DIBP English language requirements for a Skilled Independent subclass 189 visa
The primary applicant for a subclass 189 visa under the Points-tested stream will meet the required level of competent English if they:
Hold a valid passport Canada, New Zealand, the Republic of Ireland, the United Kingdom or the United States of America and is a citizen of that country OR
Have an International English Language Testing System (IELTS) with a test score of at least 6.0 in EACH test component of listening, reading, writing and speaking OR
Have an Occupational English Test (OET) with a test score of at least B in EACH test component of listening, reading, writing and speaking OR
Have a Test of English as a Foreign Language internet-based test (TOEFL iBT) with a test score of at least 12 for listening, 13 for reading, 21 for writing and 18 for speaking OR
Have a Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE) with a test score of at least 50 in EACH test component of listening, reading, writing and speaking OR
Have a Cambridge English: Advance (CAE) test score of at least 169 in EACH test component of listening, reading, writing and speaking
NOTE: Each English language tests listed above must have been undertaken within the last three years, apart from the CAE test, which must be undertaken on or after 01/01/2015.
It is important to note that competent English is a visa requirement for all primary subclass 189 visa applicants and no points are awarded for this level of English.
