The Department of Home Affairs has announced updated PTE Academic score requirements for applicants under the Subclass 186 Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) visa, effective 7 August 2025.
New PTE Requirements for Primary Applicants
For tests taken on or after 7 August 2025, the required passing score is:
Listening – 47
Reading – 48
Writing – 51
Speaking – 54
Tests taken on or before 6 August 2025 will follow the previous requirement:
✅ Minimum 50 in each section
New PTE Requirements for Partner & Adult Dependents
Secondary applicants who are not exempt from English testing must provide a valid test result with a minimum overall score of 24 for tests taken from 7 August 2025.
For tests taken on or before 6 August 2025, the required minimum overall score is 30.
Further details are available under the Department’s Functional English requirements.
Helpful Resources
To support your preparation and understanding of English test requirements, we recommend reviewing our PR English Fact Sheet, which outlines detailed criteria for permanent residency and provides helpful study resources.
Key Takeaway
If you are planning to apply for the Subclass 186 ENS visa, make sure your PTE Academic results meet the updated minimum scores for tests taken on or after 7 August 2025.
For applicants taking the IELTS test, the requirements remain unchanged — a minimum score of 6.0 in each component.
By staying up to date with these changes, you can better prepare for your application and avoid unnecessary delays in the permanent residency (PR) visa process.
Next Steps
Ready to begin your permanent residency journey?
Milestone Migration is here to guide you through every step of your application.
✅ Book a free eligibility check with us to get started.
✅ Have questions about the new English test requirements? We’re here to help! Email us at [email protected] or give us a call on +61 8 9463 6624.
Talk to a migration agent if you are unsure about your visa application. Our registered migration agents can also be found in the Department of Home Affairs Office of the Migration Agents Registration Authority.
Send us a message for a free quote or call +61 8 9463 6624
The information provided is for general use only and should NOT be taken as Migration Advice. For information about your circumstances, don’t hesitate to get in touch with Milestone Migration for immigration assistance.
