English language tests required for work visas

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Many countries require applicants to prove their English language ability when applying for work visas or skilled migration routes, with requirements varying by country, visa type and immigration authority.

This guide explains how English language requirements work for work visas and skilled migration pathways, which tests are commonly accepted, and what to consider before booking a test.

English tests for work visas by country*

Country

Test

Immigration authority
UK Work visa PTE Academic UKVI, IELTS for UKVI, SELTs  UK Home Office (through UK Visas and Immigration, UKVI) 
Canada work permit  PTE Core, IELTS General Training, CELPIP  Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) 
Australia work visas  PTE Academic, TOEFL iBT  Department of Home Affairs (DHA) 
New Zealand work visa PTE Academic, TOEFL iBT  Immigration New Zealand (INZ) 

*Note: English language requirements, approved tests and minimum scores can change. Always check official immigration guidance before booking a test or submitting a visa 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 References for Languages)
  • CLB (Canadian Language Benchmark)
  • Country-specific immigration English categories, such as Australia’s Competent, Proficient, and Superior English level

Some English test providers use their own scoring systems designed to easily align with these frameworks. 

For example, PTE reports scores and results using Pearson’s Global Scale of English (GSE), an english proficiency scale designed to measure language ability across speaking, listening, reading, and writing. The GSE is aligned to CEFR levels and can also be used to compare scores across systems used in immigration and education pathways, including CLB in Canada.

Learn more about Pearson's Global Scale of English (GSE)

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

Many UK work visas require applicants to prove their English proficiency through a UKVI-approved Secure English Language Test (SELT) at an authorized test center 

Commonly accepted tests include:

To learn more about which English test is right for your UK work visa, see our guide to PTE in the UK.

Australia 

Australia sets English language requirements by visa stream and occupation. Accepted tests and minimum scores are defined by the Department of Home Affairs English 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 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 language proficiency across work permits and economic migration pathways, including Express Entry programs.

Applicants must take approved language tests and achieve scores that correspond to the required CLB level.

Accepted English tests for Canadian work and economic migration pathways may include:

  • PTE Core
  • IELTS General Training 
  • CELPIP-General 

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) scoring requirements.

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

New Zealand

New Zealand work visa English requirements vary depending on the visa pathway, occupation and ANZSCO skill classification.

Work visas such as the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) may require applicants to demonstrate English proficiency depending on the role and visa conditions. Accepted evidence and score thresholds are published by 

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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