IELTS for Australia PR: Skilled Migration Points Test

Quick Answer: The IELTS is a key part of Australia’s skilled migration points test. You need at least a 6.0 in each band to apply, but scoring 7.0 or 8.0 can earn you extra points. Higher IELTS scores can add up to 20 points to your application, significantly boosting your chances of receiving an invitation for PR.

Table of Contents

Understanding the Points System

IELTS Requirements for Different Visa Subclasses

How IELTS Scores Translate to Points

Maximising Your Points with IELTS

Band Score Comparison Table

Sample Answers (Writing Task 2)

Common Mistakes

Top Tips

Resources

FAQ

Key Takeaways

Understanding the Points System

Australia’s General Skilled Migration (GSM) program uses a points-based system to select skilled workers. You need at least 65 points to be eligible to lodge an Expression of Interest (EOI) through SkillSelect. However, the actual invitation round cut-off often requires 85–95 points or more, depending on your occupation.

Points are awarded for:

Age (25–32 years: 30 points)

English language ability (via IELTS or other approved tests)

Skilled employment experience (both Australian and overseas)

Educational qualifications (PhD, bachelor’s, etc.)

Specialist education (STEM)

State nomination or regional sponsorship

Partner skills

English ability is one of the most controllable factors. Even a small improvement in your IELTS band score can give you a significant points boost.

IELTS Requirements for Different Visa Subclasses

Visa Subclass	Minimum IELTS Requirement	Points at That Level
Skilled Independent (subclass 189)	6.0 overall, min 6.0 per band	0 points (competent)
Skilled Nominated (subclass 190)	6.0 overall, min 6.0 per band	0 points (base)
Skilled Work Regional (subclass 491)	6.0 overall, min 6.0 per band	0 points (base)

But to earn points for English, you need:

English Level	IELTS Score (each band)	Points
Competent	6.0	0
Proficient	7.0	10
Superior	8.0	20

Many applicants aim for superior English (+20 points) because the next biggest boost – such as a PhD or 8 years of overseas experience – takes far longer to achieve.

How IELTS Scores Translate to Points

Competent English (6.0): No points awarded. This is the bare minimum to lodge an EOI.

Proficient English (7.0): 10 points. If you’re already close to 65, these 10 points could push you over.

Superior English (8.0): 20 points. This is often the difference between a low and a competitive EOI score.

Important: You must achieve these scores in all four bands (Listening, Reading, Writing, Speaking) on the same test. An overall 8.0 with a 7.5 in one skill does not qualify for superior English.

Maximising Your Points with IELTS

Many candidates stop at 7.0 because it’s easier than 8.0. But if you are young (25–32), have a bachelor’s degree, and 5 years of work experience, your points might look like:

Age: 30

Education: 15

Experience: 10

English (Proficient 7.0): 10

Total = 65 – just eligible

To be competitive, you need at least 85–90. That means aiming for superior English (+20 instead of +10) gives you 75 points, and state nomination (+5) or regional study (+5) can lift you to 85. Without that extra 10 points from IELTS, you may never receive an invitation.

Band Score Comparison Table

Band	What Examiner Wants (for Writing & Speaking)
6	Basic fluency with some errors; ideas are clear but limited in range. Attempts complex sentences but often makes mistakes.
7	Good use of less common vocabulary; a few errors but meaning is clear. Uses a range of structures, mostly error-free.
8	Wide vocabulary with precise meaning; occasional inaccuracies. Uses complex structures flexibly with rare errors.
9	Full operational command: natural, accurate, appropriate. Uses English like an educated native speaker.

Sample Answers

Question (Writing Task 2): Some people believe that immigration creates social and economic problems. To what extent do you agree or disagree? Band 7 Answer: I strongly disagree with the idea that immigration is harmful. While it is true that sudden inflows can strain housing and public services, these challenges are temporary. Immigrants bring diverse skills, fill labour shortages, and contribute to economic growth. In Australia, for example, skilled migrants have boosted innovation in technology and healthcare. Therefore, the benefits outweigh the drawbacks. Band 8 Answer: I largely disagree with the assertion that immigration is problematic. Although there can be initial challenges such as increased demand for infrastructure, these are manageable with proper planning. Immigrants bring valuable expertise, start businesses, and enrich cultural diversity. Australia’s points-based system ensures only skilled, English-proficient individuals are selected, minimising social friction. Overall, the economic and social contributions of immigrants far exceed any temporary difficulties. Band 9 Answer: I wholeheartedly disagree with the notion that immigration inherently causes social and economic problems. While short-term strains on housing, healthcare, and education can occur, these are transitory and can be mitigated through strategic policy. Immigrants contribute significantly to economic growth by filling skill gaps, paying taxes, and driving entrepreneurship. Moreover, cultural diversity fosters innovation and social resilience. Australia’s rigorous selection criteria – including English proficiency and occupational demand – already screen for positive contributions. Consequently, the net effect of immigration is overwhelmingly beneficial, with minimal lasting disadvantages.

Common Mistakes

❌Not checking all four bands: You need 7.0 in every skill for proficient English. A single 6.5 invalidates your points claim.

❌Assuming overall score counts: The points test uses the lowest individual band, not the overall average.

❌Stopping at 7.0 when you could get 8.0: Many students settle for 7.0 because they fear Writing. But with targeted practice, 8.0 in Writing is achievable.

❌Ignoring test format updates: IELTS sometimes changes task types (e.g., new Speaking Part 1 topics). Stay current.

❌Neglecting speaking fluency for PR interviews: Some visa officers may conduct a brief English check – your spoken ability matters beyond the test.

Top Tips

💡 Aim for at least 7.0 in all bands – but if your occupation is competitive, push for 8.0. The +20 points can double your invitation chances.

💡 Focus on Writing Task 2 structure. Use the “PEEL” method (Point, Explanation, Evidence, Link). Examiners reward logical essay flow.

💡 Practice with real IELTS Active mock tests under timed conditions. Simulate the test environment to reduce anxiety.

Resources

Check out IELTS Active for practice tests, band score calculators, and study materials tailored to Australian PR candidates.

FAQ

Q: Can I use other English tests like PTE or TOEFL for Australia PR? A: Yes – Australia accepts PTE Academic, Cambridge C1 Advanced, and OET. However, IELTS remains the most widely recognised and easiest to map to points. Q: Can I combine IELTS scores from two different tests? A: No. For the points test, you must submit a single test report form (TRF) with scores from one sitting. Q: How long is my IELTS score valid for PR? A: IELTS results are valid for 2 years from the test date. Make sure you take the test within that window when you lodge your EOI. Q: What if I get 8.0 in Listening, Reading, and Speaking but 6.5 in Writing? A: You receive 0 points for English ability. You must retake the full test and achieve at least 7.0 across all four skills.

Key Takeaways

✅IELTS is a fast way to earn 10–20 points for skilled migration.

✅The minimum is 6.0 per band, but competitive applications require 7.0 or 8.0.

✅Superior English (+20 points) often makes the difference between an invitation and a rejection.

✅Practice Writing and Speaking consistently – these are the hardest sections to improve.

✅Use official resources like IELTS Active to track your progress.

Related Posts:

Australia PR Points Calculator 2026

IELTS vs PTE: Which English Test Is Better for Australia PR?

How to Improve Your IELTS Writing from 6.5 to 8.0