VisaChief Competent English for Australian visas: exact scores (2026)
The gateway level for skilled migration. Without it you cannot lodge a points-tested skilled application at all - it is a threshold, not a scoring factor.
Competent English. The gateway level for skilled migration. Without it you cannot lodge a points-tested skilled application at all - it is a threshold, not a scoring factor. 0 points - it is the entry ticket, not a scoring band.
Minimum scores that meet Competent English
The gateway level for skilled migration. Without it you cannot lodge a points-tested skilled application at all - it is a threshold, not a scoring factor.
| Test | Listening | Reading | Writing | Speaking |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| IELTS Academic | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 |
| PTE Academic | 47 | 48 | 51 | 54 |
| TOEFL iBT | 16 | 16 | 19 | 19 |
| OET (Occupational English Test) | 290 | 310 | 290 | 330 |
| C1 Advanced (Cambridge) | 163 | 163 | 170 | 179 |
| CELPIP General | 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 |
| LANGUAGECERT Academic | 57 | 60 | 64 | 70 |
| Michigan English Test (MET) | 56 | 55 | 57 | 48 |
Which visas ask for it
Subclass 189, 190, 491, 186, 494 and most skills-assessed routes.
| Subclass | Visa | English required | Detail |
|---|---|---|---|
| 189 | Skilled Independent visa | Competent English | Competent English to lodge; Proficient adds 10 points and Superior adds 20. |
| 190 | Skilled Nominated visa | Competent English | Competent English to lodge; some states set a higher English bar in their own nomination rules. |
| 491 | Skilled Work Regional visa | Competent English | Competent English to lodge; Proficient and Superior add points as with 189. |
| 186 | Employer Nomination Scheme visa | Competent English | Competent English for the Direct Entry and Temporary Residence Transition streams. |
| 494 | Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional visa | Competent English | Competent English. |
| 191 | Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) visa | Competent English | Competent English. |
| 858 | National Innovation visa | Competent English | Competent English, or pay the second instalment charge if you cannot demonstrate it. |
| 820 | Partner visa (onshore 820/801) | Functional English | Functional English at the permanent (801) stage for applicants aged 18+, or pay the second instalment charge. |
| 309 | Partner visa (offshore 309/100) | Functional English | Functional English at the permanent (100) stage for applicants aged 18+, or pay the second instalment charge. |
| 143 | Contributory Parent visa | Functional English | Functional English for applicants aged 18+, or pay the second instalment charge. |
| 103 | Parent visa | Functional English | Functional English for applicants aged 18+, or pay the second instalment charge. |
| 500 | Student visa | Own score table | IELTS 6.0 overall, or 5.5 with 10 weeks of ELICOS, or 5.0 with 20 weeks. |
| 485 | Temporary Graduate visa | Own score table | IELTS 6.5 overall with at least 5.5 in each component. |
What it is worth
0 points - it is the entry ticket, not a scoring band. Points-tested skilled visas (189, 190 and 491) are ranked, not first-come - so where a level carries points, it is usually the single cheapest way to move up the queue. Work out the difference on the points calculator.
Test results are generally valid for 3 years from the test date for skilled and most permanent visas, and 2 years for the student visa. The result must still be inside its validity period on the day you lodge, not on the day you sat it.
Not sure which level your visa needs? Run the free eligibility check, or see how English converts into points on the points calculator.
Frequently asked questions
What IELTS score is Competent English?
IELTS 6 in each of listening, reading, writing and speaking.
How many points is Competent English worth?
0 points - it is the entry ticket, not a scoring band.
Which visas need Competent English?
Subclass 189, 190, 491, 186, 494 and most skills-assessed routes.