English for Australian migration is the factor easiest to improve to raise your score. English for Australian migration has 4 levels from Functional to Superior. This article explains each level in detail.
The four English levels for Australian migration
English for Australian migration is divided into four levels under Home Affairs regulations. Functional English: the minimum requirement for some dependent categories (subclass 491 for a spouse), IELTS 4.5 average or equivalent, 0 points in the points test.
Vocational English: IELTS 5.0 in each skill (Listening, Reading, Writing, Speaking) or equivalent, 0 points. Competent English: IELTS 6.0 in each skill or equivalent, 0 points. This is the minimum level for most main skilled categories (189, 190, 491, 186 Direct Entry).
Proficient và Superior English
Proficient English: IELTS 7.0 in each skill or equivalent, 10 points. Superior English: IELTS 8.0 in each skill or equivalent, 20 points. These are the two levels that earn points in the points test.
The requirement is strict in that each skill score must be met, not just the average score. Someone who gets 7.5 in Listening but 6.5 in Writing is only counted as Competent English, not Proficient. This is a point many candidates struggle with.
Accepted exams
English for Australian migration accepts several tests: IELTS Academic or General, PTE Academic, TOEFL iBT, Cambridge English (B2 First/C1 Advanced/C2 Proficiency), OET (for healthcare), Cambridge C2 Proficiency.
A detailed score conversion table is published by Home Affairs. PTE Academic is reported by many candidates to be easier to achieve Superior English on than IELTS, especially for Speaking and Writing due to the computer-based format. Test results are valid for 3 years. Regulations may be updated.
You should refer to official Home Affairs website and Home Affairs – Skilled visas to check current conditions.
Summary
English for Australian migration has 4 levels: Functional (IELTS 4.5 – 0 points), Vocational (IELTS 5.0 in each skill – 0), Competent (IELTS 6.0 in each skill – 0, the minimum for 189/190/491/186), Proficient (IELTS 7.0 in each skill – 10 points), Superior (IELTS 8.0 in each skill – 20 points). Each skill score must be met. IELTS/PTE/TOEFL/Cambridge/OET are accepted. Valid for 3 years.
