English Requirements for Australian 485 Visa
The Australian 485 visa is a temporary visa that allows graduates to remain in Australia after they have completed their studies. Graduates can use this visa to gain further work experience in their field of study, travel or simply enjoy life in Australia. To be eligible for the 485 visa, applicants have to meet certain requirements, one of which is English language proficiency.
English language proficiency requirements
To meet the English language proficiency requirements, applicants can provide evidence of one of the following:
An International English Language Testing System (IELTS) test score of at least 6 in each of the four components (listening, reading, writing and speaking)
A Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) iBT (Internet-Based Test) score of at least 64, with a minimum of 4 in each of the four components
A Pearson Test of English (PTE) Academic score of at least 50, with a minimum of 36 in each of the four components
An Occupational English Test (OET) score of at least "B" in each of the four components (for healthcare professionals)
completion of all years of primary education and at least three years of secondary education taught and assessed in English in one or more of the following countries: Australia, Canada, New Zealand, Republic of Ireland, South Africa, United Kingdom, and United States
Please note that test results must be no more than three years old at the time of submitting your visa application.
Exemptions
In some cases, applicants may be exempt from meeting the English language proficiency requirements. These include:
Applicants who have completed at least five years of full-time study in a secondary or higher education institution where the language of instruction was English
Applicants who hold certain passports, including the United Kingdom, United States, Canada, Ireland and New Zealand passports
Applicants who have completed the Foundation Studies program at an Australian university
Applicants who have completed a Certificate IV or higher qualification in Australia, and the course was taught in English
Applicants who have completed a formal language course in Australia at an English-language intensive course for overseas students (ELICOS) provider
Conclusion
Meeting the English language proficiency requirement is just one of the criteria applicants must satisfy to be eligible for the 485 visa. However, it is an important one and can determine the success of your visa application. It is advisable to plan ahead and make sure you meet the English language proficiency requirements before submitting your visa application.
