English Tests and Its Requirement to Migrate to Australia
If an applicant is applying for an Australia student visa, permanent visa or a skilled work visa, the applicant will need to provide evidence that you have a satisfactory level of English language as specified by the Department of Home Affairs.
There are four levels:
Functional: The requirement here is either an IELTS average score of 4.5 or evidence of studies in an English language. It is also the minimum requirement for secondary applicants.
Competent: One must achieve an IELTS average score of 6 or hold an approved passport. It is the minimum level of English language competency for any skilled migration visa but provides no points.
Proficient: The requirement here is an IELTS average score of 7. This provides a score of 10 points.
Superior: The English language competency will be qualified as 'superior' if you achieve an average score of IELTS score is an average of 8. This provides a score of 20 points.
Generally, the applicant needs to meet a certain minimum score in each of the four components to meet the requirements for GSM (i.e. competent, vocational and proficient English). Otherwise, the applicant must re-sit all four components.
English tests comprise four components:
Reading
Writing
Listening
Speaking
Types of English Tests
International English Language Testing System (IELTS)
At least 7 for each of the 4 test components
Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE Academic)
At least 65 for each of the 4 test components
Occupational English Test (OET)
At least B for each of the 4 test components
Cambridge C1 Advanced test
At least 185 in each of the 4 test components
Test of English as a Foreign Language Internet-based Test (TOEFL iBT)
At least 24 each for listening and reading, 27 for writing and 23 for speaking
Validity of English Tests
Every English Test conducted is valid up to 3 years prior to lodgements of an application and will be accepted by the Department of Immigration.