Please note that the information we provide in this article on “RSMS visa English requirements” is current as of the date of publication, and the DHA regularly updates rules and regulations. Kindly ensure that you check the official updates before making any decisions, or speak with an immigration lawyer for the most up-to-date information, as laws and conditions are subject to change.
In applying for a subclass 187 visa, you must also comply with the RSMS visa English requirements. English language proficiency is highly important for an Australian visa application. Thus, meeting such requirements can considerably impact your chances of success.
Because English is the primary language of Australia, you must be able to demonstrate your English language ability effectively so you can successfully integrate into the society by complying with the RSMS visa English requirements. This includes finding employment, accessing essential services, and building relationships with the community.
Thus, the Australian government helps the immigrants so that they can actively participate in all aspects of life, and English proficiency is seen as a key factor in achieving this.
What is the RSMS Visa?
The Subclass 187 visa, also known as the Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme (RSMS) visa, is a permanent residency visa for skilled workers who have a nominating employer in regional Australia.
This visa allows you to live and work in Australia indefinitely, access Medicare (public healthcare), sponsor eligible relatives for permanent residency, and eventually apply for Australian citizenship.
There are currently two streams for the Subclass 187 visa:
- Direct Entry Stream – This stream is for skilled workers who meet the occupation, skill level, and nomination requirements and have not held a temporary skilled visa in Australia before. However, as of January 25, 2024, this visa is closed to new applications.
- Temporary Residence Transition Stream – This stream is for temporary skilled visa holders (usually subclass 457 or 482) who have been nominated by their approved Australian employer and have met the work experience and other requirements.
With this visa, you can stay in Australia permanently but you must comply with the following:
- You have a subclass 457 or 482 visa.
- You have worked for your employer full time for at least 2 years.
- Your employer must nominate you.
RSMS Visa English Requirements: The Checklist
For a successful grant of the RSMS visa, you must have at least Competent English. The “Competent English” requirement refers to a specific level of English language proficiency that applicants need to demonstrate to meet the eligibility criteria for certain visa subclasses.
The RSMS Visa English requirements are as follows:
- Citizenship and passport. You must be a citizen of the United Kingdom, the United States of America, Canada, New Zealand or the Republic of Ireland and hold a passport of your country. British National (Overseas) passports are not acceptable as evidence of competent and functional English.
- English language test component results. There are various English test components in Australia for visa application and you must obtain these test results in any of the following English tests:
- IELTS Academic or General Training – Overall score of 6.0 with no band below 5.0
- PTE Academic – Overall score of 50 with no score below 42
- TOEFL iBT – Minimum score of 62 with no score below 20 in any section (until further notice, TOEFL is not being accepted for Australian visa purposes; only accepted if taken on or before 25 July 2023)
- OET – Overall score of B with no score below B- in any sub-test
- Cambridge C1 Advanced test – Overall score of 169 in each of the 4 components
- When to provide proof. If you’re the main or primary applicant, you must provide the results of your English language tests at the time of your visa application. Know that the test must not have been undertaken more than 3 years before the date of application.
- Taking the test. You actually have an option to take this test at home or online. Providers such as OET@Home, PTE Academic Online, IELTS Online (General and Academic) and IELTS Indicator provide online tests.
RSMS Visa English Requirements: Exemption
The Department of Home Affairs (DHA) says that there is an exemption from complying with the RSMS visa English requirements:
- Five years full-time study. If you have completed at least 5 years of full-time study in a secondary or higher education institution where all classes were delivered in English, you are exempt from this requirement.
You must indicate the following information:
- name and location of the institution/s
- level of qualification/s
- official transcript from the secondary and/or tertiary institution
- number of contact hours per week in English
- number of years of study
- Passport exemption. Certain applicants such as those who carry a passport from a country where English is an official language are exempt. These countries are:
- Canada
- New Zealand
- United Kingdom
- United States of America
- Republic of Ireland
- Age exemption. If the applicant is over the age of 60.
- You are a licence holder. If your nominated occupation requires that you possess a licence, registration or membership to perform the job you are taking in Australia or that you had to prove your English level proficiency to be granted such licence, membership or registration.
- Diplomatic or consular missions. If your nominated job in Australia will be performed in a diplomatic or consular missions in another country or in Office of the Authorities in Taiwan.
- Business employee. If your employer is an overseas business, the business or its associated entity has nominated you to work in Australia, and that you will receive a guaranteed annual income of least AUD 96,400.
Why Do You Need a Migration Lawyer?
Complications arising from RSMS visa English requirements may arise if you don’t fulfill certain prerequisites. Don’t risk your application due to uncertainties or misunderstandings.
A qualified migration lawyer from JB Solicitors can:
- Assess whether you are demonstrating English language proficiency accurately in accordance to Australian standards
- Guide you towards the right English language test and score requirements for your specific visa subclass.
- Advise on potential exemptions you may qualify for.
- Develop a strategic plan to meet the RSMS visa English requirements, including recommending suitable English language courses if needed.
- Review your visa application thoroughly and ensure all documentation is complete and compliant especially for labour agreement stream requirements
- Represent you throughout the application process and advocate for your best interests.
Contact us today to know more about the RSMS visa English requirements.
