Evidence of English is often required in Australia to ensure that a visa applicant can communicate effectively and participate fully in Australian society.

The level of English proficiency required for a visa application is determined by the Department of Home Affairs. The minimum level of English proficiency required depends on the visa subclass being applied for. Visa applicants applying for a permanent skilled visa are usually required to prove they have competent English.

Visa applicants can take an English language test such as IELTS, Pearson Test of English (PTE) Academic, or Occupational English Test (OET) to prove competent English. These tests are internationally recognized and assess an individual’s ability to read, write, speak, and understand English.

Some visa applicants will be able to prove they have competent English simply by being a citizen of and holding a valid passport issued by Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, or the USA.  

It is important to note that the level of English proficiency required for a skills assessment may be higher than the level set by the Department of Home Affairs for a visa. A skills assessment is a process used to assess whether an individual’s qualifications and work experience meet the Australian standards for a particular occupation. Some skills assessing authorities require a higher level of English proficiency than the Department of Home Affairs for a visa application. It is important to check the requirements of the relevant skills assessing authority before undertaking an English language test.