The Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) program consists of employer sponsored visas for skilled foreign workers in high demand occupations. The Subclass 186 visa is a permanent resident visa and eligibility depends on a number of factors including the occupation, age, or salary of the candidate. For further information about the ENS program generally, you can refer to our dedicated page here.
This post sets out the English requirements for this visa, which depend on the relevant stream.
What are the English requirements for the Labour Agreement stream?
Clause 186.243(2) requires a 186 Labour Agreement stream applicant to have the English language skills that are suitable to perform the occupation to which the position relates. This means that the level of English will be accepted that was approved under the Labour Agreement.
What are the English requirements for the Direct Entry / Temporary Residence Transition streams?
Primary applicants
Firstly, English requirements for the primary applicants (the employee) are set out in Schedule 2 as “time of application” criteria. This means that evidence of English must be provided prior to lodging the application or be refused.
These primary applicants must demonstrate “competent English” or be a person in a class of persons specified by the Minister in a legislative instrument. However, there are no circumstances currently specified for this purpose in relation to ENS applicants – i.e. there are no English language exemptions for ENS applicants.
All applicants (including secondary applicants) who are 18 or over
All applicants who are over the age of 18 are assessed by Schedule 1 and this means that they do not need to demonstrate “functional English” at application but need to demonstrate “functional English” before a decision is made or pay the second instalment of the visa application charge.
Given that primary applicants usually satisfy “competent English” they also satisfy “functional English”.
For secondary applicants who are unable to demonstrate functional English, the current second instalment of the visa application charge is a significant $4,890.
What is competent English?
A person has competent English if:
- they have undertaken a language test specified by the Minister in a legislative instrument within the three years immediately before the ENS application was lodged, and achieved the score specified in the legislative instrument; or
- they hold a passport of a type specified by the Minister in the legislative instrument.
As such, a person can demonstrate competent English with one of the following:
Method |
Evidence / Score |
|
Passport and citizenship |
A copy of the passport biodata page from the United Kingdom, United States of America, Canada, New Zealand or the Republic of Ireland, to a citizen of that country |
|
International English Language Test System (IELTS) test |
An IELTS test score of at least 6 in each of the four test components of speaking, reading, writing and listening |
|
Occupational English Test (OET) |
An OET test score of at least B in each of the four test components of speaking, reading, writing and listening |
|
Test of English as a Foreign Language internet-based Test (TOEFL iBT) |
A TOEFL iBT test score with at least the following scores in the four test components: 18 for speaking, 13 for reading, 21 for writing and 12 for listening |
|
Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE Academic) |
A PTE Academic test score of at least 50 in each of the four test components of speaking, reading, writing and listening |
What is functional English?
A person can demonstrate functional English with any of the following:
Method |
Evidence / Score |
|
Passport and citizenship |
The applicant must provide evidence that they are the holder of a valid passport issued by the United Kingdom, the United States of America, Canada, New Zealand, or the Republic of Ireland, and are a citizen of that country |
|
Primary and Secondary Education |
The applicant must provide evidence of having completed all years of primary education and at least 3 years of secondary education at educational institutions in which all instruction was conducted in English |
|
Secondary Education |
The applicant must provide evidence of having completed at least 5 years of secondary education at institutions in which all instruction was conducted in English |
|
Post-Secondary Education |
The person holds an award (being a degree, a higher degree, a diploma or a trade qualification) that required at least 2 years of full-time study or training and all instruction (including instruction received in other courses for which the person was allowed credit) for that award was conducted in English |
|
Australian study |
The applicant must provide evidence that they have successfully completed, in Australia, at least 1 year of full-time study or equivalent part-time study towards a degree, higher degree, diploma, or associate diploma, at an institution or institutions where all the instruction was conducted in English |
|
IELTS |
The applicant must provide evidence of having achieved IELTS average band score of at least 4.5, based on the four test components of speaking, reading, writing, and listening in a test conducted:
|
|
TOEFL iBT |
The applicant must provide evidence of having achieved a TOEFL iBT total band score of at least 32, based on the four test components of speaking, reading, writing, and listening in a test conducted:
|
|
PTE Academic |
The applicant must provide evidence of having achieved a PTE Academic overall band score of at least 30, based on the four test components of speaking, reading, writing, and listening in a test conducted:
|
|
Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE) |
The applicant provides evidence of having achieved a CAE overall score of at least 147 based on the four test components of speaking, reading, writing, and listening in a test conducted:
|
|
Approved English Courses |
Evidence that the person has been assessed as having functional English by the provider of a course that is an approved English course for the purposes of section 4 of the Immigration (Education) Act 1971 |
Need further information?
With extensive experience representing the world’s largest corporations, SMEs, and start-ups, our staff are well placed to assist with all issues in relation to the employer sponsored visa process, including business sponsorship applications, nomination applications, compliance and sponsorship bars.
If you are an employer seeking more clarification about the English requirements for the ENS visa, we would love to put your mind at ease. Contact us by email at [email protected] or phone +61 3 9016 0484 to obtain further guidance.
Hello,
I am helping a friend. He is currently on visa 457 and on his 3rd year in the company he wants to apply for visa 186 The Temporary Residence Transition Stream. The problem is, he isnt confident at all with his english skills nor he wants to take the english tests. However, he finished 4 years of high school in the Philippines where all subjects are conducted in english. May i ask if that is enough for the english requirement? Thank you so much.
Hi Andi,
He will unfortunately need to sit the English assessment (unless he has a specific passport: https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/help-support/meeting-our-requirements/english-language/competent-english)
Kind regards,
Hannan Tew
Hi, I’m holding 457 visa for nearly 4 years as a solid plasterer trade and now I can apply for my PR. My question is, what’s the English score I need to apply ENS 186? I’
Everything I reading just make me more confuse. I’ve got nearly 50 in each English skills on PTE.. and 50 overall. I don’t know if I can apply with my score or If I can apply with a functional English Or if I really need 50 in each skills on pte?Thank you.
Hi Leonardo,
You need to obtain “competent English” for the 186 DE (at least 50 in each of the four test component).
Good luck!
Hannan Tew
Hi Mate,
Just want to clarify something in regards with 186 Visa under Labour Agreement.
Is english required to take and what scores to be eligible.
Thanks.
Hi Joseph,
Thanks for reaching out.
Clause 186.243(2) requires the 186 labour agreement stream applicant to have the English language skills that are suitable to perform the occupation to which the position relates. This means that the level of English will be accepted that was approved under the Labour Agreement itself (it’s not a common amount for all visas).
Feel free to contact us at [email protected] if you’d like us to review the relevant agreement.
Kind regards,
Hannan Tew
I’m a chef with a fully qualified(skill assessment ) currently hold 457visa working Melbourne, I couldn’t reach 6.0 each, I got each 5.5 and overall 6.0)I have been getting another job NT with sponsorship, can I able to apply for ENS (DAMA) with a labour agreement.
Hi Menaka,
Your eligibility will depend on the requirements here: https://industry.nt.gov.au/migration-for-business/northern-territory-designated-area-migration-agreement
The DAMA’s are quite complex, so you’d need to contact one of our lawyers at [email protected] to discuss this further.
Kind regards,
Hannan Tew
Good day,
I would like to confirm if ONLY the main applicant applying for a employer sponsored 186 visa needs to demonstrate English Language ability (e.g. IELTS) or if my wife that will be a dependent on the visa application also requires to do the IELTS exam?
Do you know where in the aus.gov website I can find this information? Do you have a link to this information on the aus.gov website?
Thank you,
Francois
Hi Francois,
The secondary applicant will need to demonstrate “functional English” or pay the additional visa application charge of ~$4,000, whilst you need to demonstrate “competent English”.
The Department’s website doesn’t clearly state the requirements, but you can always look to to Schedule 1 of the Migration Regulations here.
Feel free to contact us at [email protected] if you’d like our assistance with your application.
Kind regards,
Hannan Tew
Hi Hannan,
Sorry to jump on your question, Francois but my question is related. I am the secondary applicant for the employer sponsored 186 visa and have completed the IELTS Academic test with a superior level of English. Would I still be able to use this test if it was completed more than a year ago but still within the 3 years time? Or does the 3 years only apply to the main applicant?
Thank you.
Rene
Hi Rene,
The secondary applicant requires “functional English”. This is a different definition and requires the test to be not more than 12 months before lodging the relevant application to migrate.
Kind regards,
Hannan Tew
Thank you, Hannan.
Kindly,
Rene
Hi there,
I am on my 457 Visa (Granted after April 2018) and going to apply 186 TRT visa.
I took IELTS test (got all 6 and above) when I apply for my 457 Visa. Do I need to take another english test again when I apply for 186 TRT Visa?
Thanks
Kelvin
Hi Kelvin,
Looks like your English tests meet the requirements for “competent” so you simply need to ensure that the test was take no more than 3 years before you lodge your 186 TRT visa. Once the 3 years has lapsed, you need to undertake a new English test.
Good luck,
Hannan Tew
Hi,I am a registered nurse and I have ahpra registration and my anmac assessment has finished. For ielts what is the required score I need to apply for 186 permanent visa.do I need to Club my ielts score?
Thanks
Hi Juby,
You will need to demonstrate competent English (see here).
Kind regards,
Hannan Tew
Sir Good Day
I would like to ask if is still exempted for IELTS or Am I eligible if I finish 4years in Highschool and I had 2yrs in college?
Thank you so much
Hi Longakit,
That depends – are you the primary applicant or the secondary applicant? There are different requirements based on that (feel free to review the article).
Kind regards,
Hannan Tew
hi,
could you please clarify whether its academic or general IELTS is required for 186 visa? thanks
Hi Priyanthi,
IELTS General is sufficient 9at the appropriate points score).
Kind regards,
Hannan Tew
Hi,
I would like to check if Australia immigration office accept combining OET results from two sittings for Visa 186 Direct Entry Stream?
Thanks.
Hi Raymond,
You can actually sit the test as many times as you’d like as long as you get an outcome that meets the minimum scores.
Good luck!
Hannan Tew
Hi Hanna,
Thank you for the reply.
What I meant was combining two OET test results such as
First OET result: Reading B, Listening B, Writing C+ and Speaking B
Second OET result: Reading B, Listening B, Writing B and Speaking C+
Hi Raymond,
For 186 visa purposes, the Department have policy to accept OET results achieved in more than one test (because OET is a module-based test of discrete modules – rather than an “integrated” model such as IELTS).
Kind regards,
Hannan Tew
Hi Hanna,
My Skills Assessment is in one job occupation (ANZSCO Code 263111 Computer Network and Systems Engineer) , while my current visa is being carried out in another occupation ( ANZSCO Code 263312 – Telecommunications Network Engineer). Is it ok to go to ENS (Subclass 186 visa ) Direct Entry stream as per my Skills Assessment “Computer Network and Systems Engineer”.
Kind regards
Sakthivel
Hi Sakthivel,
Yes, you can use the skills assessment to apply for DE to a different occupation than which you are currently working.
Just make sure you don’t use your Telecommunications Network Engineer experience towards the 3 years of relent experience requires for your Computer Network and Systems Engineer DE application.
Good luck,
Hannan Tew
Hello sir,
can i add my husband on 186 direct entry or employer niminated scheme if i could get one?
kind regards
Hi Anu,
Yes, generally speaking, you can add your husband on your 186 DE application (as long as you have evidence of your relationship).
Feel free to contact us at [email protected] if you would like our assistance.
Kind regards,
Hannan Tew
Good morning Hanna,
I am on 457 visa, I am planning to apply for 186 visa, my age 64 year old. I am exempted to English ? And my age ?
I am student 2009 to 2014 in QLD Australia. Then I get sponsored 2014 as Registered Nurse until now.
My 457 will expired March 2023.
My high school and College in the Philippines is taught English.
My husband is my with me as dependent visa.
Kind Regards,
Alfreda
Hi Alfreda,
Unfortunately there’s no exemptions for English for the 186 visa (unless you have one of the relevant passports), but you may be able to eligible for 186 despite your age as a legacy 457 visa holder (see here: https://www.hannantew.com.au/blogs/australian-visas/employer-sponsored/482/age-exemption-for-legacy-457-workers-applying-for-ens-visas-and-the-removal-of-onshore-renewal-restrictions-for-certain-tss-visa-holders-in-stsol-occupations/)
Feel free to contact us at [email protected] to discuss further.
Kind regards,
Hannan Tew
Good day to you Hannan,
Theres a lot of questions bothering me, first i was granted 457 visa under labour agreement under company specific no PR pathway i didn’t take english test cause im emxempted for continuing study from secondary to college which all instruction in english and i have medium instruction of english certificate for my schools. My second visa is 482 under NT DAMA II I also didnt take english test theres a pathway for residency after 3 years and I already qualified cause 3 years pass by. My question is do i have to take the english test for 186 visa LA stream even if i am exempted before? And regarding to my family I will include on my application do my wife need a english test even if she have continues study from secondary to college.. Hope i can have a positive feedback regarding on this matter.. Thank you and God bless
Hi Morris,
Thanks for reaching out.
The 186 LA requirements will depend on the specific LA you are applying through.
Please contact us at [email protected] to discuss this further.
Kind regards,
Hannan Tew
When is the best time to gathered documents in 186 visa application?
Before nomination should I give already the required documents needed? Or the documents needed in 186 visa will be given before lodging visa application? Im a bit confused about when to gathered required documents
Hi Morris,
Thanks for reaching out.
As a matter of best practice, we lodge the nomination and visa application simultaneously (so all documents are collected before lodgement).
This ensures all documentation is consistent and ensures fastest processing.
Feel free to contact us at [email protected] if you would like our assistance.
Kind regards,
Hannan Tew
Hi, may I ask a question for 186 DE dependent?
As my spouse english test is competent but over 12 months, does she need to re-take the test or it is still valid?
thanks!
Hi Gani,
Technically the functional English test is valid for 12 months, but there is policy saying that competent English (which can be valid for 3 years) can satisfy the requirement.
In short, since the functional English requirement for your spouse is not a time of application requirement you can wait until you get RFI’d to see how the Department responds.
Feel free to contact us at [email protected] if you’d like to discuss further.
Kind regards,
Hannan Tew
Hello,
Can i combine two OET test results for 186 visa?
Hi Kamal,
Broadly speaking, applicants must attain the required score for each of the four components of the OET. Unlike IELTS, visa applicants can provide OET results achieved in more than one test. This is because OET is a module-based test of discrete modules, whereas the IELTS test is based on an integrated model. In short, you can just provide multiple OET test results to combine their results, but speak to your immigration agent to confirm this for your circumstances before lodging (or email us at [email protected]).
Kind regards,
Hannan Tew
Hi, there
i want to apply for 186 visa for me and my wife.
She needs functional english exam.
Can she be exempted if she show certificate of english classes done in the church. She is working for Nsw transport as well, does this help for exam exemption??
Regards
Pablo
Hi Pablo,
Unfortunately anEnglish class done through the Church won’t meet functional English, so she’ll need to either sit an English test or meet one of the exepmtions set out in the article (or you can pay the second visa application charge).
Kind regards,
Hannan Tew
Hi
please I took Oet of which of which I had 2 B and 2 C+. Is this eligible for 186DE visa
Hi Frank,
You will require an OET test score of at least B in each of the four test components of speaking, reading, writing and listening.
Kind regards,
Hannan tew
Can a Secondary Applicant for ENS 186 Visa sit for an IETLS Exam after the Lodgment of the Visa Application or is Meeting the Functional Language Requirement a ‘Time of Application Requirement’ for the Secondary Applicant too?
Hi Mahmood,
Secondary applicants who are over the age of 18 are assessed by Schedule 1 and this means that they do not need to demonstrate “functional English” at application but need to demonstrate “functional English” before a decision is made (or pay the second instalment of the visa application charge).
Kind regards,
Hannan Tew
Hi, may I ask a question for 186 TRT dependent?
As my spouse’s IELTS result is vocational but over 24 months, does he need to re-take the test or it is still valid?
Thank you!
Hi there,
Your spouse’s IELTS won’t be valid if they are 24 months old, so he’ll need to redo a test, meet English through one of the other options, or pay the second instalment of the visa application charge.
Feel free to contact us at [email protected] if you’d like further assistance.
Kind regards,
Hannan Tew
Hi, My wife has General Ielts with score of 8 bands overall no less than 7. She did Ielts in february 2023, which is more than 12 months from now. can we use her results as functional English for secondary applicant for 186 visa?
Hi Inderpreet,
That’s a very annoying situation, as unfortunately the specific definition of “functional English” is that the IELTS must have been undertaken no more than 12 months prior.
This means she will need a new IELTS to avoid the secondary VAC fee.
Kind regards,
Hannan Tew
Hi, my husband is the primary applicant for the 186 visa, and I am the dependent who needs to show functional English. I completed my bachelor’s degree overseas in English medium. Can I provide my degree certificate and transcript as evidence to prove my functional English competency, or do I need to sit for an exam? Also, where can I find this information on the Immigration website?
Hi JS,
If you hold an award (being a degree, a higher degree, a diploma or a trade qualification) that required at least 2 years of full-time study or training and all instruction (including instruction received in other courses for which the person was allowed credit) you would just want to provide evidence (no test required). This can include an academic transcript and / or a letter from the education provider.
Kind regards,
Hannan Tew