If you are applying for an Australian visa with your partner or another family member, you may need to provide evidence of Functional English if you are a secondary applicant aged 18 or over.
This requirement can apply to dependants included in certain skilled, talent, and employer-sponsored visa applications, and understanding the rules early can help avoid delays or unexpected costs.
Who needs to demonstrate Functional English?
Generally, secondary applicants aged 18 or over included in certain skilled and talent visas and permanent or provisional employer-sponsored visas must demonstrate that they have at least Functional English.
The requirement can apply to dependent applicants included in visa applications such as the Subclass 186 Employer Nomination Scheme visa.
Functional English requirements can also apply in other visa contexts, so it is important to check the requirements for your specific visa subclass.
For Subclass 408 Temporary Activity visa applications, English requirements can depend on the circumstances and stream. Applicants should check the requirements that apply to their particular application rather than assuming Functional English is required in every case.
How can I prove Functional English?
There are several ways to demonstrate Functional English.
1. Hold an eligible passport
You may meet the requirement if you are a citizen of, and hold a valid passport issued by:
- United Kingdom
- United States of America
- Canada
- New Zealand
- Republic of Ireland
2. Have studied in English
You may also meet the requirement through your education if your studies were conducted entirely in English.
This can include:
- All years of primary education and at least three years of secondary education in or outside Australia; or
- Five years of secondary education in or outside Australia; or
- At least one year of full-time study, or the part-time equivalent, towards a degree, higher degree, diploma or associate diploma at an Australian institution.
The specific evidence required will depend on your circumstances.
3. Take an approved English test
You can demonstrate Functional English by achieving the required score in an accepted English language test.
The current minimum scores include:
| Test | Minimum requirement |
|---|---|
| IELTS | Average band score of at least 4.5 |
| TOEFL iBT | Total score of at least 26 |
| PTE Academic | Overall score of at least 24 |
| CELPIP General | Overall score of at least 5 |
| LANGUAGECERT Academic | Overall score of at least 38 |
| MET | Overall score of at least 38 |
| OET | Overall score of at least 1020 |
Timing is important. The English test generally needs to have been taken within 12 months of applying for the visa. An older test will not be accepted, even if the applicant achieved the required score.
What if I cannot prove Functional English?
If a secondary applicant cannot demonstrate Functional English, there may be another option for certain visa applications.
The applicant may be able to pay a second Visa Application Charge (VAC) instead of providing evidence of Functional English. The current additional charge is $4,890 per person.
This can be an important consideration when planning the overall cost of a visa application.
Can dependent applicants access AMEP?
Eligible migrants may also be able to access the Adult Migrant English Program (AMEP), which provides English language tuition to help eligible migrants develop their English skills and participate more fully in Australian life.
Eligibility for AMEP depends on the person’s visa and circumstances, so it is worth checking the current program requirements.
Do I need Functional English for my visa?
English requirements can vary depending on the visa subclass, whether you are the primary or secondary applicant, your age and your individual circumstances.
If you are including a partner or dependent family member aged 18 or over in a visa application, it is worth checking the Functional English requirement before lodging the application. This can help you determine whether they need to sit an English test, provide evidence of previous English-language study, or consider the additional Visa Application Charge.
At Australian Visa and Immigration Experts (AVIE), we can help you understand the English requirements that apply to your visa and your family members.
Need help with your visa application? Book a consultation with AVIE
