Which English Tests are Accepted for Migration?

Our students often ask which English tests are accepted for migration to [insert English speaking country name] and we get it. English is the most spoken language in the world and with so many English tests available — including IELTS, PTE, TOEFL, OET and CELPIP — it can be confusing to determine which countries accept which exams, particularly for migration purposes.

This is especially important if you have a specific destination in mind or are applying to multiple countries and want to avoid taking the tests multiple times.

Our goal at E2 is that you can pass your test the first time with a score sufficient to apply to your target destination while having other options. Register today at E2language.com and learn applicable skills and methods for acing your exam.

Aiming to inform the public, we’ve compiled a breakdown of the English tests accepted for migration, study, and work purposes in the most popular English speaking countries among migrants in 2025.

Disclaimer: The purpose of this blog is to provide general information based on publicly available sources and does not constitute any legal or migration advice in any way. Anyone seeking advice on relocating legally in another country should seek advice from a registered migration agent certified by the country’s competent authority.

English tests accepted for migration in Australia 🇦🇺

Australia requires proof of English proficiency for most visa categories, including skilled migration, student visas, and partner visas. English is assessed at different levels, which grant varying scores based on the country’s points migration system.

• Competent English – minimum for most skilled visas and undergraduate study
• Proficient English – earns 10 extra migration points
• Superior English – earns 20 extra migration points (maximum)
  

Accepted English Tests and Minimum Scores

Level	IELTS	PTE Academic	TOEFL iBT	OET	Cambridge (CAE)
Competent	6.0 in each band	50 in each	L:12 R:13 W:21 S:18	B in each band	169 in each band
Proficient	7.0 in each band	65 in each	L:24 R:24 W:27 S:23	B in each band	185 in each band
Superior	8.0 in each band	79 in each	L:28 R:29 W:30 S:26	A in each band	200 in each band

For more information, visit Australia’s Department of Home Affairs website.

English tests accepted in Canada 🇨🇦 for migration

Canada uses Canadian Language Benchmarks (CLB) to assess language ability for immigration. The CLB requirements vary by program.

The table below summarises which tests are accepted for migration and study VISA programs.

Test	Immigration	Study Permits
IELTS General Training	✅	❌
CELPIP General	✅	❌
PTE Core (from 2024)	✅	❌
IELTS Academic	❌	✅
TOEFL iBT	❌	✅
PTE Academic	❌	✅
Cambridge C1 Advanced	❌	✅

Canada has several visa programs you should know if you have selected Canada as a destination. In particular, note that the CLB requirements for skilled trades are significantly different owing to migration programs designed to help fill skill shortages in the Canadian labour market.

Key Skilled Migration Pathways & Canadian Language Benchmarks Requirements

Program	Minimum CLB	IELTS General	CELPIP General
Federal Skilled Worker	CLB 7	6.0 in all bands	7 in all skills
Canadian Experience Class	CLB 5–7 (depends on job level)	Varies	Varies
Federal Skilled Trades	CLB 4–5	R/W: 3.5–4.0, S/L: 5.0	4–5

For study permits Canada accepts IELTS Academic, TOEFL iBT, or PTE Academic. IELTS General is not accepted for studying.

For more information about Canada’s language requirements, visit the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) federal department website.

English tests accepted in the United Kingdom 🇬🇧 for migration

The UK also requires English language proficiency for a range of visa types, including work, study, and family visas. The test must be one of the Secure English Language Tests (SELTs) approved by the UK Home Office. The level of English required varies depending on the visa type.

You’ll need to prove your English ability if you’re applying for any of the following visa types:

• Skilled Worker visa
• Health and Care Worker visa
• Start-up or Innovator visas
• Student visa (Tier 4)
• Spouse/Partner visa
• Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) or Citizenship

UKVI English Levels Explained

The UK government uses the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) to describe English ability. Required levels vary depending on the visa. The CEFR scale ranges from pre-A (beginner) to C2 (advanced). B1 and B2 are lower and upper intermediate levels of English proficiency.

Visa Type	CEFR Level Required	Description
Skilled Worker	B1	Intermediate English (job-related)
Health & Care Worker	B1	Same as Skilled Worker
Spouse/Partner Visa	A1 (initial)	Basic English; A2 for visa extension
Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR)	B1	Required for permanent residency
British Citizenship	B1	Must pass both English and Life in the UK tests
Student Visa (Higher Education)	B2 or higher	Upper-intermediate to advanced

Using this table as a base, you can see which tests are accepted for applicable visa categories.

Accepted English Tests for UK Visas (SELT Approved)

Test Name	Use Cases	Notes
IELTS for UKVI (Academic/General)	Work, study, settlement, family	Must be taken at an approved UKVI test centre
PTE Academic UKVI	Work, study	Separate from standard PTE Academic
OET (for health professionals)	Council certification, work and settlement
Trinity College London SELT	Work, family, settlement	Available only in the UK
LanguageCert International ESOL SELT	Work, study, family, ILR	Must be SELT version
PSI Skills for English SELT	Study, work, settlement	Increasingly used for Skilled Worker visas

Note: For university study, many institutions also accept non-SELT versions of IELTS, PTE Academic, and TOEFL iBT directly for admissions. However, if you need a visa, the test must be a SELT if specified by UKVI.

English tests accepted for migration for Healthcare Professionals in the UK

If you’re a doctor, nurse, or healthcare worker and require the UK’s General Medical Council (GMC) or Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) certification, medical bodies such as these accept:

• OET (Occupational English Test) – Grade B in each section
• IELTS Academic – At least 7.0 in each band, with 7.5 overall (GMC)
  

Note: These test results can be used to register with medical councils and may also fulfil your visa’s English requirement.

English tests accepted for migration in Ireland 🇮🇪

The Irish government has set specific tests and minimum score thresholds that applicants must meet to obtain various types of visas. Demonstrating proficiency in English is essential not only for visa applications but also for integrating into Irish society, understanding local customs, and succeeding in a professional or academic environment.

1. IELTS
2. TOEFL
3. Cambridge English Qualifications
4. PTE Academic

English Language Proficiency required by Irish visa type

Visa Type	CEFR Level	Notes
General visa (Family reunification, long stay)	B1 onwards	Special visa conditions apply for asylum seekers and family reunification.
Student Visa	B2 onwards	Post graduate courses require higher band scores, usually C1 depending of the institution.
Work Visa (Essential Skills or Accredited Employer)	B2 onwards	Special caveats apply for professions in high demand like health care and trades.

For more information, please check the Irish Immigration Service (IIS) website.

English tests accepted for migration in New Zealand 🇳🇿

New Zealand requires proof of English language proficiency for skilled migration, some work visas, and most student visas.

A summary of New Zealand’s most popular visa programs, proficiency level requirements and accepted tests is shown below:

English Language Proficiency by NZ Visa Type

Visa Type	CEFR Level	Accepted English Tests
Skilled Migrant Category	B2/C1	IELTS (Academic or General), PTE Academic, TOEFL iBT, Cambridge B2 First / C1 Advanced / C2 Proficiency
Student Visa	B2	IELTS Academic, PTE Academic, TOEFL iBT, Cambridge B2 First / C1 Advanced / C2 Proficiency
Work Visa (Essential Skills or Accredited Employer)	B1–C1	IELTS (General or Academic), PTE Academic, TOEFL iBT, Cambridge B2/C1/C2 (depending on role)
Partner of a New Zealander Resident Visa	B1	IELTS General, TOEFL iBT (score of 35+), PTE Academic (score 36+), Cambridge B1 Preliminary or higher, NZ secondary schooling, other documentary proof
Healthcare-related Migration	B2+	OET only (for health professionals), IELTS (7.0+ in all bands for most regulatory bodies)

Check New Zealand immigration English requirements

English tests accepted for migration in the United States of America 🇺🇸

There is no general requirement for English testing for most visas (such as green cards, work permits, or family reunification). There are a couple of exceptions to this general policy.

English tests accepted for migration for Healthcare Workers in the United States

In the United States, healthcare workers—especially those seeking to immigrate or work under specific visa categories (like the H-1B, TN, or Green Card for Schedule A occupations)—are subject to specific English language proficiency requirements. These requirements are primarily enforced through the VisaScreen process administered by CGFNS International and other credentialing bodies.

English proficiency is mandatory for healthcare professionals applying for U.S. visas under the Schedule A, Group I occupations, which include:

• Registered Nurses (RNs)
• Physical Therapists (PTs)
• Occupational Therapists
• Medical Technologists
• Speech-Language Pathologists and Audiologists
• Some categories of Licensed Practical/Vocational Nurses

These professionals typically apply for employment-based immigrant visas or H-1B visas and must obtain a VisaScreen Certificate, which includes proof of English proficiency.

Required Test	Minimum Scores	CEFR Equivalent
TOEFL iBT	Total: 83; Speaking: 26; Writing: 24; Listening: 21; Reading: 21	~C1
IELTS Academic	Overall: 6.5; Speaking: 7.0	B2+/C1
PTE Academic	Total: 55; Speaking: 60	B2+/C1
OET (Occupational English Test)	Grade B in Speaking & Writing, and C+ in Reading & Listening (some agencies require all B grades)	C1

Note: Only IELTS Academic is accepted—General Training is not valid for U.S. healthcare purposes.

However, if you’re applying for:

• A student visa (F-1 or J-1), or
• A skilled worker visa requires proof of English

Then universities or employers require English proficiency demonstrated through:

• TOEFL iBT
• IELTS Academic
• PTE Academic
• Duolingo English Test (for some institutions)

👉 Find official US immigration information

How E2 Can Help You Achieve Your Migration Goals

At E2Language, we have helped over 2.5 million students worldwide prepare for their English proficiency tests — and succeed. We specialise in world-class online preparation for:

IELTS Academic and General Test Preparation for Migration

PTE Academic and PTE Core Test Preparation for Migration

OET for Healthcare Test Preparation for Migration

TOEFL iBT Test Preparation for Migration

CELPIP General and CELPIP LS Test Preparation for Migration

Why E2 will help you pass the English tests accepted for migration?

With E2’s test preparation courses, you get the following benefits that will help you meet any migratory requirements: 

✅ Personalised study plans tailored to your migration goals

✅ Live classes with expert English teachers

✅ A Free English Score Calculator which helps you determine your strengths and weaknesses

✅ Full practice tests, quizzes, and detailed feedback

✅ Speaking and writing assessments marked by real examiners

✅ A mobile-friendly platform so you can study anywhere, anytime

We are trusted by major organisations and education partners worldwide — including IDP/IELTS, ETS/TOEFL, OET, and Paragon/CELPIP.

Hundreds of students have shared their success stories through five-star reviews and testimonials, achieving life-changing visa outcomes. Don’t leave your migration journey to chance. Prepare with the experts who know what it takes.

E2 Score Guarantee – Pass your test or your money back

We believe in your potential to succeed and our ability to guide you there. With expert-designed courses, world-class instructors and proven strategies. Our Score Improvement Guarantee reflects our confidence in our program and your ability to thrive when equipped with the right tools and support.

You will get a full refund of your course fees if:

• As an E2 student, you enrol in and complete the courses in the Bronze, Silver or Gold test preparation package.
• You establish a starting score by providing a previous official test score from the test administrator.
• You take the official test after completing all requirements for your specific course.

FAQs About English Tests and Migration

Which English test is the easiest for migration?

There’s no “easiest” test — it depends on your personal strengths.

PTE Academic is computer-based and suits fast typers.

For test takers used to more traditional methods, the TOEFL, IELTS, and OET tests can be taken in paper format.

Do I have to sit an English test if I studied in an English-speaking country?

Some countries, like Australia and New Zealand, accept proof of education in English instead of a formal test depending on the visa you are applying for. Check each country’s specific visa requirements carefully.

Can I use Duolingo English Test for migration?

Not usually. Duolingo is accepted by some universities and professional bodies as an entry requirement, but not for migration purposes in most countries.

How long are English test results valid?

All English test results are valid for 2 years upon receiving your results. Some visa pathways, like the ones for graduates who have completed at least a bachelor’s degree in the country, allow English tests with 3-year-old results.

It is always recommended to apply before your visa expires!

Will the United States introduce an English test for migrants?

Possibly. With the 2025 executive orders under the Trump administration, there is increasing focus on English proficiency for specific jobs (like truck drivers). Wider migration English testing may be introduced in future.

Final Thoughts

Proving your English ability is a critical step in your migration journey. Knowing which test to take and preparing properly can dramatically boost your chances of success and save you heaps of money and time.

👉 Ready to start? Sign up for a free E2Language account today and begin your preparation the smart way.