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.

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