Important: Each Band Matters

You must meet the minimum score in every section:

• Listening

• Reading

• Writing

• Speaking

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You cannot rely on overall scores.

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Tests Taken Before 7 August 2025

You can still use older test results if:

• You took the test on or before 6 August 2025

• Your result stays within the 3-year validity period

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For example:

• IELTS: 6.0 in each band

• PTE: 50 in each section

• OET: Grade B

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These remain valid under DHA transition rules.

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Tests You Cannot Use

The DHA does not accept fully online tests.

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This includes:

• IELTS Online

• TOEFL Home Edition

• OET@Home

• CELPIP Online

• LanguageCert Online

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You must sit the test at an approved test centre.

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English Requirement by 494 Visa Stream

Employer Sponsored Stream

• Requires Competent English

• Applies to most applicants

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Labour Agreement Stream

• Usually requires Competent English

• Some agreements allow lower scores

• The agreement defines the requirement

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Subsequent Entrant Stream

• Secondary applicants may need:

  • Functional English, or

  • Pay an additional visa charge

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What Is Functional English?

Functional English applies to family members.

You can meet it with:

• IELTS average 4.5

• Equivalent test scores

• Evidence of education in English

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When to Provide Your English Test

You must provide your results:

• When you lodge your visa application, or

• When DHA requests it

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Expired results will not count.

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Common Mistakes (That Cause Refusal)

1. Missing One Band

Many applicants meet the total score but fail one section. That leads to refusal.

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2. Expired Test

English tests remain valid for 3 years only.

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3. Using Online Tests

DHA does not accept remote or at-home exams.

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4. Wrong Assumptions About Exemption

Only specific passport holders qualify.

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How English Impacts Your PR Pathway

English does not give you points under the 494 visa.

However, it still matters because:

• It determines eligibility

• Employers assess communication ability

• It affects your transition to PR under Subclass 191

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Quick Summary

• You need Competent English

• IELTS 6.0 in each band (or equivalent)

• Tests must be valid within 3 years

• Passport holders from approved countries do not need a test

• Online tests are not accepted

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FAQ — 494 Visa English Requirement

What English level is required for the 494 visa?

You need Competent English, which means IELTS 6.0 in each band or an equivalent score in an approved test.

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Do I need IELTS for a 494 visa?

No — IELTS is not mandatory. You can use other approved tests like PTE, TOEFL, or OET.

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How much PTE score is required for a 494 visa?

You must meet the minimum score in each section:

• Listening: 47

• Reading: 48

• Writing: 51

• Speaking: 54

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Can I apply for a 494 visa with IELTS 5.5?

No — you must score at least 6.0 in each band. Lower scores do not meet the requirement.

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What happens if I fail one band in IELTS?

You do not meet the requirement. You must achieve the minimum score in all four sections.

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Is overall IELTS score enough for a 494 visa?

No — the requirement focuses on each band, not the overall score.

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What is IELTS 7 equivalent to PTE?

IELTS 7 is roughly equal to a PTE score of around 65.

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How long is the English test valid for a 494 visa?

Your test result stays valid for 3 years from the test date.

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Can I use an old English test result?

Yes — if your test is still within the 3-year validity period and meets DHA requirements.

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Do I need English for the 494 visa if I have a passport from the UK or USA?

No — passport holders from approved countries meet the requirement automatically.

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Are online English tests accepted for the 494 visa?

No — the Department of Home Affairs does not accept at-home or online English tests.

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Can I apply for a 494 visa with lower English?

No — the main applicant must meet Competent English, unless applying under a Labour Agreement with different conditions.

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Do family members need English for the 494 visa?

They may need Functional English or pay an additional visa fee.

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What is Functional English for the 494 visa?

Functional English usually means IELTS average 4.5 or equivalent.