English Requirements for the Employer Nomination Scheme (Subclass 186) Visa

The Department of Home Affairs (Department) requires applicants for the Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) (Subclass 186) to satisfy certain English language requirements at the time of their application.

Employer Nomination Scheme (Subclass 186) Visa Streams

The Subclass 186 is a permanent employer sponsored visa that consists of the following streams:

• Direct Entry – Suitable for applicants nominated by their employer but do not currently hold a Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) (Subclass 482) visa.
• Temporary Residence Transition – Suitable for applicants who currently hold a TSS visa and have worked with their nominated employer full-time for at least two of the three years before being nominated for this visa.
• Labour Agreement – Suitable for nominated occupations that require a labour agreement between the nominating employer and the Department.

Subclass 186 English Requirements – Direct Entry & Temporary Residence Transition Stream

Primary applicants under the Direct Entry and Temporary Residence Transition streams are required to have a competent level of English language at the time of application.

Specific test results must be as follows:

• IELTS – A score of at least 6 for each of the test components
• OET – A score of at least ‘B’ in each of the four test components
• TOEFL iBT – A score of at least 12 for listening, 13 for reading, 21 for writing and 18 for speaking
• PTE Academic – An overall test score of at least 50 for each of the test components
• Advanced CAE test – An overall test score of at least 169 in each of the test components

English tests must not be taken more than three years before the date of application and submission to the Department.

Subclass 186 English Requirements – Labour Agreement Stream

Applicants under the Labour Agreement stream must have English language skills suitable to perform the nominated occupation.

The English skills required may be specified in the labour agreement between the employer and the Department.

What Evidence Is Required?

Primary applicants can provide an English test scorecard with the required English language skills.

Alternatively, they may provide evidence that they hold a valid passport and are a citizen of one of the following countries:

• UK,
• USA,
• Canada,
• New Zealand or
• Republic of Ireland.

English Requirements – Additional Applicants

Dependents, such as members of the family unit, that are 18 years or older must provide evidence of functional English language skills at the time of their application.

Dependents can provide evidence of an English test score achieved within 12 months before lodging the visa application or evidence that they hold a valid passport and are a citizen of one of the above countries.

Dependants over 18 without proof of functional English may need to pay a second visa application charge before their permanent visa is granted.

Contact Us

Functional English Language Skills can be evidenced in alternative ways.

For expert guidance on the Subclass 186 visa English requirements, contact Bambrick Legal today.

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