English

Sc. 457 English Language Requirement

All primary Subclass 457 visa applicants who are sponsored by a Standard Business Sponsor must demonstrate that they have English language proficiency that is equivalent to an International English Language Testing System (IELTS) test score of at least 5 in each of the four test components of speaking, reading, writing and listening.

Where the nominated occupation requires a higher level of English (equivalent to IELTS test score of more than 5 in each of the four test components) because it forms part of that occupation’s registration, licensing or membership requirement, the visa applicant must have at least the standard of English language proficiency required for the grant of that registration, licence or membership.

A higher level of English is required for certain occupations where it forms part of registration/licensing or membership. You can find out if your occupation requires a higher level of English by contacting the assessing authority for your nominated occupation.

If your nominated occupation requires a higher level of English (equivalent to IELTS test score of more than 5 in each of the four test components) because it forms part of that occupation’s registration, licensing or membership requirement, the visa applicant must have at least the standard of English language proficiency required for the grant of that registration, licence or membership.

All primary applicants must meet the English language requirement for visa grant unless they fall into one of the categories of exempted persons, and where English language proficiency is not required for registration or licensing purposes.

Exemptions are based on:

·         Country of Citizenship

·         Nominated occupation

·         Salary level

·         Secondary and/or Higher Education studies.

Functional English Language Requirement

Applicants for the Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme must demonstrate they have functional English.

Some of the methods to demonstrate functional English language ability include:

·         Evidence of an International English Language Testing System (IELTS) score of at least an average 4.5 for the four test components (speaking, reading, listening and writing)

·         Evidence of an Occupational English Test score which is at least equivalent to IELTS 4.5 and the test was relevant to the nominated occupation

·         The main applicant’s first language is English and they have a current passport from the United Kingdom, United States, Canada, New Zealand or the Republic of Ireland

·         Evidence that the applicant has been assessed by an AMEP service provider in Australia as having functional English

·         Evidence the applicant holds a trade, diploma or higher qualification awarded by an institution in or outside Australia which required at least two years full-time study and all instruction was undertaken in English

·         Evidence the applicant has successfully completed at least one year full-time or equivalent study in Australia for a diploma or higher qualification and all instruction was undertaken in English.

Vocational English Language Requirement

Applicants for the Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) must demonstrate they have vocational English.

Some of the methods of demonstrating vocational English language ability include:

·         Evidence of an International English Language Testing System (IELTS) score of at least 5 for each of the four test components (speaking, reading, listening and writing). The IELTS test must have been undertaken within 12 months of the day of lodging an application

·         Evidence of an Occupational English Test score which is at least equivalent to IELTS 5 and the test was relevant to the nominated occupation

·         The nominee’s first language was English and they have a current passport from the United Kingdom, United States, Canada, New Zealand or the Republic of Ireland.

Competent English Language Requirement

The English language threshold is at the competent English level which is a minimum score of six in each of the four components of the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) test system or other language test and score specified by the Minister for Immigration and Citizenship. Your test results must be from a test you sat no more than two years before the day you lodge your application.

You meet the English language threshold of competent if you hold a valid passport from, and are a citizen of, one of the following countries:

·         United Kingdom (UK)

·         Canada

·         New Zealand

·         United States of America (USA)

·         Republic of Ireland.

Proficient English Language Requirement

You must provide one of the following:

·         IELTS Test Report Form (TRF) Number to show you have a band score of at least seven on each of the four components – speaking, reading, listening and writing.
or

·         Evidence that you undertook a language test and attained a score as specified by the minister.

Superior English Language Requirement

You must provide one of the following:

·         IELTS Test Report Form (TRF) Number to show you have a band score of at least eight on each of the four components – speaking, reading, listening and writing
or

·         Evidence that you undertook a language test and attained a score as specified by the Minister for Immigration and Citizenship.