What is the language requirement to get a Subclass 189 visa?

To get an Australia Subclass 189 Skilled Independent visa, an applicant must demonstrate English Language skills. The Subclass 189 skilled Independent visa is a permanent residency visa that allows an applicant to work and reside in the country that an employer, a state and territory, or a family member does not sponsor. The English Language ability test can be satisfied through specific exams such as:

 

• IELTS
• OET
• TOEFL
• PTE Academic Test\

 

*Note: Applicants holding valid passports from the US, the UK, Canada, Ireland, or New Zealand are not required to take an English language exam.

*Want to apply for a Subclass 189 visa? Talk to Y-Axis for complete guidance. 

 

Types of English language Proficiency exam

There are four types of English Language proficiency exams such as:

 

IELTS

An applicant needs to score at least 6 in each of the four test components of speaking, reading, writing, and listening to apply for an Australia Skilled Independent visa (Subclass 189 visa). The IELTS Academic test is the most preferred test for a Subclass 189 visa. This test assesses how well an applicant can use English in an academic environment.

IELTS Proficiency Level	IELTS Score required	PR Points Score
Competent	A total band score of at least 6 based on the 4 test components	not eligible
Proficient	At least 7.0 for each of the 4 test components	10 points
Superior	At least 8.0 for each of the 4 test components	20 points

 

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OET

An applicant eligible for Australia Skilled Independent visa (Subclass 189 visa) must score at least B in the four components: speaking, reading, writing, and listening in the Occupational English Test.

 

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TOEFL

An applicant must take the TOEFL iBT and have a minimum score of 65 points, which will measure a test taker's ability. To be eligible for the Australia Skilled Independent visa (Subclass 189 visa) must score at least:

 

• Reading: 13
• Listening: 12
• Speaking: 18
• Writing: 21

TOEFL Proficiency Level	TOEFL Score required	PR Points Score
Competent	TOEFL iBT Listening – 12, Reading – 13, Writing – 21 and Speaking – 18	not eligible
Proficient	Listening – 24, Reading – 24, Writing – 27 and Speaking – 23	10 points
Superior	TOEFL iBT Listening – 28, Reading – 29, Writing – 30 and Speaking – 26	20 points

 

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PTE

An applicant must take the PTE Academic Test of English to apply for a Subclass 189 visa. To be eligible, an applicant must score at least 50 in the four test components: speaking, reading, writing, and listening.

PTE Proficiency Level	PTE Score required	PR Points Score
Competent English	At least 50 for each of the 4 components but less than 65	Eligible for PR, but no points
Proficient English	At least 65 for each of the 4 test components but less than 79	10 points towards PR
Superior English	At least 79 for each of the 4 test components	20 points towards PR

 

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