How Your English Skills Can Earn You Up to 20 Extra Points for an Australian PR Visa

Vikrant Gungash
Jun 12
3 min read

By Nikhil Seth, June 12 2025

For skilled migrants aiming to live and work in Australia, demonstrating English proficiency is a critical eligibility requirement. The Department of Home Affairs recognises five levels of English competency, each aligned to visa subclasses and the points that may be claimed under the General Skilled Migration (GSM) program.

This article outlines each English language level — Functional, Vocational, Competent, Proficient, and Superior — with required test scores, visa relevance, and applicable points.

1. Functional English

Functional English is the basic level often required for family, partner, and some provisional visas.

Accepted Evidence:

Citizenship and passport from the UK, USA, Canada, New Zealand, or Ireland.
At least two years of full-time education in English.
Completion of primary and/or secondary schooling with English as the medium of instruction.

Minimum Test Scores:

Test	Required Score
IELTS	Average band score of 4.5
TOEFL iBT	Total score of 32
PTE Academic	Total score of 30
Cambridge C1 Advanced	At least 147 in all components

Points Claimable: 0

2. Vocational English

Vocational English is typically required for trade occupations and employer-sponsored visas.

Accepted Evidence:

Passport from the UK, USA, Canada, New Zealand, or Ireland.
Valid test results within the past three years.

Minimum Test Scores:

Test	Required Score
IELTS	At least 5 in each component
TOEFL iBT	Listening 4, Reading 4, Writing 14, Speaking 14
PTE Academic	At least 36 in each component
OET	At least B in each component
Cambridge C1 Advanced	At least 154 in each component

Points Claimable: 0

3. Competent English

Competent English is the minimum level required to be eligible for most General Skilled Migration visas, including subclasses 189, 190, and 491.

Accepted Evidence:

Passport from the UK, USA, Canada, New Zealand, or Ireland.
Valid test results within the past three years.

Minimum Test Scores:

Test	Required Score
IELTS	At least 6 in each component
TOEFL iBT	Listening 12, Reading 13, Writing 21, Speaking 18
PTE Academic	At least 50 in each component
OET	At least B in each component
Cambridge C1 Advanced	At least 169 in each component

Points Claimable: 0 (but required to apply)

4. Proficient English

Proficient English allows applicants to claim additional points in the GSM system.

Minimum Test Scores:

Test	Required Score
IELTS	At least 7 in each component
TOEFL iBT	Listening 24, Reading 24, Writing 27, Speaking 23
PTE Academic	At least 65 in each component
OET	At least B in each component
Cambridge C1 Advanced	At least 185 in each component

Points Claimable: 10

5. Superior English

Superior English provides the highest number of points under the language factor.

Minimum Test Scores:

Test	Required Score
IELTS	At least 8 in each component
TOEFL iBT	Listening 28, Reading 29, Writing 30, Speaking 26
PTE Academic	At least 79 in each component
OET	At least A in each component
Cambridge C1 Advanced	At least 200 in each component

Points Claimable: 20

Summary Table: English Levels and Points

English Level	Points Claimable	Visa Relevance
Functional English	0	Family and partner visas
Vocational English	0	Employer-sponsored, trade-related visas
Competent English	0	Minimum required for GSM (189, 190, 491)
Proficient English	10	Claimable under GSM
Superior English	20	Highest GSM point benefit

Validity and Conditions

Only in-centre test scores are accepted (no home-based or online versions).
Scores must be obtained within 3 years before the date of invitation or application.

Book free consultation

Are you looking for the best immigration consultant in India? Weabide immigration services pvt. ltd. is the best immigration consultant in India with a team of highly experienced case managers who have a decade of work experience in the immigration process. We understand the complexities of immigration procedures and the importance of having a knowledgeable and experienced team by your side.

Here are some of the reasons why WeAbide® stands out:

We are committed to providing top-notch services that prioritize your satisfaction. Our case managers are well-versed in the intricacies of immigration regulations and stay up to date with the latest changes in immigration policies. With their extensive knowledge, they can effectively handle your case, ensuring all necessary documents are prepared accurately and submitted on time.
We take pride in providing personalized attention to each client. We understand that every immigration case is unique, and our case managers are dedicated to understanding your specific requirements and tailoring their services accordingly. By choosing WeAbide®, you can rest assured that your immigration process will be handled with utmost professionalism and attention to detail.
We are the leading immigration consultant in India. We have a proven track record of success, and we have helped thousands of people achieve their dream of living in Canada.