Points Requirements for Skilled Migration Competent, Proficient, Superior

5 days ago
4 min read

Last Updated: 27 March 2026

Understanding points requirements for Skilled migration competent, proficient, superior is essential if you plan to apply for skilled visas such as the Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189), Skilled Nominated visa (subclass 190), or Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 491).

Higher English scores can improve your total points and increase your chances of receiving an invitation.

Direct Answer: English Points Requirements for Skilled Migration

Under the Department of Home Affairs points test:

English Level	Points
Competent English	0
Proficient English	10
Superior English	20

You must provide valid results from an approved English test to claim these points.

Detailed English Test Score Requirements (Points-Based)

The points requirements for Skilled migration competent, proficient, superior depend on your English test results across all four skills: listening, reading, writing, and speaking.

The exact scores may depend on when your test was taken, and you must always refer to current Department of Home Affairs requirements.

Competent English (0 Points)

If test taken on or after 7 August 2025

Test	Listening	Reading	Writing	Speaking
IELTS	6.0	6.0	6.0	6.0
PTE Academic	50	50	50	50
TOEFL iBT	12	13	21	18

If test taken on or before 6 August 2025

Test	Listening	Reading	Writing	Speaking
IELTS	6.0	6.0	6.0	6.0
PTE Academic	50	50	50	50
TOEFL iBT	12	13	21	18

Proficient English (10 Points)

If test taken on or after 7 August 2025

Test	Listening	Reading	Writing	Speaking
IELTS	7.0	7.0	7.0	7.0
PTE Academic	65	65	65	65
TOEFL iBT	24	24	27	23

If test taken on or before 6 August 2025

Test	Listening	Reading	Writing	Speaking
IELTS	7.0	7.0	7.0	7.0
PTE Academic	65	65	65	65
TOEFL iBT	24	24	27	23

Superior English (20 Points)

If test taken on or after 7 August 2025

Test	Listening	Reading	Writing	Speaking
IELTS	8.0	8.0	8.0	8.0
PTE Academic	79	79	79	79
TOEFL iBT	28	29	30	26

If test taken on or before 6 August 2025

Test	Listening	Reading	Writing	Speaking
IELTS	8.0	8.0	8.0	8.0
PTE Academic	79	79	79	79
TOEFL iBT	28	29	30	26

Important:These scores reflect standard benchmarks used for skilled migration points. You must check the latest requirements from the Department of Home Affairs, as accepted tests, score thresholds, and validity rules may change.

Accepted English Tests for Skilled Migration

The Department of Home Affairs accepts the following English tests:

IELTS (Academic or General Training)
PTE Academic
TOEFL iBT
OET
Cambridge C1 Advanced

You must ensure:

Your test is valid at the time of invitation
You meet the required score in all four components
Your results comply with current Department of Home Affairs rules

Key Rules for Claiming English Points

Rule	Explanation
One test only	You must use one valid English test
All bands required	Each skill must meet the required score
Highest level counts	Points are based on your highest level
Evidence required	You must provide official test results

Your final points depend on your full profile, including age, qualifications, and work experience.

Why English Points Matter for 189, 190, and 491 Visas

For skilled visas:

Your total points score determines whether you receive an invitation.

English Level	Impact
Competent	Meets minimum requirement only
Proficient	Improves competitiveness
Superior	Strong advantage in competitive occupations

In many cases, increasing your English score is one of the most effective ways to improve your ranking.

Frequently Asked Question

Does Competent English give any points?

No. Competent English meets visa requirements but gives 0 points.

Can I combine multiple English test results?

No. You must use one valid test result to claim points.

Do I need Superior English to receive an invitation?

Not necessarily. Invitation outcomes depend on your total points and occupation.

Can English score requirements change?

Yes. You must always check the latest updates from the Department of Home Affairs.

How RACC Can Help

Understanding the skilled migration points test can be complex, especially when assessing how factors like English scores, work experience, and qualifications contribute to your overall points.

RACC’s registered migration agents (MARN1572962, MARN1172003) stay informed of current migration requirements and can help you understand how these may apply to your situation.

We can assist with:

Explaining how the points test works for skilled visas such as subclass 189, 190, and 491
Assessing your current points based on your individual profile
Identifying areas where you may be able to improve your points (such as English test results)
Reviewing your qualifications and work experience against migration criteria
Providing general guidance on English requirements and points for competent, proficient, and superior levels
Explaining visa options that may be available based on your points score
Keeping you informed of updates to migration policies and points requirements