494 Visa English Requirements | IELTS & PTE Scores Explained

Home >

Services >

Work Visas >

494

494 Visa English Requirements: What You Need to Know

If you’re applying for the 494 visa (Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) visa), meeting the English language requirements is a key eligibility criterion. This page will guide you through the accepted English tests, required scores, and everything else you need to confidently meet the 494 visa English requirements.

Why English Requirements Matter for the 494 Visa

The 494 visa allows skilled workers to live and work in designated regional areas of Australia for up to five years. To ensure you can successfully integrate into the Australian workforce and community, the Department of Home Affairs requires applicants to demonstrate a competent level of English.

Importantly, meeting the English requirement is not only essential for visa approval, but it may also impact your pathway to permanent residency via the Subclass 191 visa.

What Are the English Test Options for the 494 Visa?

You can meet the 494 visa English language requirement by achieving minimum scores in one of the following approved tests:

IELTS – International English Language Testing System
PTE Academic – Pearson Test of English
TOEFL iBT – Test of English as a Foreign Language
OET – Occupational English Test (for healthcare professionals)
Cambridge C1 Advanced Test

Each test has its own format and scoring system, but all are accepted by the Department if taken within three years before lodging your application.

Required PTE Score for 494 Visa

If you choose to take the PTE Academic, you must achieve the following minimum score to demonstrate Competent English:

Minimum of 50 in each of the four components: Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking.

So, if you’re searching for the PTE score for 494 visa, aim for at least 50 in each band—no component should fall below that mark.

494 Visa IELTS Requirements

Similarly, the IELTS requirements for the 494 visa are as follows:

Minimum band score of 6.0 in each of the four components: Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking.

Please note: You do not need an overall score—each individual component must be at least 6.0 to meet the 494 visa IELTS requirements.

Can You Be Exempt from the English Requirement?

In some limited situations, English test results may not be required. You may be exempt if:

You hold a passport from one of the following countries: the United Kingdom, the United States, Canada, New Zealand, or the Republic of Ireland.
You have completed at least five years of full-time study in a secondary or higher education institution where all instruction was in English.

Even so, your employer and nominating regional body may still expect you to provide proof of English proficiency, so it’s best to check.

Tips to Meet the 494 Visa English Requirement

Prepare early – Don’t wait until the last minute to book your test.
Use practice tools – Many official websites offer sample tests.
Focus on all four skills – All components (speaking, listening, reading, writing) must meet the threshold.
Keep your test valid – The score must be less than 3 years old at the time of application.

Need Help with Your 494 Visa Application?

At Jade Immigration Lawyers, we specialise in skilled regional visas like the 494 visa. Whether you’re unsure about which English test to take, how to lodge your application, or how to maximise your pathway to permanent residency, we’re here to guide you every step of the way.

📞 Call us on 0485 907 989 or Book a Consultation. We assist clients across Australia and internationally.

Get Your Question Answered

Practice Areas

FAQ

Find answers to common questions about our Work Visa Australia services and processes. If you need further assistance, please contact us.

What English test do I need for the 494 visa?

You can take one of several approved English tests, including IELTS, PTE Academic, TOEFL iBT, OET, or Cambridge C1 Advanced. Each test has a minimum score you must meet in all four components.

What is the required IELTS score for the 494 visa?

You need a minimum of 6.0 in each band (Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking) to meet the IELTS requirement for the 494 visa.

What is the required PTE score for the 494 visa?

You must score at least 50 in each component (Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking) of the PTE Academic test.

How recent must my English test be?

Your English test results must be no more than 3 years old at the time of lodging your 494 visa application.

Are there any exemptions from English testing?

Yes. You are exempt if you hold a valid passport from the UK, USA, Canada, New Zealand, or Ireland, or if you completed 5+ years of study in English at the secondary or tertiary level.