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Official English test requirements across Australia, Canada and New Zealand skilled migration pathways. Tests, score thresholds, validity periods and test-centre rules published by the Department of Home Affairs, IRCC and Immigration New Zealand.
Last verified: 3 September 2026
Each country maintains its own list of approved tests. The test version matters — IELTS Academic vs General Training, PTE Academic vs PTE Core — and online or at-home tests are generally not accepted.
All three countries require in-person, test-centre testing. Remote-proctored or at-home versions are not accepted.
DHA defines English proficiency in levels: Functional, Vocational, Competent, Proficient and Superior. Skilled migration visas (189, 190, 491, 482, 186) typically require Competent English as a minimum, with points awarded for Proficient (10 points) and Superior (20 points).
Competent English is the minimum threshold for General Skilled Migration visas. It awards no additional points but is required to lodge an EOI.
Tests taken on or after 7 August 2025
| Test | Listening | Reading | Writing | Speaking |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| IELTS | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 |
| PTE Academic (new) | 47 | 48 | 51 | 54 |
| TOEFL iBT | 16 | 16 | 19 | 19 |
| OET | 290 | 310 | 290 | 330 |
| CELPIP General | 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 |
Tests taken on or before 6 August 2025 remain valid until 6 August 2028 under the old score scale (PTE Academic 50 in each, IELTS 6, etc.).
Full table: DHA — Competent English
Test results remain valid for 3 years from the test date. Verify current requirements at immi.homeaffairs.gov.au.
IRCC uses the Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) system. Express Entry Federal Skilled Worker requires minimum CLB 7 in all four abilities. Higher CLB scores award more Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) points.
For English, IRCC accepts:
Not accepted for Express Entry:
Results must be less than 2 years old when you submit your Express Entry profile and when you apply for permanent residence.
Source: IRCC — Language test results
Test results must be valid when you submit your Express Entry profile and when you apply for PR. Verify current CLB conversion tables at canada.ca.
INZ requires English proficiency for skilled residence visas. Principal applicants need higher scores than partners or dependent children. Results must be no more than 2 years old when you apply.
Principal applicants for Skilled Migrant Category, Straight to Residence, and Work to Residence visas must achieve the following minimum overall scores:
| Test | Overall Score (Principal) |
|---|---|
| IELTS (Academic or General) | 6.5 |
| TOEFL iBT (Academic) | 79 |
| PTE Academic | 58 |
| Cambridge B2 First | 176 |
| OET | Grade C+ or higher in all 4 skills |
IELTS One Skill Retake (OSR) is accepted. Tests must be taken in person at a test centre — remote tests are not acceptable.
Source: INZ — English language requirements for skilled residence visas
Test results must be no more than 2 years old when you apply. Verify current requirements at immigration.govt.nz.
Australian Points Test
How English points are awarded (10 for Proficient, 20 for Superior)
Canada CRS Scoring
How CLB levels translate to CRS points in Express Entry
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This is general information only, not personal immigration advice. Self Migrate is not registered with MARA, CICC, or the IAA. For advice specific to your situation, consult a MARA-registered agent (AU), a CICC-licensed consultant (CA), or an IAA-licensed adviser (NZ). English test requirements and score scales may change — verify current requirements with the relevant immigration authority before booking a test.
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