English Language Requirements for Australia's Subclass 190 Visa

Are you considering applying for Australia’s Skilled Nominated visa Subclass 190 visa? This skilled nominated visa allows skilled workers to live and work in Australia permanently. One of the key eligibility criteria for the 190 visa is meeting the English language requirements. Having a certain level of proficiency in English is crucial to ensure you can contribute effectively to the Australian workforce and integrate into the community.

In this blog, we’ll take a closer look at the English language requirements for the Subclass 190 visa and explain what tests are accepted, the scores you need, and how to meet the language proficiency criteria for a successful visa application. Let’s start by looking at what the Subclass 190 visa is and why English proficiency is important.

Please Note: This article serves as a general guide to help you understand the topic, with information accurate as of the publication date. We recommend consulting a registered migration agent or check The Department of Home Affairs for precise, up-to-date guidance tailored to your specific circumstances.

About the Subclass 190 Visa

The Subclass 190 visa offers permanent residency and is specifically for skilled workers who have been nominated by an Australian state or territory. With this visa, you gain the right to live and work in Australia on a permanent basis, allowing you to build your career and play an integral role in Australia’s workforce and economy.

Why is English Language Proficiency Important?

English proficiency is essential for all applicants, as it ensures you can effectively communicate both in the workplace and within Australian society. This is especially important in skilled occupations, where clear communication is key to performing tasks efficiently and safely. The English language requirement serves as a measure of your ability to adapt to and thrive in Australia’s work environment.

Understanding why English language proficiency is vital for the 190 visa is the first step. Now, let's dive deeper into the English language requirements for this visa and explore the accepted tests and minimum scores.

What is the English Language Requirement for Subclass 190 Visa?

To meet the English language requirement for the Subclass 190 visa, applicants must demonstrate their proficiency in English through approved tests. These tests assess your skills in reading, writing, listening, and speaking in English, ensuring that you can effectively communicate in professional and everyday environments.

Accepted English Language Tests

The Department of Home Affairs accepts the following English language tests for the 190 visa:

1. IELTS (International English Language Testing System): You need a minimum score of 6 in each of the four components: Reading, Listening, Writing, and Speaking.
2. TOEFL iBT (Test of English as a Foreign Language internet-based Test): Minimum scores:

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

1. PTE Academic (Pearson Test of English): A minimum score of 50 in each of the four components.
2. OET (Occupational English Test): A minimum score of B in each of the four components (designed for health professionals).
3. Cambridge C1 Advanced: A minimum score of 169 in each of the four components.

Important Notes:

• IELTS One Skill Retake (OSR): From December 2022, applicants can retake one individual component of the IELTS test. However, certain visa subclasses, such as subclasses 476, 482, and 485, require that all test scores be obtained from a single sitting.
• Cambridge C1 Advanced: Only paper-based results will be accepted for the 190 visa from February 2024. Previous computer-based test results will still be valid until then.
• TOEFL iBT: Test results from exams taken between 26 July 2023 and 4 May 2024 will not be accepted due to updates in the approved test offerings.

When to Provide Test Scores

Test scores must be provided at the time of invitation and cannot be older than 3 years from the date of invitation.

Now that you know which tests are accepted and the minimum scores required, let’s take a closer look at the exemptions from the English language requirement and see if you qualify.

Exemptions from the English Language Requirement

While meeting the English language requirement is a standard part of the Subclass 190 visa application, some applicants may be exempt from demonstrating their English proficiency. Understanding these exemptions can help you save time and effort in preparing for the required tests. Here are the main situations where exemptions apply:

1. Study in an English-Speaking Country

If you have completed at least five years of study in English-speaking countries like Australia, New Zealand, Canada, South Africa, or the Republic of Ireland, you may be exempt from the English language proficiency requirement.

2. Citizenship from English-Speaking Countries

You are exempt if you are a citizen and passport holder from one of the following countries:

• United Kingdom
• United States of America
• Canada
• New Zealand
• Republic of Ireland

3. Previous Australian Education

If you have successfully completed the Senior Secondary Certificate of Education, or have completed study at Certificate IV level or higher in Australia within two years of applying for your student visa, you may be exempt from the English language requirement.

4. Full-Time Enrollment in Eligible Studies

If you are enrolled full-time in a principal course of study (including secondary exchange programs), postgraduate research, or a standalone English Language Intensive Courses for Overseas Students (ELICOS) program, you may be exempt from proving your English proficiency.

If you meet any of these exemptions, you may not need to submit English language test results with your Subclass 190 visa application. Let’s move on to the additional requirements you must meet to successfully apply for this visa.

Other Eligibility Requirements

Along with the English language requirements, there are several other eligibility criteria that you must meet to apply for the Subclass 190 visa:

1. Visa Status and Residency: You must hold a substantive visa or a specific bridging visa (BVA, BVB, or BVC) if you are applying from within Australia.
2. Previous Visa History: If you previously held or currently hold a subclass 491 or subclass 494 visa, you must have held this visa for at least 3 years before applying.
3. Invitation to Apply: To apply for this visa, you must first submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) and receive an invitation to apply.
4. Nomination: You need to be nominated by an Australian state or territory.
5. Age: You must be under 45 years old at the time of receiving the invitation to apply.
6. Points Test: You are required to score at least 65 points on the points test.
7. Health and Character: Applicants must meet both health and character requirements as part of the visa application process.
8. Skills Assessment: You must have a positive skills assessment for an occupation listed on the Skilled Occupation List (SOL).
9. Proof of Competent English for Partner: If claiming partner points, your partner must also meet the competent English requirement at the time of invitation.

In addition to the English language requirement, there are various factors that impact your eligibility for the 190 visa.