VISA ELIGIBILITY
Your first step on jour journey to Australia, for most, would normally be to determine which visa category best fits your circumstances and requirements.
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We have helped thousands of individuals and families navigate the difficult process of acquiring an Australian visa.
INTEGRATING INTO SOCIETY
Language Proficiency
Demonstrating the Applicants Ability to Communicate Effectively
At Active Migration Australia, we understand the significance of the English Language Proficiency Test in the visa application process. Our team of experts will guide you through the requirements and provide the necessary support and resources to help you achieve the required score.
English proficiency is an important aspect of the Australian visa application process, as it demonstrates a candidate's ability to effectively communicate and integrate into Australian society.
The Australian government requires visa applicants for most types of visa applications to meet a minimum English language standard, with additional points available for higher scoring tests.
Validity of English tests for a Sc 500 Student visa application
English evidence provided at time of application - The test must be no more than 24 months old on the day the visa application is lodged
English evidence provided after lodgement - English evidence provided after lodgement - The test must be no more than 24 months old on the day the Department makes its decision on the visa application.
Validity of English test for Sc 485 visa application
Evidence of English is provided at the time of application and the test is not more than 12 months old on the day the Sc 485 application is lodged.
The required score has been achieved in a single sitting (unless it is an OET).
Validity of English tests relevant to LIN 25/016
The English test must be taken no more than 36 months before the visa application is lodged for those that conducted the test prior to 7 August 2025.For those that conducted the English test after 7 August 2025, the test must be taken no more than 36 months before the date of invitation or the date of visa lodgment depending on the applicable provision within regulations
You can prove you have Functional English by providing one of the following:
Passport from an eligible country
You are a citizen and hold a valid passport from Canada, New Zealand, Ireland, the UK, or the USA.
Note: British National (Overseas) passports are not accepted.
Study completed in English
You finished a degree, diploma, higher degree, or trade certificate in or outside Australia.
The course required at least 2 years of full-time study and was taught entirely in English.
Schooling in English
Option A: All years of primary school and at least 3 years of secondary school, taught in English.
Option B: At least 5 years of secondary school, taught in English.
Option C: At least 1 year of full-time study (or part-time equivalent) towards a degree, diploma, or associate diploma at an Australian institution, taught in English.
English language test
You achieved the required score in an approved English test within 12 months before applying for your visa.
English language test requirements for the Skills in Demand SC 482 visa will remain unchanged until 13 September 2025.
English Language Exemptions
You do not need to provide English test results if any of the following apply:
Passport from an eligible country
You are a citizen of Canada, New Zealand, Ireland, the United Kingdom, or the United States of America.
Study in English
You have completed at least 5 years of full-time study at secondary school level or higher, where most classes were taught in English.
You will need to provide:
Name and location of the school/university
Level of qualification
Official transcript
Number of English contact hours per week
Years of study
Diplomatic or Consular role
Your nominated role in Australia will be at:
A diplomatic or consular mission of another country, or
An Office of the Authorities of Taiwan.
Occupation requires licensing or registration
Your occupation requires a licence, registration, or membership.
You already hold this, and to get it you had to meet an English standard equal to or higher than the visa requirement.
High salary nomination
You are an employee of an overseas business (or an associated entity) that has nominated you for work in Australia.
You will earn at least AUD $96,400 per year.
If You Don’t Meet an Exemption
If you are applying for a Subclass 482 visa in the Core Skills or Specialist Skills stream, you must:
Achieve the required scores in one sitting of an approved test.
Take the test within 3 years before lodging your visa application.
Acceptable Tests & Minimum Scores
| Test | Minimum Overall Score | Minimum in Each Component |
|---|---|---|
| IELTS | 5.0 | 5.0 |
| OET | Grade B | Grade B |
| TOEFL iBT | 35 | Listening & Reading: 4 Speaking & Writing: 14 |
| PTE Academic | 36 | 36 |
| Cambridge C1 Advanced | 154 | 154 |
DEMONSTRATING YOUR ABILITIES
Test Preparation
Tips to Help You Prepare for the English Test
Increase Your Chances
Mastering the English Language is not just about
passing a test, it's opening doors to new opportunities
and experiences.
English proficiency is a requirement for many Australian visas, including skilled, student and partner visas. In order to demonstrate your English language abilities, you will need to take an English test and provide the results with your visa application.
The test you need to take will depend on your visa category, but popular options include the International English Language Testing System (IELTS), the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) and the Pearson Test of English (PTE).
Here are some tips to help you prepare for your English proficiency test:
Familiarise yourself with the test format: Make sure you understand the format of the test you will be taking, including how many sections there are, how long each section lasts and what type of questions you will be asked;
Practice, practice, practice: The more you practice, the more comfortable you will become with the test format and types of questions you will be asked. There are many resources available online, including practice tests and study materials;
Improve your English skills: If you need to improve your English language abilities, consider taking an English course or practicing with a tutor. This will not only help you with the test, but also with your integration into the Australian community if you are successful in obtaining your visa;
Stay organised: Make sure you are aware of the deadlines for taking the test and submitting your results with your visa application. Keep track of your progress and make sure you are on track to meet these deadlines;
Stay calm: On the day of the test, make sure you are well rested and have eaten a nutritious breakfast. Arrive at the test centre early and take a few deep breaths to calm your nerves. Remember, the better you do on the test, the greater your chances of success in obtaining your Australian visa.
By preparing well for your English proficiency test and demonstrating your English language abilities, you increase your chances of success in obtaining your Australian visa. Contact Active Migration Australia for support and guidance throughout the visa application process.
