Australian Visa English Requirements: Functional and Competent English
English language proficiency is a key requirement for Australian visa applicants. The Australian Department of Home Affairs sets clear English language standards to ensure migrants can live independently, work safely, and integrate successfully into Australian society. Among all English levels, Functional English and Competent English are the most commonly required. This guide explains both levels in simple, client-friendly language with official references.
Official Reference
Department of Home Affairs – English Language Requirements
https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/help-support/meeting-our-requirements/english-language
What Is Functional English?
Functional English refers to basic English skills needed for everyday life in Australia. It means an applicant can understand simple spoken English, communicate in basic conversations, read short texts, and write simple English for daily purposes. This level does not represent professional or workplace communication.
Functional English is generally required for adult dependent applicants, partners, and some family and parent visa applicants. If Functional English is not met, an additional Visa Application Charge (VAC) may be payable.
How to Meet Functional English
| Method | Requirement |
| Passport exemption | Passport from UK, USA, Canada, New Zealand, or Ireland |
| Education in English | Primary and secondary education in English OR at least one year of full-time study in Australia |
| English test (within 12 months) | IELTS average 4.5, PTE Academic ~30, TOEFL iBT ~32, or equivalent |
Official Functional English page:
https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/supporting/Pages/functional-english.aspx
What Is Competent English?
Competent English is a higher standard than Functional English and is the minimum English requirement for most skilled and employer-sponsored Australian visas. It confirms that an applicant can communicate effectively in both workplace and community settings.
Applicants with Competent English can understand instructions, participate in meetings, read structured documents, and write clear English for professional and official purposes. This level demonstrates readiness for employment and long-term settlement in Australia.
Who Needs Competent English?
Competent English is mandatory for skilled migration visas such as subclass 189, 190, and 491, as well as employer-sponsored visas including subclass 482, 186, and 494. Without meeting this requirement, the visa application or Expression of Interest (EOI) is invalid.
How to Meet Competent English
| English Test | Minimum Requirement |
| IELTS (Academic or General) | 6.0 in each band |
| PTE Academic | 50 in each skill |
| TOEFL iBT | Listening 12, Reading 13, Writing 21, Speaking 18 |
| Cambridge C1 Advanced | 169 in each skill |
| OET | Grade B in each component |
Official Competent English page:
https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/help-support/meeting-our-requirements/english-language/competent-english
Visa-Subclass-Specific English Requirements
| Visa Subclass | Visa Type | English Requirement | Notes / Other AU English Tests (Min–Max) |
| 500 | Student Visa | Depends on education provider & course | English requirement varies by institution and level of study. Commonly IELTS 5.5–6.5. PTE: 50–64, TOEFL iBT: 46–79, OET: Pass B, CAE: 47–59. Required to meet GS (Genuine Student) criteria. |
| 407 | Training Visa | Functional English | Mandatory. Usually IELTS 5.0 overall or equivalent. PTE: 36, TOEFL iBT: 32, OET: Pass C, CAE: 33. Required to participate in workplace-based training. |
| 482 | Temporary Skill Shortage (Employer Sponsored) | Functional English | Minimum IELTS 5.0 in each band (or equivalent). PTE: 36 in each skill, TOEFL iBT: 32 per section, OET: Pass C, CAE: 33. No age limit. |
| 494 | Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional | Competent English | Mandatory. Usually IELTS 6.0 in each band (or equivalent). PTE: 50, TOEFL iBT: 64, OET: Pass B, CAE: 47. Age must be under 45. |
| 400 | Temporary Work (Short Stay Specialist) | Case-dependent | English not strictly defined but ability to work in highly specialised role is assessed. Other tests may be requested by case officer. |
| 186 | Employer Nomination Scheme (Direct Entry) | Competent English | Mandatory. IELTS 6.0 in each band (or equivalent). PTE: 50, TOEFL iBT: 64, OET: Pass B, CAE: 47. Age under 45. |
| 485 | Temporary Graduate (Post-Study / Graduate Work) | Functional English | Mandatory. Usually IELTS 5.0 overall (or equivalent). PTE: 36, TOEFL iBT: 32, OET: Pass C, CAE: 33. Applicant must have completed 2 academic years in Australia. |
| 188A | Business Innovation Stream | Functional English or pay VAC | If Functional English not met, second VAC applies. PTE: 50, TOEFL iBT: 64, OET: Pass B, CAE: 47. |
| 188B | Investor Stream | Functional English or pay VAC | Same rule as 188A; English impacts VAC, not eligibility. PTE: 50, TOEFL iBT: 64, OET: Pass B, CAE: 47. |
| 858 | Global Talent Visa | Functional English or pay VAC | No age limit. English affects additional VAC, not nomination eligibility. PTE: 50, TOEFL iBT: 64, OET: Pass B, CAE: 47. |
| 189 | Skilled Independent | Competent English (Mandatory) | Minimum IELTS 6.0 in each band. PTE: 50, TOEFL iBT: 64, OET: Pass B, CAE: 47. Required to lodge EOI. |
| 190 | Skilled Nominated | Competent English (Mandatory) | Required + state nomination. PTE: 50, TOEFL iBT: 64, OET: Pass B, CAE: 47. |
| 491 (State/Regional) | Skilled Work Regional | Competent English (Mandatory) | Required + regional/state nomination. PTE: 50, TOEFL iBT: 64, OET: Pass B, CAE: 47. |
| 491 (Family Sponsored) | Skilled Work Regional (Family) | Competent English (Mandatory) | Family sponsor must be PR/Citizen in designated area. PTE: 50, TOEFL iBT: 64, OET: Pass B, CAE: 47. |
| 309 | Partner (Offshore) | Functional English | If not met, second VAC applies. PTE: 36, TOEFL iBT: 32, OET: Pass C, CAE: 33. |
| 820 | Partner (Onshore) | Functional English | Same rule as Subclass 309. PTE: 36, TOEFL iBT: 32, OET: Pass C, CAE: 33. |
| 103 / 143 / 173 / 864 / 884 / 804 / 870 | Parent Visas | Functional English | If not met, second VAC applies. PTE: 36, TOEFL iBT: 32, OET: Pass C, CAE: 33. |
| 101 / 102 | Child Visas | Not required | English not assessed for child visas. |
| 115 / 835 | Remaining Relative | Functional English | VAC applies if English not met. PTE: 36, TOEFL iBT: 32, OET: Pass C, CAE: 33. |
| 417 | Working Holiday | No English requirement | Eligibility depends on passport country and age. |
| 462 | Work and Holiday | Functional English | Mandatory. Usually IELTS 4.5 overall (or equivalent). PTE: 32, TOEFL iBT: 32, OET: Pass C, CAE: 33. |
Official visa list:
https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-listing
Summary
Functional English demonstrates basic everyday communication skills, while Competent English confirms the applicant is ready for professional work and long-term settlement in Australia. Applicants must always check the English requirement for their specific visa subclass and ensure English test results are valid at the time of application.