IELTS Requirements for Australia PR (2023-24)

Australia is one destination where you will find several opportunities to grow personally and professionally. You will live in a country that offers one of the highest living standards. From quality education to quality healthcare, favorable climate to natural beauty, Australia is where you will enjoy your stay forever. If you are not from a non-native English-speaking country and want to settle permanently, the process is simple!

You could be an official part of Australia by simply applying for and receiving a permanent visa. You can stay in Australia for 5 years once the authorities grant you the PR status. Once you complete 4 years of stay in Australia, you can choose to become an Australian citizen by applying for citizenship. For that, you need to know the IELTS Requirements for Australia PR, which we will discuss further. Before that, check out the perks of being a permanent resident of Australia. If you hold permanent residency in Australia, you have the following privileges

  • (1) You have the right to stay in Australia as long as you wish.
  • (2) You are allowed to work and study within Australia.
  • (3) You can get facilities of healthcare by enrolling in Medicare (National Healthcare System).
  • (4) You have the eligibility to buy property and apply for financial loans from banks for that.
  • (5) You can act as a sponsor for eligible relatives who want Australian PR.
  • (6) If you meet the criteria, after 4 years of stay through Australia PR, you can apply for Australian citizenship.
  • (7) As per the rules and regulations that are under your travel facility, you can travel to and from Australia.
  • (8) You also go to New Zealand and work there.
IELTS

As an Australian PR Visa is necessary, it checks your ability to communicate in English with those residing in Australia. The authorities require proof of your English proficiency through tests like IELTS, and the score you obtain adds up to the Points Systems, which, when crosses the minimum score, makes you eligible to obtain the Australian PR Visa. So, you have to take the IELTS test to get the Australia Permanent Residency. Let us now help you understand the importance of Australia PR, why you should choose it, and what is the minimum IELTS score you need to receive the Australia PR.

Why is IELTS Required for Australian PR?

English is one of the official languages of Australia. Anyone living there should know English, and the IELTS test checks your English skills. Also, there are many other reasons why IELTS is required and English is important for Australian PR. If you want to settle in the country via skilled migration, you must have a high level of English. Other than this, as in some applications, if your partner has a certain level of English proficiency, it adds up to the points necessary for the PR application. If you reside and pursue your career in Australia, you can't do without knowing English. To have basic communication skills to live or work in Australia, you need to have reading, writing, listening, and speaking English skills and meet the IELTS Requirements for Australia PR.

Does IELTS Score Count in Point Assessment Gird for Australian PR?

Yes, points are allocated depending on what you score in IELTS. There are three levels, which have different points for each. This is the minimum IELTS band score requirement for Australia PR.

  • (1) Competent - : The Competent Level is a general requirement for maximum category visas. However, the IELTS score for Australia PR you need to be at a competent level is a minimum of 6. There are no points given if you are at this level.
  • (2) Proficient - : Usually, for some categories for Australian PR, you should have at least a 7 IELTS score. If you reach this level, 10 points are added to your application for permanent residency in Australia.
  • (3) Superior - : This is the highest level when you score 8 or above in IELTS. If you get to this level, you get 20 points added!

Level

Points

IELTS Score

Competent

Proficient

Superior

0

10

20

6.0 and above

7.0 and above

8.0 and above

What are the minimum points needed for Australian PR?

You require a minimum of 65 points in the Point Assessment Grid to have Australian PR. Your English level through the IELTS band score is one of the parameters that can increase your chances of achieving the minimum score. Everything depends on which visa category have you chosen because each of the Australian PR Visas has different IELTS requirements.

What are the types and IELTS Requirements for Australia PR Visas?

  • Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189) : This visa is for skilled folks who want to move to Australia all on their own. No need for a job offer or support from a state or territory.
    IELTS requirements - a minimum of 6.0 in each section and overall
  • Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190) : To get this one, a state or territory government has to nominate you. Your IELTS score should be 6.0 across the board.
    IELTS requirements - a minimum of 6.0 in each section and overall
  • Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa (Subclass 491) : This is for skilled workers who want to live and work in regional Australia (temporary).
    IELTS requirements - a minimum of 6.0 in each section and overall
  • Skilled Employer-Sponsored Regional (Provisional) Visa (Subclass 494) : In this case, Aussie employers in regional areas can help you out with a job.
    IELTS requirements - a minimum of 6.0 in each section and overall
  • Business Innovation and Investment Visas (Subclasses 188 and 888) : If you're into starting or managing businesses in Australia, these visas are for you.
    IELTS requirements- a minimum score of 4.5 or 5.0 in each section
  • Business Talent (Permanent) Visa (Subclass 132) : This visa lets you start a new business or continue an existing one in Australia. For this visa type, you usually need a ‘Competent English’ level.
    IELTS requirements- a minimum score of 6.0 in each section and overall
  • Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) Visa (Subclass 186) : If your employer likes your work, they may nominate you, and you can live and work in Australia permanently. IELTS requirements can change based on your job and employer.
    IELTS requirements- a minimum of 6.0 in each section and overall
  • Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme (RSMS) Visa (Subclass 187) : Like ENS, this one is for skilled workers with approval from an employer in regional Australia.
    IELTS requirements- a minimum of 6.0 in each section and overall

For family visas and that pathway, there is no specific IELTS requirement for Australia PR. It is always better if you get to the competent level (6.0 score in IELTS), which opens many doors to permanent residency through different visas.

Even for students, there is a chance to get permanent residency in Australia. Once you finish your studies, you can apply for a graduate visa if you meet the requirements. With this visa, you'll have the opportunity to work and gain valuable experience, which will open the way for your permanent residency in Australia.

Which IELTS test modules should you take for Australian PR applications?

Usually, it is IELTS General Training for the purpose of migration, but in different pathways like skilled migration, you may need to take the IELTS Academic Test. Your band score in each section and overall will determine the points you will score. Check the minimum IELTS score for Australia you will need.

What are the other English tests as an alternative to IELTS recognized for Australian permanent residency?

You can opt for TOEFL iBT, PTE Academic, Cambridge C1 Advanced Test, and OET (health professionals), like tests that prove your level of English proficiency. If you meet the minimum requirements of any of these tests, you get points to the Points Assessment Grid, which helps to increase the chances of getting your Australian PR status.

For how many years is the IELTS score valid for Australian PR?

The Australian PR IELTS Score is valid for 2 years. After you attempt the test, within two years, you must submit your application for Australian PR. Only in certain cases, like the Skilled Migration Program, the validity of the IELTS score is 3 years.

Is IELTS compulsory for Australia PR?

IELTS may or may not be mandatory for Australian PR visas. For example, if you are applying for a Skilled PR Visa for Australia, you must give proof of your English proficiency level through IELTS or any other. However, IELTS is not a requirement for spouses, parents, and other dependents included in the PR application or those being sponsored later by an Australian citizen or permanent resident.

So, as of now, you know the visa category and IELTS requirements for Australia PR Visa for 2023-24! Do not skip any opportunity that you find for permanent residency in Australia as it is one of the best destinations for study, work, and live a wonderful life! As you plan for Australia PR, develop your English skills- Reading, Writing, Listening, and Speaking, as IELTS considers these skills and scores accordingly. If you don't have enough competence level, you can take training for the same and excel in the IELTS test. At Ambrish Tiwari's IELTS Academy, the expert team is here to help you with the preparation and meet the IELTS requirements for Australia PR. Contact our IELTS Coaching in Ahmedabad for complete information regarding the Australian PR application and guidance for a strategy to improve your skills to become proficient in English as per the IELTS standards.

708 reviews