On July 7, 2024, the Australian government introduced the Skills in Demand (SID) visa, replacing the Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) visa, both under subclass 482.
This change brought significant updates, including three new visa streams and the introduction of the Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL) for the Core Skills Stream. Consequently, some details in this article may no longer be current. For the latest information, please refer to our recent articles about the Skills in Demand visa and the updated CSOL.
If your goal is to migrate to Australia through the 482 visa, then its important you understand the 482 visa English requirements. The Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) visa, also known as the 482 visa, is a popular visa for many overseas skilled workers wanting to work in Australia.
One of the key requirements for being granted this visa is demonstrating proficiency in the English language. This article will provide a comprehensive overview of the 482 visa English requirements, including who needs to meet these requirements, the exemptions available, and the accepted English language tests and their required scores.
What is the 482 Visa?
The 482 visa allows employers to address labour shortages by recruiting skilled workers from overseas when they cannot find appropriate skilled workers onshore. There are various requirements that must be met for this visa to be granted, and one of these is the English language requirement. All occupations that can be sponsored through the 482 visa fall under one of three occupation lists:
- Short-term Skilled Occupation List (STSOL)
- Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL)
- Regional Occupation List (ROL)
To check which occupations fall under each occupation list for the 482 visa, you can visit the Home Affairs Skilled Occupation List page.
The minimum score required to pass the English test varies depending on which occupation list your occupation falls under.
482 Visa English Requirements
The main reason there are 482 visa English requirements are to ensure visa holders can effectively communicate and settle into the Australia community and their workplace.
You are required to demonstrate your level of English proficiency by taking an English language test and achieving specific scores, unless an exemption applies. The most common exemptions are if you hold a passport from specific countries or if you have studied for five years or more and the medium language used was English. There are other exemptions but in this article we will just cover the two most common. For the full list of exemptions visit the Home Affairs English Proficiency (subclass 482) page.
Exemption 1 - Passport
Anyone who holds a passport from one of the following countries are exempt from having to take an English language test for the 482 visa:
- Canada
- New Zealand
- Republic of Ireland
- United Kingdom
- United States
These countries are recognised for their native English-speaking populations, and therefore, their citizens are considered to have the necessary language skills without needing further proof.
Exemption 2 - Study in English
You may be exempt if you have completed at least five years of full-time study at a secondary school level or higher where the medium language used was English. If this applies there are a number of documents you will have to gather from each school or institute you studied at to make up the five plus years.
English Language Tests
If any of the exemptions do not apply to you, then you will need to complete an English test. For the 482 visa, the English test can only be completed through one of five approved test companies:
- International English Language Testing System (IELTS)
- Pearson Test of English (PTE) Academic
- Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) Internet-based Test (iBT)
- Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE)
- Occupational English Test (OET)
Each of these tests will assess your English proficiency in reading, writing, listening, and speaking.You will then get an overall English test score based on your score in each section. Each test company has their own scoring system.
English Test Score: STSOL Occupations
If your occupation falls under the STSOL occupation list, then you must achieve the below scores in order to pass:
English Test Score: MLTSSL and ROL Occupations
If your occupation falls under the MLTSSL or ROL occupation list, then you must achieve the below scores in order to pass:
In addition, for your English test to be valid, you must achieve the required score in a single attempt and your English test certificate must still be valid at the time of your 482 visa application. English test certificates are valid for 482 visas for 3 years from the date of the test.
Labour Agreement Stream
If you are applying for your 482 visa through the Labour Agreement Stream then there may be different requirements when it comes to your level of English proficiency. Often in DAMA or Labour Agreements the level required is decided between the government and region, state or territory, or the employer. You would need to check the agreement to find out what the exact requirements are.
Conclusion
Understanding 482 visa English requirements is crucial if you are considering applying for this visa. Whether you need to take an English language test or qualify for an exemption, being aware of the criteria will help you understand your visa eligibility and what will be required from you.
Based on the 482 visa English requirements, only certain English tests are accepted. The required test scores vary depending on the occupation stream, so it's important to know which list your occupation falls under. By meeting these 482 visa English requirements, you will be better prepared to work and live in Australia, contributing to your success in your new role.