English language concessions under the Orana DAMA
For all skilled migration visas, the nominee is required to meet English language requirements. Visa applicants demonstrate their English language levels by undergoing accepted English language tests. Exemptions from testing apply for some applicants.
The concessions available for the English language will vary depending on the substantive visa being applied for under the DAMA. The Orana DAMA Occupation List shows the occupations where an English concession is available and you can see more detail on the tables outlined below.
If the nominee is applying for a TSS visa, the average International English Language Testing System (IELTS) score required is 5.0 with no component being less than 4.5 (or the equivalent grading of one of the other English tests). If professional registration for the nominated occupation requires a higher level, then this is the overriding requirement.
If the nominee is applying for an ENS visa, the average IELTS score required is 5.0, with no component being less than 4.5 (or the equivalent grading of one of the other English tests). If professional registration for the nominated occupation requires a higher level, then this is the overriding requirement.
Employers seeking an English concession for an occupation need to provide reasoning as part of their endorsement application. This should explain why a lower level of English language is acceptable for the requested occupation. Consideration should be given to how any workplace safety risks will be managed for workers with lower levels of English.
For the occupations listed in the table below, the following English Language concessions apply:
- TSS and SESR concession: Overall IELTS 5.0 (or equivalent) with no minimum band score (unless registration or licensing requires a higher level of English).
- ENS concession: Overall score of IELTS 5.0 (or equivalent ) with no component being less than IELTS 4.0 (or equivalent), (unless registration or licensing requires a higher level of English).
| ANZSCO | Occupation | Skill Level | English Concession |
| 721111 | Agricultural and Hoticultural Mobile Plant Operator | 4 | Y |
| 31111 | Agricultural Technician | 2 | Y |
| 321111 | Automotive Electrician | 3 | Y |
| 351211 | Butcher or Smallgoods Maker | 3 | Y |
| 331212 | Carpenter | 3 | Y |
| 351311 | Chef | 2 | Y |
| 351411 | Cook | 3 | Y |
| 321212 | Diesel Motor Mechanic | 3 | Y |
| 323211 | Fitter (General) | 3 | Y |
| 323212 | Fitter and Turner | 3 | Y |
| 831211 | Meat Boner and Slicer | 4 | Y |
| 831311 | Meat Process Worker | 5 | Y |
| 234611 | Medical Laboratory Scientist | 1 | Y |
| 322311 | Metal Fabricator | 3 | Y |
| 323299 | Metal Fitters and Machinists (nec) | 3 | Y |
| 323214 | Metal Machinist (First Class) | 3 | Y |
| 712212 | Miner | 4 | Y |
| 721999 | Mobile Plant Operators(nec) | 4 | Y |
| 321211 | Motor Mechanic (General) | 3 | Y |
| 324111 | Panelbeater | 3 | Y |
| 831212 | Slaughterer | 4 | Y |
| 331112 | Stonemason | 3 | Y |
| 733111 | Truck Driver (General) | 4 | Y |
| 324311 | Vehicle Painter | 3 | Y |
| 322313 | Welder (First Class) | 3 | Y |
