English Language Requirements
English proficiency - Temporary Skill Shortage visa (subclass 482)
Meeting the English requirement is one of the first steps of the Australian migration process.
If you are planning to apply for a visa, like the Temporary Skill Shortage visa (subclass 482), primary visa applicants are required to demonstrate that they meet certain minimum standards of English language proficiency by taking and achieving a specific result in an English language test, unless exemptions apply.
Exemptions
You are exempt from needing to prove English language proficiency if one of the following apply:
You are a passport holder from:
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Canada
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New Zealand
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the Republic of Ireland
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the United Kingdom
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the United States of America
You have completed at least 5 years of full-time study in at least a secondary level institution and where most classes were in English. We need the following information:
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name and location of the institution/s
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level of qualification/s
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official transcript from the secondary and/or tertiary institution
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number of contact hours per week in English
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number of years of study
Your nominated occupation in Australia will be performed at:
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diplomatic or consular mission of another country
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an Office of the Authorities of Taiwan
Your nominated occupation requires you:
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to hold a licence, registration or membership
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you were granted the licence, registration, or membership
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you had to prove that you had equal or higher English language proficiency than that listed in the table below to be granted the licence, registration or membership
You are:
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an employee of an overseas business
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the business or its associated entity has nominated you to work in Australia
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you will receive a guaranteed annual earnings of at least AUD96,400
Short term stream
If you do not fall within one of the above exemptions, you will prove your English language proficiency if you apply for the subclass 482 visa in the Short term stream, and you:
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achieve the required test scores set out in the table below, in a single attempt at the test; and
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complete the test within 3 years before the date of submitting a valid visa application
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For the Short term stream, the English language tests you can take and the required results are as follows:
Overall band score of at least 5.0 with a score of at least 4.5 in each of the test components.
Score of at least ‘B’ in each of the four components.
iBT total score of at least 35 with a score of at least 3 for each of the test components of listening and reading, and a score of at least 12 for each of the test components of speaking and writing. NOTE: TOEFL iBT only accepted if taken on or before 25 July 2023​
Academic overall test score of at least 36 with a score of at least 30 in each of the test components.
Overall test score of at least 154 with a score of at least 147 in each of the test components.
NOTE: From 12 February 2024, only results from the paper-based Cambridge C1 Advanced test (previously known as Cambridge English: Advanced CAE) will be accepted for Australian visa and migration purposes.
Medium term stream
If you do not fall within one of the above exemptions, you will prove your English language proficiency if you apply for the subclass 482 visa in the Medium term stream, and you:
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achieve the required test scores set out in the table below, in a single attempt at the test
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complete the test within 3 years before the date of submitting a valid visa application
For the Medium term stream, the English language tests you can take and the required results are as follows:
Overall band score of at least 5.0 with a score of at least 5 in each of the test components.
Score of at least ‘B’ in each of the four components.
iBT total score of at least 35 with a score of at least 4 for each of the test components of listening and reading, and a score of at least 14 for each of the test components of speaking and writing. NOTE: TOEFL iBT only accepted if taken on or before 25 July 2023
Academic overall test score of at least 36 with a score of at least 36 in each of the test components.
Overall test score of at least 154 with a score of at least 154 in each of the test components.
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NOTE: From 12 February 2024, only results from the paper-based Cambridge C1 Advanced test (previously known as Cambridge English: Advanced CAE) will be accepted for Australian visa and migration purposes.
Tips for preparing for your test
Understanding Test Formats:
Preparing for an English language test is a personalised journey, pivoting on your unique learning style and existing language skills. The first step is to acquaint yourself with the specific format of your chosen test, including its structure, types of tasks, and scoring criteria. For example, in the speaking section of the PTE Academic, emphasis is placed on adhering to the given time rather than on the complexity of the grammar used, while the IELTS Academic calls for the use of advanced grammar to achieve higher test results. Knowing these nuances helps tailor your preparation effectively.
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Leveraging Resources for Preparation:
There's an abundance of study materials available for these tests, ranging from textbooks to a plethora of online resources. Many test providers offer official practice materials, including exercises and full practice tests, on their websites. Additionally, numerous free and paid online courses provide structured learning paths. YouTube channels dedicated to English language learning can be invaluable, offering tutorials that cover general English skills and specific test preparations.
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Personalised Learning Options:
For a more tailored approach, consider platforms offering lessons with professional English teachers via Skype or other online mediums. These services are not only useful for improving your speaking skills but are also adept at preparing candidates for all aspects of language tests (reading, listening, writing, and speaking). They provide the added benefits of individualised feedback, assessments of your language level, and focused preparation for your specific test. These platforms often present a more affordable and flexible alternative to traditional language schools, making them an excellent choice for comprehensive and customised test preparation.
Practice Tests
Whichever test type you take, you’ll find plenty of practice exams available. We highly recommend that you spend time properly preparing and taking practice tests. By familiarising yourself with the exam format and type of questions you’re up against, you’ll give yourself the best chance of success.
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IELTS
Prepare for IELTS by taking these free practice tests. We recommend timing yourself and comparing your answers with the model answers supplied.
Find a test centre here.
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TOEFL iBT
View questions from previous tests and see how the exam is structured.
Find an exam centre near you.
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Cambridge Advanced English
Find out what you’re up against by taking a mock CAE test.
You’ll need to take your test at an authorised exam centre, find a location close to you.
Occupational English Test
Visit the OET preparation portal and prepare by downloading free sample materials.
The OET can be taken every month in 35 countries. Find your closest exam centre.
PTE Academic
You’ll find a preparation resources section on the PTE Academic website.
Find your closest test centre and view exam fees.
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Speaking English Practice Test
Elevate your English speaking skills with the Australian Government's free test to gauge your readiness for exams like IELTS, PTE, and TOEFL. Simply answer 10 straightforward questions verbally, and you'll get a report highlighting your strengths and areas for improvement in spoken English. Try it here.
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PTE’s Free OFFline Course
PTE Academic has launched a free offline PTE preparation course designed to help you understand the test structure and the types of questions that will be included in the test. Simply click the button below to download.