Introduction The Subclass 482 visa, commonly known as the Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) visa, is a pathway for skilled workers to live and work in Australia temporarily. One of the essential criteria for obtaining this visa is meeting the English language proficiency requirements set by the Australian government. In this guide, we will delve into the English language proficiency requirements for Subclass 482 visa applicants, including accepted tests, minimum scores, exemptions, and tips for success.
English Language Proficiency Requirements The Department of Home Affairs in Australia has established specific English language proficiency standards for Subclass 482 visa applicants. Adequate English language skills are crucial for effective communication in workplaces and integration into Australian society. Applicants must demonstrate their English proficiency by achieving the required scores in one of the following accepted English language tests:
Medium-Term Stream English Language Requirements
Test Name |
Listening |
Reading |
Writing |
Speaking |
Overall |
International English Language Testing System (IELTS) |
5.0 |
5.0 |
5.0 |
5.0 |
5.0 |
Occupational English Test (OET) |
B |
B |
B |
B |
N/A |
Test of English as a Foreign Language internet-Based Test (TOEFL iBT) |
35 |
35 |
36 |
36 |
N/A |
Pearson Test of English (PTE) Academic |
36 |
36 |
36 |
36 |
36 |
Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE) |
154 |
154 |
154 |
154 |
154 |
Short-Term Stream English Language Requirements
Test Name |
Listening |
Reading |
Writing |
Speaking |
Overall |
International English Language Testing System (IELTS) |
4.5 |
4.5 |
4.5 |
4.5 |
5.0 |
Occupational English Test (OET) |
B |
B |
B |
B |
N/A |
Test of English as a Foreign Language internet-Based Test (TOEFL iBT) |
32 |
32 |
27 |
23 |
N/A |
Pearson Test of English (PTE) Academic |
30 |
30 |
30 |
30 |
36 |
Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE) |
147 |
147 |
147 |
147 |
154 |
Please note:
- The Overall score for IELTS and PTE indicates the minimum overall band score or average required, even though individual component scores may be lower.
- OET does not have an overall score requirement but requires a minimum grade of B in each component.
- CAE scores are based on the Cambridge English Scale scores that correspond to the levels of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).
- These requirements are subject to change, and exemptions may apply under certain conditions. Always check the most current requirements specified by the Australian Department of Home Affairs.
Exemptions Some applicants may be exempt from providing English language test scores if they meet certain criteria. Exemption categories include:
- Citizens of English-Speaking Countries: Applicants who hold passports from certain English-speaking countries may be exempt from providing English language test scores. These countries typically include the United Kingdom, the United States, Canada, Ireland, and New Zealand.
- Educational Qualifications: Applicants who have completed at least five years of full-time study in a secondary or higher education institution where the medium of instruction was English may be exempt.
- Salary Exemption: Applicants who will earn a salary above a certain threshold, as determined by the Australian government, may be exempt from providing English language test scores.