From 7 August 2025, Australia’s English Test Requirements for visa applications have expanded, offering more choice and flexibility for applicants. The number of accepted tests has grown from five to nine approved English language exams, making it easier for skilled workers, students, and migrants to meet language criteria.
Why the Changes Matter
The Department of Home Affairs has introduced these updates to:
- Ensure consistent scoring standards across different test providers.
- Offer applicants more options when proving English proficiency.
Furthermore, this shift aims to make the visa process fairer while ensuring new arrivals can fully participate in Australian life.
Current Accepted English Language Tests
If you take your exam on or after 7 August 2025, you can choose from the following approved tests (must be taken in a secure test centre):
- Cambridge C1 Advanced (C1 Advanced)
- CELPIP General (Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program)
- IELTS Academic (including One Skill Retake)
- IELTS General Training (including One Skill Retake)
- LanguageCert Academic
- Michigan English Test (MET) – includes Single Section Retake
- Occupational English Test (OET) – mainly for health professionals
- Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE Academic)
- TOEFL iBT (Test of English as a Foreign Language internet-based test)
Important: Results from tests taken on or before 6 August 2025 may still be valid for up to three years, depending on the visa subclass.
What Applicants Must Know
- Check the exact English score requirement for your visa subclass before booking a test.
- Ensure the test is approved for your visa type and taken in a secure testing location.
- Online or at-home test formats are not accepted for visa purposes.
- Different visa categories — such as Functional, Vocational, Competent, Proficient, and Superior English — have different score thresholds.
Special Notes
For the Skills in Demand Visa (Subclass 482), the current English requirements remain unchanged until 13 September 2025. Full details, including validity periods and score requirements, are set out in Australian migration legislation (LIN 25/014 and LIN 25/016).
If you plan to apply for an Australian visa, understanding Australia’s English Test Requirements is essential. With more test options now available, applicants have greater flexibility — but you must still meet the exact score and format rules for your visa category.