From 7 August 2025, the Department of Home Affairs has changed English language requirements for skilled migration visas, including the Subclass 189 Skilled Independent visa. To be eligible, you must achieve the required English test scores or aim for higher results to gain additional points in the migration points test.

189 Visa CELPIP General Requirements

1. The minimum CELPIP General score required for a 189 visa is a minimum of 7 in each band.
2. For 10 extra points for a 189 visa, you need proficient English. Proficient English for CELPIP General is 9 in listening, 8 in Reading, 10 in writing, and 8 in speaking.
3. To receive an extra 20 points for a subclass 189 visa, you must demonstrate Superior English skills. CELPIP General scores for superior English are 10 in listening, 10 in Reading, 12 in writing, and 10 in speaking

LANGUAGECERT Academic Requirement for Subclass 189

1. The minimum LANGUAGECERT score you need for a 189 visa is 57 in listening, 60 in Reading, 64 in writing, and 70 in speaking.
2. For 10 extra points for a 189 visa, you need proficient English. Proficient English for LANGUAGECERT academic scores are 67 in listening, 71 in Reading, 78 in writing, and 82 in speaking.
3. For an extra 20 points for a subclass 189 visa, you need superior English. LANGUAGECERT academic scores for superior English are 80 in listening, 83 in Reading, 89 in writing, and 89 in speaking

MET Requirement for Subclass 189 Visa

1. The minimum Michigan English Test (MET) score you need for a 189 visa is 56 in listening, 55 in Reading, 57 in writing, and 48 in speaking.
2. For 10 extra points for a 189 visa, you need proficient English. Proficient English for MET scores are 61 in listening, 63 in Reading, 74 in writing, and 59 in speaking.

189 Visa IELTS Requirements

1. The minimum IELTS score required for a 189 visa is a minimum of 6 in each band.
2. For 10 extra points for a 189 visa, you need proficient English. Proficient English for IELTS is 7 in each band score.
3. To receive an extra 20 points for a subclass 189 visa, you must demonstrate Superior English skills. IELTS scores for superior English are a minimum of 8 in each band score across all four components: Reading, Listening, Writing, and Speaking.

PTE Academic Requirement for Subclass 189

1. The minimum PTE score you need for a 189 visa is 47 in listening, 48 in Reading, 51 in writing, and 54 in speaking.
2. For 10 extra points for a 189 visa, you need proficient English. Proficient English for PTE academic scores are 58 in listening, 59 in Reading, 69 in writing, and 76 in speaking.
3. For an extra 20 points for a subclass 189 visa, you need superior English. PTE academic scores for superior English are 69 in listening, 70 in Reading, 85 in writing, and 88 in speaking

C1 Advanced Requirement for 189 Visa

1. The minimum C1 Advanced score you need for subclass 189 is 163 in listening, 163 in Reading, 170 in writing, and 179 in speaking.
2. For 10 extra points for a 189 visa, you need proficient English. Proficient English for C1 Advanced is 175 in listening, 179 in Reading, 193 in writing, and 194 in speaking.
3. For an extra 20 points for a subclass 189 visa, you need superior English. C1 Advanced scores for superior English are 186 in listening, 190 in Reading, 210 in writing, and 208 in speaking.

OET Requirement for 189 Visa

1. The minimum OET score you need for subclass 189 is 290 in listening, 310 in Reading, 290 in writing, and 330 in speaking.
2. For 10 extra points for a 189 visa, you need proficient English. Proficient English for OET is 350 in listening, 360 in Reading, 380 in writing, and 360 in speaking.
3. For an extra 20 points for a subclass 189 visa, you need superior English. OET scores for superior English are 390 in listening, 400 in Reading, 420 in writing, and 400 in speaking

TOEFL Requirement for 189 Visa

1. The minimum TOEFL score you need for subclass 189 is 16 in listening, 16 in Reading, 19 in writing, and 19 in speaking.
2. For 10 extra points for a 189 visa, you need proficient English. Proficient English for TOEFL is 22 in listening, 22 in Reading, 26 in writing, and 24 in speaking.
3. For an extra 20 points for a subclass 189 visa, you need superior English. TOEFL scores for superior English are 26 in listening, 27 in Reading, 30 in writing, and 28 in speaking

Why Your English Score Matters

Your English level can determine whether you only meet the minimum eligibility or gain valuable extra points to improve your ranking for an invitation.

1. Proficient English awards 10 extra points.
2. Superior English awards 20 extra points.

For example, if you currently have 60 points, reaching Proficient English can push you to the 70-point mark, making your application much stronger.

FAQs for the 189 Visa English Requirements

1. What is the minimum English requirement for a 189 visa?

You need to demonstrate at least Competent English to apply, but aiming for Proficient or Superior English will earn you extra points in the migration points test.

2. Do I still need an English test if I am highly qualified or experienced?

Yes. All applicants must meet the English requirement, regardless of work experience or qualifications, unless they hold a passport from the UK, USA, Canada, New Zealand, or Ireland.

3. How long are English test results valid for a 189 application?

Most test results remain valid for two years. If your results are still within this period at the time of application, they can be used.

4. Which English tests are accepted for the 189 visa in 2025?

From 7 August 2025, in addition to IELTS, PTE, TOEFL, and OET, the Department now also accepts CELPIP General, LanguageCert Academic, and the Michigan English Test (MET).

5. Why does my English score affect my points for a 189 visa?

Since the 189 visa is points-tested and does not rely on state or regional nomination, your English test score directly impacts your points total, influencing how competitive you are for an invitation.

Meeting the updated English score requirement is a vital step for securing the 189 Skilled Independent visa. Stronger results do not just satisfy the eligibility criteria; they can also add points that put you ahead in the invitation process.

Ready to take the next step toward Australian permanent residency? Book an appointment with us today and get expert advice for your 189 visa application.

Related posts:

New English Score Requirements for 190 Visa 2025 New English Requirements for 491 Visa 2025 Subclass 500 English Requirements 2025 Subclass 485 English Requirements 2025