I need to prove I have Functional English. How can I do this?
Secondary applicants over the age of 18 who are included in Skilled and Talent visas or permanent and provisional Employer Sponsored visas (and primary applicants for Training visas) must be able to demonstrate they have at least Functional English language skills as part of the application process.
There are a number of options available to meet this requirement, as follows:
Passport holder
You are a citizen of and hold a valid passport issued by:
- United Kingdom
- United States of America
- Canada
- New Zealand
- Republic of Ireland
Study inside / outside Australia
You undertook your education where all instruction was delivered in English with:
- All years of study in Primary education and at least 3 years of Secondary education in or outside Australia; or
- 5 years of study at Secondary education level in or outside Australia; or
- At least 1 year of full-time study (or part-time equivalent) towards a degree, higher degree, diploma or associate diploma at an institution in Australia.
English Test
Within 12 months of applying for the visa, applicant achieved the following scores:
- IELTS – Average band score of at least 4.5
- TOEFL iBT – Total band score of at least 26
- PTE Academic – Overall band score of at least 24
- CELPIP General – Overall band score of at least 5
- LANGUAGECERT Academic – Overall band score of at least 38
- MET – Overall band score of at least 38
- OET – Overall band score of at least 1020
Note that formal tests taken more than 12 months prior to lodgement of the application will not be accepted as evidence of functional English, even if the scores are higher than the minimums.
I sat an English test before 7 August 2025 and met the old score requirements. Can I still use these results?
No. You can no longer use tests undertaken before 7 August 2025 as they are now more than 12 months old.
Can I pay a fee instead?
Secondary applicants who are unable to demonstrate Functional English (or simply do not wish to sit a test) can pay a second Visa Application Charge of $4,890 per person.
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