VisaChief Functional English for Australian visas: exact scores (2026)
The lowest formal level. It exists mainly so that adult secondary applicants on family and permanent visas either show basic English or pay the second instalment charge.
Functional English. The lowest formal level. It exists mainly so that adult secondary applicants on family and permanent visas either show basic English or pay the second instalment charge. Not points-tested.
Minimum scores that meet Functional English
Functional English is the level almost nobody studies for, because it is usually proved with a school transcript rather than a test. It matters for one reason: on partner and parent visas, adult applicants who cannot show it pay a second instalment charge that runs into thousands of dollars.
| Education in English | How much study |
|---|---|
| A primary school and secondary school, in or outside Australia, where all instruction was in English | All years of primary and at least 3 years of secondary education |
| A secondary school, in or outside Australia, where all instruction was in English | At least 5 years of secondary education |
| An institution in Australia, where all instruction was in English, towards a degree, higher degree, diploma or associate diploma | At least 1 year of full-time study (or the part-time equivalent) |
Functional English can also be met with a test result, a passport from an English-speaking country in some circumstances, or by paying the second instalment charge instead.
Which visas ask for it
Partner and parent visa applicants aged 18+ (or pay the second VAC), some permanent family and business 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
Not points-tested. 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 Functional English?
Functional English is normally evidenced by education in English rather than a test score.
How many points is Functional English worth?
Not points-tested.
Which visas need Functional English?
Partner and parent visa applicants aged 18+ (or pay the second VAC), some permanent family and business routes.