TOEFL iBT, CELPIP, LANGUAGECERT, MET
Traditional paper options:
- Familiar format
- Human speaking assessment
- Options: IELTS (paper option), Cambridge C1 Advanced
Preparation Strategies by Level
Reaching Competent English
- Timeline: 2-3 months for intermediate speakers
- Focus: Achieving minimum in all components
- Key challenge: Avoiding sub-minimum scores in any component
Reaching Proficient English
- Timeline: 3-6 months from Competent level
- Focus: Consistent performance across all skills
- Key challenge: Eliminating weakest component
Reaching Superior English
- Timeline: 6-12 months intensive preparation
- Focus: Near-native proficiency
- Key challenge: Maintaining consistency under exam pressure
Common Pitfalls and Solutions
Pitfall 1: Component Score Imbalance
Issue: Strong overall score but one weak component Solution: Targeted preparation for weak areas, consider test format that suits your strengths
Pitfall 2: Test Validity Expiration
Issue: Test expires before visa decision Solution: Time your test considering processing times and potential delays
Pitfall 3: Wrong Proficiency Level Target
Issue: Aiming too low or unrealistically high Solution: Assess points from all sources, set strategic target
Pitfall 4: Single Test Attempt Strategy
Issue: Banking on one attempt Solution: Plan for 2-3 attempts, book dates strategically
Special Considerations
Healthcare Professionals and OET
- Designed specifically for healthcare contexts
- May align with professional registration requirements
- Grade B meets Competent and Proficient requirements
- Grade A (Superior) is exceptional achievement
Academic Backgrounds and Cambridge
- Suits those with formal English education
- C1 Advanced widely recognized
- Note: Not accepted for some proficiency levels from August 2025
Tech-Savvy Applicants
- LANGUAGECERT offers online proctored option
- PTE Academic provides faster results
- CELPIP and MET offer computer-based testing
Cost-Benefit Analysis
Investment vs. Return
| Upgrade Path | Typical Cost | Points Gained | ROI Assessment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Competent → Proficient | $600-1200 | 10 points | High - Often decisive |
| Proficient → Superior | $1200-2400 | 10 points | Moderate - Depends on competition |
| Direct to Superior | $1500-3000 | 20 points | High - If achievable |
Hidden Costs
- Preparation courses: $500-2000
- Practice materials: $100-500
- Travel to test centers: Variable
- Opportunity cost: Time investment
Impact on Employment
Beyond Visa Requirements
- Superior English enhances job prospects
- Professional registration may require specific levels
- Career advancement often tied to communication skills
- Networking abilities improve with higher proficiency
Industry Preferences
- IT/Tech: Proficient usually sufficient
- Healthcare: OET Grade B minimum, A preferred
- Education: Superior often expected
- Engineering: Competent minimum, Proficient advantageous
- Finance/Law: Superior highly valued
Check visa requirements for specific occupations on our visa guides.
State Nomination Considerations
States Favoring High English
- Victoria: Often requires Superior for high-demand occupations
- New South Wales: Superior English improves selection chances
- South Australia: Values high English for competitive occupations
Regional Opportunities
- Regional areas may have lower English expectations
- Additional regional points may offset English requirements
- Consider Subclass 491 with Proficient vs. 190 requiring Superior
Future Trends and Preparation
Emerging Patterns
- Increasing competition driving English requirements higher
- States using English proficiency as selection criterion
- Employers valuing verified English levels
- Professional bodies aligning with immigration standards
Long-term Strategy
- Invest in English early in migration journey
- Maintain and improve English post-arrival
- Consider English qualification for career advancement
- Document continuous English development
Decision Framework
Choosing Your Target Level
Go for Superior English if:
- You need maximum points for invitation
- English is your competitive advantage
- You have 6+ months to prepare
- Career goals align with high English requirements
Aim for Proficient English if:
- You need moderate point boost
- Time or resources are limited
- Other point sources are available
- Regional pathways are an option
Competent English is sufficient if:
- You have employer sponsorship
- Points from other categories are strong
- Immediate application is priority
- Occupation has low competition
Key Takeaways
- Four levels serve different purposes - Understand which applies to your pathway
- Test date determines requirements - Not application date
- Component scores matter - Must meet minimum in all four skills
- Strategic value varies - Superior English can be worth 8 years of experience
- Eight providers offer flexibility - Choose based on strengths and circumstances
- Validity periods are generous - 36 months for most skilled applications
- Investment in English pays dividends - Beyond visa requirements
Official Resources
- Points Calculator
- Skilled Visa Guides
- Department of Home Affairs English Requirements
- LIN 25/016 Legislative Instrument
Conclusion
The English proficiency requirements for skilled migration represent both a challenge and an opportunity. With the expansion to eight test providers from August 2025, applicants have unprecedented flexibility in demonstrating their English abilities. Whether aiming for the minimum Competent English or the maximum-point Superior English, understanding these requirements and planning strategically is essential for successful skilled migration to Australia.
Remember that English proficiency is not just a visa requirement but a crucial skill for professional success and integration in Australia. Investing in achieving the highest level possible within your circumstances will benefit your migration journey and your long-term career prospects.
Last updated: September 9, 2025. Requirements subject to change. Always verify current requirements with official Department of Home Affairs sources before making test bookings or visa applications.
