PTE and IELTS scores for the 186 visa
The 186 visa needs Competent English: PTE Academic 47, 48, 51 and 54 in listening, reading, writing and speaking, or IELTS 6 in each skill, from results issued in the last 3 years (Home Affairs, checked 16 October 2026).
By Thanh Tran, PTE and IELTS coach
Updated
Check your scores
Not needed for the 186 visa
Needs 47
Needs 48
Needs 54
Needs 51
Enter your scores to check them against the 186 visa.
Your results must be issued in the 3 years before you apply, and you must have them before you lodge. Home Affairs
Scores from Home Affairs, Competent English, checked 16 October 2026.
Not immigration advice. This is general information. Visas, registration and skills assessments have other rules too, so check the official page before you apply. Only a registered migration agent or a lawyer can give you immigration advice.
What PTE and IELTS scores does the 186 visa need?
The 186 visa needs Competent English. Home Affairs checks each skill on its own, and there is no overall score.
For tests taken on or after 7 August 2025.
Competent English, for the 186 visa: minimum English test scores for a test taken on or after 7 August 2025
PTE Academic
- Listening
- 47
- Reading
- 48
- Writing
- 51
- Speaking
- 54
IELTS Academic
- Listening
- 6
- Reading
- 6
- Writing
- 6
- Speaking
- 6
IELTS General Training
- Listening
- 6
- Reading
- 6
- Writing
- 6
- Speaking
- 6
| Test | Listening | Reading | Writing | Speaking |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PTE Academic | 47 | 48 | 51 | 54 |
| IELTS Academic | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 |
| IELTS General Training | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 |
6 other tests: TOEFL iBT, OET, Cambridge C1 Advanced, CELPIP General, LANGUAGECERT Academic and Michigan English Test
TOEFL iBT
- Listening
- 16
- Reading
- 16
- Writing
- 19
- Speaking
- 19
OET
- Listening
- 290
- Reading
- 310
- Writing
- 290
- Speaking
- 330
Cambridge C1 Advanced
- Listening
- 163
- Reading
- 163
- Writing
- 170
- Speaking
- 179
CELPIP General
- Listening
- 7
- Reading
- 7
- Writing
- 7
- Speaking
- 7
LANGUAGECERT Academic
- Listening
- 57
- Reading
- 60
- Writing
- 64
- Speaking
- 70
Michigan English Test
- Listening
- 56
- Reading
- 55
- Writing
- 57
- Speaking
- 48
| Test | Listening | Reading | Writing | Speaking |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| TOEFL iBT | 16 | 16 | 19 | 19 |
| OET | 290 | 310 | 290 | 330 |
| Cambridge C1 Advanced | 163 | 163 | 170 | 179 |
| CELPIP General | 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 |
| LANGUAGECERT Academic | 57 | 60 | 64 | 70 |
| Michigan English Test | 56 | 55 | 57 | 48 |
Source: Home Affairs, Competent English. Checked 16 October 2026.
What if I took the test before 7 August 2025?
An older test is checked against the older Competent English table. For the 186, its results must still be issued in the 3 years before you apply.
For tests taken on or before 6 August 2025.
Competent English, for the 186 visa: minimum English test scores for a test taken on or before 6 August 2025
PTE Academic
- Listening
- 50
- Reading
- 50
- Writing
- 50
- Speaking
- 50
IELTS (Academic or General Training)
- Listening
- 6
- Reading
- 6
- Writing
- 6
- Speaking
- 6
| Test | Listening | Reading | Writing | Speaking |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PTE Academic | 50 | 50 | 50 | 50 |
| IELTS (Academic or General Training) | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 |
3 other tests: TOEFL iBT, OET and Cambridge C1 Advanced
TOEFL iBT
- Listening
- 12
- Reading
- 13
- Writing
- 21
- Speaking
- 21
OET
- Listening
- B
- Reading
- B
- Writing
- B
- Speaking
- B
Cambridge C1 Advanced
- Listening
- 169
- Reading
- 169
- Writing
- 169
- Speaking
- 169
| Test | Listening | Reading | Writing | Speaking |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| TOEFL iBT | 12 | 13 | 21 | 21 |
| OET | B | B | B | B |
| Cambridge C1 Advanced | 169 | 169 | 169 | 169 |
Source: Home Affairs, Competent English. Checked 16 October 2026.
Which 186 streams need English?
Direct Entry and Temporary Residence Transition both need Competent English. The Labour Agreement stream follows your employer's agreement.
Direct Entry
Temporary Residence Transition
Labour Agreement
Family members
Other goals and tools
Common questions
Is 186 the same as Competent English?
Do I need my result before I apply?
Is there an exemption for TRT?
What English do my family members need?
Does Proficient English help with a 186?
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