English Language Requirements for Employer Sponsored Visas in Australia
- RACC Australia - Education and Migration Services
- 9 hours ago
- 3 min read
Understanding the English Language Requirements for Employer Sponsored Visas is essential before lodging any application in Australia. Each employer-sponsored visa subclass has different English thresholds depending on the stream, visa type, and the date your test was taken. These requirements are set by the Department of Home Affairs and must be met unless a formal exemption applies.
In this guide, we break down the English requirements for the main employer-sponsored visas, including Subclass 482, Subclass 407, Subclass 494, and Subclass 186, and explain how Labour Agreements can affect your obligations.
Subclass 482 Skills in Demand Visa – English Requirements
The Subclass 482 Skills in Demand visa has multiple streams, each with specific English criteria.
Core Skills and Specialist Skills Streams
Applicants must meet minimum English scores in each sub-skill. The exact scores depend on when the English test was taken:
Tests Taken on or After 13 September 2025
Test Sub-skill | MET | CELPIP General | IELTS Academic | IELTS General Training | LANGUAGECERT Academic | OET | PTE Academic | TOEFL iBT |
Listening | 49 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 41 | 220 | 33 | 8 |
Reading | 47 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 44 | 240 | 36 | 8 |
Writing | 45 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 45 | 200 | 29 | 9 |
Speaking | 38 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 54 | 270 | 24 | 14 |
Tests Taken Before 13 September 2025
Test Sub-skill | C1 | IELTS Academic | OET | PTE Academic | TOEFL iBT |
Listening | 154 | 5 | B | 36 | 4 |
Reading | 154 | 5 | B | 36 | 4 |
Writing | 154 | 5 | B | 36 | 14 |
Speaking | 154 | 5 | B | 36 | 14 |
Labour Agreement Stream
For applicants under a Labour Agreement:
English requirements are defined in the individual Labour Agreement.
These may be higher or lower than the standard 482 thresholds.
Conditions vary depending on the agreement negotiated between the employer and the Commonwealth.
Subclass 407 Training Visa – English Requirements
The Subclass 407 Training Visa requires applicants to demonstrate Functional English.
Tests Taken on or After 7 August 2025
Test Sub-skill | Overall / Average Score |
CELPIP General | 5 |
IELTS Academic/General Training | 4.5 |
OET | 1020 |
LanguageCERT | 38 |
MET | 38 |
PTE | 24 |
TOEFL iBT | 26 |
Tests Taken on or Before 6 August 2025
Test Sub-skill | Overall / Average Score |
C1 Advanced | 147 |
IELTS Academic/General Training | 4.5 |
PTE | 30 |
TOEFL iBT | 32 |
Subclass 494 Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional Visa – English Requirements
Applicants for the Subclass 494 visa must meet Competent English.
Tests Taken on or After 7 August 2025
Test Sub-skill | C1 Advanced | CELPIP General | IELTS Academic | IELTS General Training | LANGUAGECERT Academic | MET | OET | PTE Academic | TOEFL iBT |
Listening | 163 | 7 | 6 | 6 | 57 | 56 | 290 | 47 | 16 |
Reading | 163 | 7 | 6 | 6 | 60 | 55 | 310 | 48 | 16 |
Writing | 170 | 7 | 6 | 6 | 64 | 57 | 290 | 51 | 19 |
Speaking | 179 | 7 | 6 | 6 | 70 | 48 | 330 | 54 | 19 |
Tests Taken on or Before 6 August 2025
Test Sub-skill | CAE / C1 Advanced | IELTS | OET | PTE Academic | TOEFL iBT |
Listening | 169 | 6 | B | 50 | 12 |
Reading | 169 | 6 | B | 50 | 13 |
Writing | 169 | 6 | B | 50 | 21 |
Speaking | 169 | 6 | B | 50 | 18 |
Labour Agreement Stream
For applicants sponsored under a Labour Agreement:
English requirements are set by the specific agreement.
These can differ from the standard Subclass 494 criteria.
Subclass 186 Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) – English Requirements
The Subclass 186 visa requires Competent English for both major streams:
Direct Entry (DE) stream
Temporary Residence Transition (TRT) stream
Tests Taken on or After 7 August 2025
Test Sub-skill | C1 Advanced | CELPIP General | IELTS Academic | IELTS General Training | LANGUAGECERT Academic | MET | OET | PTE Academic | TOEFL iBT |
Listening | 163 | 7 | 6 | 6 | 57 | 56 | 290 | 47 | 16 |
Reading | 163 | 7 | 6 | 6 | 60 | 55 | 310 | 48 | 16 |
Writing | 170 | 7 | 6 | 6 | 64 | 57 | 290 | 51 | 19 |
Speaking | 179 | 7 | 6 | 6 | 70 | 48 | 330 | 54 | 19 |
Tests Taken on or Before 6 August 2025
Test Sub-skill | CAE / C1 Advanced | IELTS | OET | PTE Academic | TOEFL iBT |
Listening | 169 | 6 | B | 50 | 12 |
Reading | 169 | 6 | B | 50 | 13 |
Writing | 169 | 6 | B | 50 | 21 |
Speaking | 169 | 6 | B | 50 | 18 |
Labour Agreement Stream
If applying under a Labour Agreement:
English requirements are determined by the terms of the agreement.
These override the standard ENS criteria.
Why English Requirements Matter for Employer Sponsored Visas
English language requirements are not just a formality. They ensure that visa holders can:
Perform their job safely and effectively
Communicate in Australian workplaces
Integrate into the community
Meet compliance standards under migration law
Failing to meet the correct English requirement is a common reason for visa refusals.
English Language Requirements for Employer Sponsored Visas: Conclusion and Next Steps
The English Language Requirements for Employer Sponsored Visas vary significantly depending on the visa subclass, stream, and the date your English test was taken. Labour Agreements can further change these thresholds, making professional advice essential.
Book a consultation with our team to receive a tailored assessment of your eligibility and visa options
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