5 tips to claim Superior English for your visa points test

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 reading about and understanding the IELTS test -- you can do this by downloading our IELTS Preparation Guide.

It’s our official guide to the test with more than 30 pages of IELTS information to get you test-ready:

• An overview of IELTS Academic and IELTS General Training

• IELTS nine-band scale descriptors

• Tips for the Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking test

• How your skills are assessed

• How to complete the answer sheets

• Sample Speaking tests

• IELTS preparation checklist

• What to expect on test day

• How to receive your results

This way, you may get a better idea of the IELTS test and prepare with confidence.

Even if English is your first language, or you consider yourself a native speaker, you should still practise for the IELTS 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 computer-delivered IELTS. 90% of test takers at IDP IELTS Melbourne found the computer-delivered IELTS easier than paper-based IELTS. Take advantage of having multiple test session options a day and receiving results in 5-7 days. Get to know computer-delivered IELTS.