Getting Australian permanent residency through the skilled migration stream means competing on points. And English specifically whether you are at Competent, Proficient, or Superior level can add up to 20 points to your score. Those 20 points matter more than almost anything else on the test.

On 7 August 2025, the Department of Home Affairs updated the minimum PTE Academic scores for each English level. The update applies to all applications lodged with a test taken on or after that date. For the full context on what changed and why, read the PTE Score Changes August 2025 guide.

This blog focuses on one thing: what PTE scores you need for PR in 2026, and how to approach reaching each level.

What English Level Does Your PR Visa Require?

For General Skilled Migration that is, subclass 189, 190, and 491 you need at least Competent English to be eligible. You cannot lodge an application without it. But eligibility and competitiveness are two different things.

Competent English earns you zero PR points. You are in the door, but you are not adding anything to your score. Most competitive applicants are sitting at 85 to 95+ points. If you are not at that range and you have not yet optimised your English score, this is the single fastest way to add points. See how English fits into your full score profile at the Australia PR points calculator.

The New PTE Academic Minimums: What You Need in Each Skill

All figures below are for tests taken on or after 7 August 2025, as confirmed by the Department of Home Affairs.

Competent English — 0 PR points:Listening 47, Reading 48, Writing 51, Speaking 54.

This is the visa floor. If any one component falls short, your application will not meet the English requirement, even if your overall score is higher.

Proficient English — 10 PR points:Listening 58, Reading 59, Writing 69, Speaking 76.

Ten points for Proficient is a significant jump from Competent. Notice that Writing and Speaking require noticeably higher scores than Listening and Reading. If you are targeting Proficient, focus your preparation on those two components. Check the official Proficient English page for the full breakdown.

Superior English — 20 PR points:Listening 69, Reading 70, Writing 85, Speaking 88.

Superior English effectively requires near-native level performance. Writing at 85 and Speaking at 88 are demanding benchmarks. They are achievable but only with deliberate, structured preparation and real time investment. Check the official Superior English page before setting your target.

Why Component Scores Matter More Than the Overall

Before August 2025, some applicants looked at their overall PTE score and assumed they had met the required level. That approach no longer works.

Under the updated rules, each component - Listening, Reading, Writing, Speaking must individually meet the minimum threshold for the English level you are claiming. An average that looks like Proficient on paper does not count if Writing or Speaking falls short. This is the change that has caught the most people off guard.

If you already have a PTE score, go back and check each component against the new minimums. If your test was taken before 7 August 2025, the old thresholds still apply — but your result is only valid for 3 years from the test date. You can confirm the validity rules on the official Home Affairs English language page.

Alternatives to PTE Academic for PR

PTE Academic is widely used because results come quickly and the test is fully computer-based. But it is not your only option.

IELTS Academic scores have not changed: 6.0 per component for Competent, 7.0 for Proficient, 8.0 for Superior. Some applicants find the IELTS format easier to prepare for. CELPIP General is now also accepted, with scores of 7 per component for Competent. For a full comparison, the PTE vs IELTS for Australia Immigration breakdown is worth reading.

How to Approach PTE Preparation Strategically

The most common mistake is treating PTE preparation as general English study. It is not. PTE Academic has a specific format, and each task type contributes to specific component scores. If Speaking is your weak area, drilling Reading tasks will not fix it.

The guide on how to improve your PTE score for Australian visa success covers section-specific strategies. For most skilled migration applicants, the realistic timeline to go from Competent to Proficient with structured preparation is 6 to 12 weeks. Superior typically takes longer and requires consistent practice across all components.

What If You Are Applying for 190 or 491 Instead of 189?

The English level requirements and PR point allocation are the same across 189, 190, and 491. The difference is in state nomination requirements and regional obligations not in English. For 190, read the State Nomination Requirements guide. For 491, the Regional Visa 491 to PR guide explains the full pathway.

If you want a registered migration agent to review your current PTE score against your visa goals, the Desire Immigration team can help you work out whether a retest is worth pursuing before you lodge your expression of interest.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What PTE score do I need for Competent English for PR in 2026?A: Listening 47, Reading 48, Writing 51, and Speaking 54 each component individually. Source: immi.homeaffairs.gov.au.

Q: How many PR points does Proficient English add?A: Proficient English adds 10 points to your skilled migration points score. You need PTE scores of Listening 58, Reading 59, Writing 69, Speaking 76 for tests taken on or after 7 August 2025.

Q: Is IELTS still accepted for PR after August 2025?A: Yes. IELTS Academic scores for PR have not changed: 6.0 per component for Competent, 7.0 for Proficient, 8.0 for Superior.

Q: How long is a PTE score valid for PR applications?A: Test results are valid for 3 years from the date of the test. For tests taken on or before 6 August 2025, results can be used until 6 August 2028 at the latest.