IELTS for Australia PR — Competent, Proficient & Superior English
Australia's points-based migration system rewards higher IELTS bands with bonus EOI points. Here's exactly what Indian applicants need to know about the three English levels, which visa subclasses require what, and how to maximise your points.
Three English Levels — Three Different Outcomes
Every component must independently meet the threshold. Your overall IELTS band score is not used — only individual skill scores.
Competent English
Required minimum for Subclass 189, 190, 491, and 186. Qualifies you to lodge an EOI but adds no extra language points.
Proficient English
Adds 10 points to your EOI. In competitive occupations (IT, accounting, engineering), these 10 points can determine whether you receive a state nomination or invitation.
Superior English
Adds 20 points to your EOI — the maximum language bonus. Each component must be 8.0 or above; a single 7.5 drops you to Proficient English level.
Visa Subclasses That Require IELTS
Subclass 189 — Skilled Independent
No state sponsorship required. Points-tested. Most competitive stream — typically requires 85–90+ points in current invitation rounds.
Min. English: Competent (6.0 each)Subclass 190 — Skilled Nominated
State or territory nominates you. Adds 5 points. State requirements vary — some states have higher English minimums than the visa itself.
Min. English: Competent (6.0 each)Subclass 491 — Skilled Work Regional
State/territory or eligible relative in regional Australia sponsors you. Adds 15 points. Requires living and working in a regional area for 3 years to transition to 191.
Min. English: Competent (6.0 each)Subclass 186 — Employer Nominated (Direct Entry)
Employer nominates you directly. English requirement is Competent at minimum, but many employers and skills assessors require Proficient.
Min. English: Competent (6.0 each)Subclass 485 — Temporary Graduate
For graduates of Australian institutions. Required if you are applying from outside Australia to extend working rights post-study.
Min. English: Competent (6.0 each)IELTS Academic vs General Training for Australia
General Training — Accepted for Visa
- ✓ Accepted by Department of Home Affairs for skilled migration visas
- ✓ Reading and Writing tasks use everyday English formats
- ✓ Widely available at British Council and IDP centres across India
Academic — Required for Professional Registration
- → AHPRA (nurses, doctors, physios): Academic 7.0 each component mandatory
- → Engineers Australia: some registration pathways require Academic
- → Academic Writing Task 1 (graph description) needs dedicated practice
Step-by-Step: IELTS to Australia Skilled Visa
Check your occupation on the relevant skills list
Confirm your ANZSCO occupation code appears on the MLTSSL, STSOL, or ROL list. Your list determines which visa subclasses are open to you. Some occupations are restricted to 190/491 only.
Get a skills assessment from the relevant authority
Apply for a skills assessment with the relevant body (ACS for IT, Engineers Australia, VETASSESS, etc.). Most authorities accept IELTS at Competent level for the assessment itself — but check your specific authority.
Sit IELTS — target 7.0 each or 8.0 each for maximum EOI points
Target Proficient (7.0 each) as a minimum for competitive occupations. Superior (8.0 each) is the highest-ROI improvement available in the EOI points test. Every component must independently meet the threshold — your overall band does not count.
Submit an EOI via SkillSelect
Lodge an Expression of Interest on the SkillSelect portal. Include your IELTS Test Report Form number. The system automatically calculates your English points based on your component scores.
Receive a nomination or direct invitation
For 189, invitations are issued directly from the federal pool. For 190/491, states invite candidates from the SkillSelect pool. Accept the invitation and lodge your visa application within 60 days.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need IELTS Academic or General Training for Australia PR?
Is Band 7 (Proficient English) worth the extra effort over Band 6 (Competent English) for Australia 189?
What IELTS band do Indian nurses need for AHPRA registration?
How is my IELTS score submitted to Australian Home Affairs?
Target Superior English — 20 bonus EOI points
AI-powered IELTS mock tests with instant feedback on all four components. Know exactly where your 8.0 gaps are before test day.
LanguageTest.in is not affiliated with the British Council, IDP IELTS, Cambridge English, the Australian Department of Home Affairs, or AHPRA. Points values and visa requirements change periodically. Always verify current requirements at the official Home Affairs website (homeaffairs.gov.au).