What is the English requirement for the 186 visas?

The English language for subclass 186 visas, whether Direct Entry or Temporary Residence Transition streams, is mandatory. The main applicants must provide the English test result at the minimum “competent English level,” which must be met at the time of the visa application.

What is competent English?

To prove you have Competent English, show evidence that you scored one of the following, your English test scores are valid for three years from the date the test was taken.

 

Listing

Reading

Writing

Speaking

IELTS Academic or General Training

6

6

6

6

TOEFL iBT

12

13

21

18

PTE Academic        

50

50

50

50

OET

B

B

B

B

Cambridge (CAE)  

169

169

169

169

English Exemptions for 186 Visa

Who is exempt from the English language requirement?

The English language test is waived for applicants with legitimate passports and who are citizens of the United Kingdom, the United States, Canada, New Zealand, or the Republic of Ireland.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I take my English language test after I've submitted my visa application?

No, because the English language test requirements must be met at the time of the subclass 186 visa application.

No, The English language tests taken for immigration purposes are valid for three years from the date the test was undertaken.

Working Visa 482

The TSS 482 visa is a temporary working visa that allows the holder to work in Australia. You must be sponsored by the employer who has nominated you for the relevant occupation.

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Training Visa 407

Visa 407 is a temporary training visa that allows people to travel to Australia and participate in workplace-based occupational training activities in order to improve their job skills.

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Skilled Work Regional Visa 491

The Program is provided by Australian Computer Society (ACS) to give international graduates from Australian Universities the skills and training they need to start their career in Australia…

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Skilled Work Regional Visa 491

The Program is provided by Australian Computer Society (ACS) to give international graduates from Australian Universities the skills and training they need to start their career in Australia…

More info

Working Visa 482

The TSS 482 visa is a temporary working visa that allows the holder to work in Australia. You must be sponsored by the employer who has nominated you for the relevant occupation.

More info

Training Visa 407

Visa 407 is a temporary training visa that allows people to travel to Australia and participate in workplace-based occupational training activities in order to improve their job skills.

More info

Skilled Work Regional Visa 491

The Program is provided by Australian Computer Society (ACS) to give international graduates from Australian Universities the skills and training they need to start their career in Australia…

More info

Skilled Work Regional Visa 491

The Program is provided by Australian Computer Society (ACS) to give international graduates from Australian Universities the skills and training they need to start their career in Australia…

More info

Disclaimer: 

Information under ANZSCO Occupations (Australian and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations) section is published in accordance with a Creative Commons Attribution 2.5 Australia licence guideline. ANZSCO Version 1.3 updated on 25 March 2021 and original source can be accessed on Australian Bureau of Statistics website.

This section does not intend to provide immigration assistance pursuant to section 276 of Migration Act (Cth) 1994 as described in the Migration laws. It is based on public guidelines available at Department of Home Affairs’ Website. It is your responsibility to verify accuracy and status of provided information with your Registered Migration Agent (RMA) who is bound by the MARA code of conduct before submitting any visa applications.