5 tips to claim superior English for your Points Test Visa

When you’re thinking of migrating to Australia as a Permanent Resident (PR), you may come across points-based visas. Check what this is and how it works in more detail. You can get additional points for English language proficiency. This depends on the visa you are applying for. 

Points for Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189) 

• Competent English  0 

• Proficient English    10 

• Superior English      20 

Points for Skilled Nominated visa (subclass 190) 

• Competent English  0 

• Proficient English    10 

• Superior English      20 

Points for Skilled Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 489) 

• Competent English  0 

• Proficient English    10 

• Superior English      20 

Points for Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 491) 

• Competent English  0 

• Proficient English    10 

• Superior English      20 

• Extra 5 points for partner with competent English 

The Australian Government has defined five levels of English. What do these levels mean in terms of IELTS scores? 

Functional English 

• An average band score of at least 4.5 for each of the 4 test components 

Vocational English 

• At least 5 for each of the 4 test components 

Competent English 

• At least 6 for each of the 4 components 

Proficient English 

• At least 7 for each of the 4 test components  

Superior English 

• At least 8 for each of the 4 test components 

Maybe you’ve never done an English test before. Or it’s been a while since your last IELTS test. Either way, you should start with IELTS Progress Check. It’s our official, computer-based IELTS practice tests that are assessed and scored by official IELTS markers. You get an indicative band score and feedback on your performance. In this way, you may have a better idea of what you might score for a real test. 

Even if English is your first language, or you consider yourself a native speaker, you should still practise for the IELTS test before taking it. Our free IELTS Masterclasses are designed to help you target an advanced level of English. You’ll get tips on how to achieve a higher score. We’ll explain the marking criteria and help you avoid mistakes. 

We also have an IELTS Study Plan. Whether you’re new or familiar to IELTS, let us help you to get the IELTS score you need. We’ll guide you with the best preparation material. 

'Practice makes perfect' is a well-known idiom which means that it is possible to learn something or develop a skill if you practise enough (if you’re interested in other idioms, check this). One way to increase your skills in a certain area of the IELTS test is by getting feedback on your performance. Reach out to your nearest IELTS test centre to see what additional help they can provide for your test preparation.

We asked IELTS test takers about their experience with IELTS on computer . 90% of test takers at IDP IELTS Melbourne found the IELTS on computer easier than IELTS on paper . Take advantage of having multiple test session options a day and receiving results in 5-7 days. Get to know IELTS on computer .