English language tests for work visas and skilled migration

Reading time: 6 minutes

Many countries require applicants to prove their English language proficiency when applying for work visas or skilled migration pathways. Commonly accepted English tests include PTE, IELTS, TOEFL and CELPIP, depending on the destination country and visa route.

Requirements vary by immigration authority, visa category, occupation and English proficiency framework. This guide explains which English tests are commonly accepted for work visas, how English proficiency levels are assessed, and what to check before booking a test.

English tests for work visas by country*

Country

Commonly accepted tests

Regulating authority
United Kingdom PTE Academic UKVI, IELTS for UKVI, other approved SELT providers UK Home Office (through UK Visas and Immigration, UKVI) 
Canada PTE Core, IELTS General Training, CELPIP  Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) 
Australia PTE Academic, IELTS, TOEFL iBT and other approved tests depending on visa pathway Department of Home Affairs (DHA) 
New Zealand PTE Academic, IELTS, TOEFL iBT and others depending on visa pathway Immigration New Zealand (INZ) 

*Note: Immigration policies, approved tests and minimum score requirements can change. Always confirm requirements directly with the official immigration authority before booking a test or submitting an application.

English proficiency levels for work visas

Many countries use recognized language frameworks to define English proficiency levels.

These include:

  • CEFR (Common European Framework of Reference for Languages)
  • CLB (Canadian Language Benchmark)
  • Country-specific immigration English categories, such as Australia’s Competent, Proficient, and Superior English level

PTE reports scores using Pearson’s Global Scale of English (GSE), an English proficiency scale aligned to CEFR levels. GSE scores can also help compare English proficiency across frameworks used in education and immigration systems, including Canada’s CLB system.

Learn more about how Pearson’s Global Scale of English (GSE) aligns with CEFR, CLB and other immigration English requirements

Work visa English requirements by country

Although English proficiency requirements follow similar principles, each country defines its own approved English tests and minimum score requirements for work-related visa applications.

United Kingdom

Most UK work visa routes require applicants to demonstrate their English language ability through a UKVI-approved Secure English Language Test (SELT) taken at an authorized test centre.

Commonly accepted SELT tests include:

To learn more about which English test may be suitable for your UK work visa, see our guide to PTE SELT tests for UK.

Australia 

Australia's Department of Home Affairs (DHA) sets English language requirements for work visas by visa stream and occupation. Requirements vary depending on the visa subclass, occupation and whether the pathway is points-tested.

Some visa pathways require applicants to meet minimum scores in each communication skill assessed, rather than only an overall score. Additionally, some regulated professions, such as healthcare, may require higher English standards through professional registration bodies such as Ahpra.

For Australia-specific score requirements by visa subclass, see PTE for Australian visas.

Canada

Canada uses the Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) system to assess English language proficiency across work permits and economic migration pathways, including Express Entry programmes.

For economic immigration pathways, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) accepts PTE Core rather than PTE Academic.

Commonly accepted English tests include:

  • PTE Core
  • IELTS General Training
  • CELPIP-General

Applicants must achieve scores that correspond to the required CLB level for their visa or immigration pathway. CLB conversion is assessed skill by skill rather than through an overall average score.

Different pathways require different CLB levels depending on the programme, occupation and Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) requirements.

Read more: English language requirements for Canadian work permits and immigration pathways

New Zealand

Accepted English language evidence and minimum score requirements are published by Immigration New Zealand (INZ).

English language evidence is generally only required for Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) applications for jobs classified at ANZSCO skill levels 4 or 5. Most ANZSCO skill level 1–3 roles do not require English language evidence.

Exemptions may apply for citizens of majority English-speaking countries, applicants with prior English-medium study, or applicants with qualifying work experience in English-speaking countries. The role’s ANZSCO classification helps determine whether English language evidence is required.

Learn more: English language requirements for New Zealand Visas (PTE resource)

What to check before booking an English test for your work visa

Before booking an English language test for your work visa application, confirm:

  • which tests are accepted for your visa route and destination country
  • whether the test must be taken at an approved test centre
  • the minimum scores required for each communication skill for your specific application
  • how long results remain valid
  • whether your profession has additional English language requirements

Countries often require specific versions of a test. For example:

  • UK work visa routes may require a Secure English Language Test (SELT)
  • Canada generally accepts PTE Core rather than PTE Academic for economic immigration pathways
  • healthcare professions may require additional English testing or credentialing processes

You should also consider test format, result turnaround times, test availability, scheduling flexibility, and other practical factors when choosing an English language tests for your work visa.

Related Content

  • Image- Asian student group, 800px x 451px
    Study in Malaysia with PTE Academic
    By PTE Author
    Reading time: 2 minutes

    Do you want to study in Malaysia?

    If you are an international student wanting to study in Malaysia, you may need to take an English test.

    International students are required to meet the English language competency requirements set by the Malaysian Qualifications Agency (MQA).

    Do you need to take an English test?

    If you are an international student who meets all academic qualifications but have not met the English language requirement for admission you may receive a conditional offer.

    You will then need to complete an English language preparation program within 12 months at the respective private college or university and pass the language test requirement. Only then will you will be able to commence your course.

    Who is exempt?

    You do not need to prove your English language skills if you are an international student that:

    • is from an English-speaking country

    • has an academic qualification from an institution that uses English as the medium of instruction

    • has completed their education in Malaysia and has decided to further their studies to a higher level

    Where is PTE Academic accepted?

    Since April 2016, the Malaysian Ministry of Higher Education has accepted PTE Academic as proof of the English language skills for international students wanting to study at a private higher educational institution in Malaysia.

    There are a growing number of Malaysian Universities that now recognize PTE Academic such as:

    • Asia Pacific Institute of Information Technology (APIIT)

    • Asia Pacific University of Technology & Innovation (APU)

    • Asia School of Business

    • Asia e University

    • Berjaya University College

    • Curtin University (Sarawak)

    • Cyberlynx International College

    • Disted College

    • Education Malaysia Global Services

    • Despark College

    • First City University College

    • HELP University College

    • Heriot Watt University Malaysia

    • Inti International College Subang

    • Malaysia University of Science and Technology

    • Monash University Malaysia

    • Multimedia University

    • MAHSA University

    • Pintar College

    • Segi University

    • Sunway College

    • Sunway University

    • Swinburne University of Technology (Sarawak)

    • Taylor’s University

    • The University of Nottingham Malaysia Campus

    • UCSI University

    • University of Reading Malaysia

    • University of Southampton Malaysia Campus

    • Xiamen University (Malaysia Campus)

    We are constantly expanding the number of Malaysian Universities that accept our scores, explore our full list of institutions in Malaysia who accept PTE.

    You can take PTE Academic at test centers around the world and at 6 locations in Malaysia. Ready to take PTE Academic? Book now!

  • Image- KL twin tower, 624px
    How to study in Malaysia
    By PTE Author
    Reading time: 5 minutes

    With high-quality universities, more affordable tuition, and the fastest growing regional economy in the world, Asia has become a popular destination for international students. This includes students from within the region itself.

    Western countries still attract a large number of students each year. “But the idea that a Western degree is automatically better and more advantageous than one obtained in Asia is losing ground.” states by ICEF Monitor.

    In fact, countries like China, South Korea, Japan, Singapore, and Malaysia have all been competing to attract more international students in recent years. As a result, Asian students now have the opportunity to receive a world-class education and international study experience much closer to home. This is especially important for many families today, as uncertainty surrounding the pandemic is expected to continue.

    Now, let’s take a look at what one Asian country – Malaysia – has to offer international students. We’ll also go into what students should keep in mind as they plans their studies:

    Malaysia at a glance

    Malaysia boasts innovative universities and excellent intra-regional mobility, making it a great place for students to consider. The country has worked to put itself on the map as a destination for international learners. It hopes to welcome 250,000 students from abroad by 2025. Students come from a variety of countries including Bangladesh, China, Indonesia, Yemen, and Nigeria.

    Bahasa Malaysia is the country’s official language. However many university courses are taught in English.

    Universities in Malaysia

    Malaysia boasts more than 100 higher education institutions. Many universities here are also ranked amongst the top in the world by the QS World University Rankings. Included in the ranking are: 

    • University of Malaya (UM): Ranked 60th globally. 

    • Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM): Ranked 148th globally. 

    • Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM): Ranked 138th globally. 

    • Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM): Ranked 146th globally. 

    A number of international universities have also opened branches in Malaysia. These include the University of Nottingham, Heriot Watt University, Monash University, Xiamen University, and Newcastle University, to name a few. They provide students with the chance to earn a degree from Western universities without having to leave the region.

    If you're looking to explore your study options, the government has a great tool for students to find the program that suits them best. You can also learn more about diploma studies with this useful guide.

    In order to study in Malaysia, students will need to prove they are proficient in English and PTE Academic is the ready choice for you to do so. PTE Academic is a computer-based language test that provides unbiased and secure proof of a candidate’s English skills for study, professional, and migration purposes.

    According to language requirements set by Malaysian Qualifications Agency (MQA), students who plan to undertake a Bachelor’s degree and above at university or college must score a minimum of 47 for PTE Academic, which is equivalent to CEFR High B1 level.

    Students who wish to undertake a diploma course will need to have a minimum PTE Academic score of 36, which is equivalent to CEFR Low B1 level. However, students should always check with their respective university or college to confirm their language score requirements.

    Getting your visa

    Applying for a Student Pass to study in Malaysia is relatively simple and can be done online. Before starting your application, you must have a letter of acceptance from your university. The whole visa process takes about one month. You’ll find out how to apply on the Education Malaysia website.

    With a Student Pass you can work up to 20 hours a week, but only during school breaks that last longer than 8 days.

    Cost of living

    Malaysia draws the attention of students all around the world because it offers an affordable, yet still top class education. A bachelor degree, for example, costs between $10,000-20,000 USD. This is a lot less than in the United States or the U.K. In fact, Malaysia’s booming capital city Kuala Lumpur was named the second most affordable city in the world for students by the QS Best Student Cities ranking.

    Financial aid

    International students in Malaysia can apply for financial aid. Universities offer scholarships directly to students. To get an idea of what these might be like, you can take a look at the scholarships offered by University of Malaya.

    The Malaysian government also provides scholarships to international students. The Malaysia International Scholarship – which offers air tickets, tuition, and a monthly allowance, among other benefits – is one scholarship to look into. The Malaysian Commonwealth Scholarship and Fellowship Plan also offers international students some generous financial support.

    Want an international study experience in Malaysia?

    PTE Academic – a fast, flexible, fair, and secure English assessment can help you get there. Book the test now and get the result within 2 days.

    View prices in your country and find your local test center.

    Last updated 20 December 2024.

  • A man using a laptop
    Prepare online with E2Language
    By PTE Author
    Reading time: 1 minute

    Are you preparing to take PTE Academic?

    Good news! We have added a new test preparation company to our existing list of providers. This will give you even more options and support in your test preparation.

    Try E2Language with a free trial

    E2Language is a global online tutorial and test preparation provider. They offer good quality practice services and materials for PTE Academic. E2Language offers online tuition through group and 1-1 learning, supported by a range of YouTube videos that share tips and advice. They offer a set of online preparation materials.

    We are always looking to expand and enhance the services we offer our test takers and we believe the addition of E2Language helps us achieve this goal.

    Give yourself the best chance of performing well on the day with E2Language – try for free.