Subclass 190 is a points-tested skilled visa, so English can affect
both eligibility and your overall points score. For a PTE Academic test
taken on or after 7 August 2025, the minimum PTE score for 190 visa
eligibility is 47 in Listening, 48 in Reading, 51 in Writing and 54 in
Speaking. This is the Competent English level. Higher PTE results can
add 10 or 20 English-language points to your SkillSelect profile.
On This Page
- Minimum PTE Requirement for Subclass 190
- How PTE Affects Subclass 190 Points
- PTE Scores for 10 and 20 English Points
- Do You Need Proficient English for a 190 Visa?
- When Competent English may be enough
- When Proficient English may be worth aiming for
- Why State Nomination Matters
- When Must Your English Score Be Valid?
- Why Older PTE Advice Can Cause Problems
- Can Passport Evidence Meet the Minimum English Requirement?
- Does the Overall PTE Score Decide Your English Level?
- Choosing the Right PTE Target
- If you only need the minimum English level
- If you need another 10 points
- If 20 English points would materially strengthen your profile
- Final Thoughts
- Frequently Asked Questions
Minimum PTE
Requirement for Subclass 190
For the Skilled Nominated visa, the main applicant needs at least
Competent English.
| PTE Academic skill | Minimum score |
|---|---|
| Listening | 47 |
| Reading | 48 |
| Writing | 51 |
| Speaking | 54 |
Each component has to reach its own minimum. A strong result in one
skill does not cover a shortfall in another.
The current government definition is published in the Home
Affairs Competent English.
For a separate explanation of this English level, see the PTEClasses
Competent
English PTE Score guide.
How PTE Affects
Subclass 190 Points
The subclass 190 English requirement starts at
Competent English, but higher English levels can increase your migration
points.
| English level | English points |
|---|---|
| Competent English | 0 |
| Proficient English | 10 |
| Superior English | 20 |
Subclass 190 also gives 5 points for state or territory nomination
where the nomination criteria are met.
That means the nomination points and your English points are
separate.
For example, an applicant with 60 points before nomination could
reach:
- 65 with Competent English and state nomination
- 75 with Proficient English and state nomination
- 85 with Superior English and state nomination
This is where PTE points for 190 visa applicants can make a practical
difference.
PTE Scores for
10 and 20 English Points
If your aim is more than the minimum English requirement, the current
PTE Academic thresholds are:
| Skill | Proficient English | Superior English |
|---|---|---|
| Listening | 58 | 69 |
| Reading | 59 | 70 |
| Writing | 69 | 85 |
| Speaking | 76 | 88 |
| Points | 10 | 20 |
Someone targeting proficient English 190 points needs to clear all
four Proficient English scores. PTEClasses covers that level in more
detail in the Proficient
English PTE Score guide.
Do You
Need Proficient English for a 190 Visa?
No, Competent English is the minimum federal English standard for
Subclass 190. Proficient English is useful because it adds 10 points,
not because it is compulsory for every applicant. The better question is
whether those extra 10 points improve your EOI enough to justify a
higher PTE target.
When Competent
English may be enough
If your profile is already strong enough for the state you are
targeting, meeting the competent English 190 level may be
sufficient.
When
Proficient English may be worth aiming for
If your EOI is close to the threshold or your target state is highly
competitive, another 10 points may strengthen your position. The correct
target depends on your full migration profile, not on a generic “PR
score” found online.
Why State Nomination
Matters
Subclass 190 is not the same as the Skilled Independent visa. You
need a nomination from an Australian state or territory government. Each
jurisdiction runs its own nomination program and can apply additional
criteria.
These may include matters such as:
- occupation demand
- employment
- residence
- work experience
- qualifications
- state-specific eligibility settings
So a high PTE score does not replace nomination requirements. English
helps with the federal points test. The state or territory still decides
whether it wants to nominate you.
When Must Your
English Score Be Valid?
Your English claim needs to be supported at the relevant stage of the
SkillSelect process. You can update your EOI before receiving an
invitation if your circumstances change. That includes improving your
English result. So if you submit an EOI with Competent English and later
achieve Proficient English, you can update the score before invitation.
Once you receive an invitation, the claims that contributed to your
points need to be supported by evidence.
Why Older PTE
Advice Can Cause Problems
Older articles often refer to:
- PTE 50 each for Competent English
- PTE 65 each for Proficient English
- PTE 79 each for Superior English
Those figures belong to the previous PTE score framework. For tests
taken from 7 August 2025, the current migration thresholds are no longer
equal across the four skills.
If you are taking PTE now, use the current score table rather than
preparing around an old 50, 65 or 79 target. If you already have an
older result, check whether transitional rules still allow it to be used
before booking another test.
Can
Passport Evidence Meet the Minimum English Requirement?
For Competent English, yes in certain cases. A valid passport can be
used to establish Competent English if you are a citizen of:
- Canada
- New Zealand
- the Republic of Ireland
- the United Kingdom
- the United States of America
That may satisfy the minimum 190 visa PTE requirement without taking
PTE.
However, passport evidence does not automatically give you the extra
points attached to Proficient or Superior English. If you want those
additional English points, you need evidence for the higher level.
Does
the Overall PTE Score Decide Your English Level?
No, Your migration English level is based on whether each required
skill meets its threshold.
For example, a candidate aiming for Proficient English might
receive:
| Skill | Score |
|---|---|
| Listening | 63 |
| Reading | 61 |
| Writing | 68 |
| Speaking | 78 |
This result would not meet Proficient English because Writing is one
point below the required 69. If you are tracking practice results, the
PTEClasses PTE
Score Calculator can help you compare the individual modules
against your target.
Choosing the Right PTE
Target
Do not choose your score target just because another applicant aimed
for 65, 79 or 90. Start with your points position.
If you only
need the minimum English level
Aim for Competent English.
If you need another 10
points
Target Proficient English.
If
20 English points would materially strengthen your profile
Superior English may be worth the extra preparation. The highest
score is not automatically the best target. The best target is the one
that makes sense for your EOI and state nomination strategy. For a wider
migration overview, see the PTEClasses PTE for Australia
PR guide.
Final Thoughts
The current PTE score for 190 visa eligibility starts at Competent
English: 47 Listening, 48 Reading, 51 Writing and 54 Speaking. Higher
English levels can add 10 or 20 points, while state nomination
contributes a separate 5 points. Before deciding how high to aim, check
your total points and the nomination rules of the state or territory you
want to apply through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Find clear answers to common questions about this topic.
Can I change my PTE result in my EOI later?
Yes, If you improve your English before receiving an invitation, you
can update the EOI with the new result.
Can I use PTE Core for Subclass 190?
No, The Pearson test used for Australian migration English evidence
is PTE Academic.
Do all states use the same nomination rules?
No, Each state and territory sets its own nomination criteria, which
can change during the program year.
Can my partner add points to my Subclass 190 application?
Yes, Partner qualifications, English and skills-assessment factors
can affect the points test separately from your own English score.
Does Superior English give more than 20 points if my PTE score is very high?
No, Superior English is the highest English category in the points
table and gives 20 points.
Does nomination guarantee the visa?
No, State nomination supports the Subclass 190 pathway, but the visa
application still has to meet the federal requirements.
