Applying for an Australian visa? Then you know how important your English language test is. We’ve got some major news for you! On August 7, 2025, the Australian Department of Home Affairs officially changed the rules for accepted English Language Tests (ELT).
But don’t worry! These changes are designed to give you more flexibility and more options. We’ve gone through all the official documents to break down exactly what you need to know.
What Are the Changes to English Test Requirements for Australian Visas?
The best news is that the list of accepted English tests has grown. Previously, there were five approved tests, but now there are nine! This gives you more freedom to choose a test that works for you. For any test taken on or after August 7, 2025, the following nine tests are accepted:
- Cambridge C1 Advanced Test (C1 Advanced)
- Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program General (CELPIP General)
- International English Language Testing System (IELTS), including Academic and General Training (and the One Skill Retake – OSR)
- LANGUAGECERT Academic Test
- Michigan English Test (MET)
- Occupational English Test (OET)
- Pearson Test of English (PTE Academic)
- Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL iBT)
What Happens If I Took My English Test Before August 7, 2025?
If you took your English test on or before August 7, 2025, your results may still be valid. The Australian government has confirmed that results from the previously accepted tests are valid for certain timeframes, which can be up to 3 years, depending on your visa subclass. For example, for general skilled migration visas, tests taken within the 36 months before the application are accepted if taken before the commencement date.
The previously accepted tests include:
- Cambridge English (CAE) (also known as C1 Advanced)
- IELTS
- PTE Academic
- OET
- TOEFL iBT
Always be sure to check the specific validity period for the visa you are applying for.
Are Online or At-Home English Tests Accepted for Australian Visa Applications?
This is a critical point for all applicants. The Department of Home Affairs does not accept results from English tests that are taken entirely online or from home (sometimes called ‘remote-proctored’ tests). You must take your test at a secure, physical test center.
Examples of tests that are NOT accepted include:
- IELTS Online
- TOEFL iBT – Home Edition
- OET@Home
- MET Digital (taken at-home)
- CELPIP Online
What Are the Key English Score Changes for Popular Australian Visas Starting August 7, 2025?
With the new legislative instruments taking effect on August 7, 2025, the required scores for some of Australia’s most popular visas have been updated. These changes include adjustments to minimum score requirements and the introduction of new test providers.
- English language test conducted before 7 August 2025: Regardless of whether the application is lodged on or after 7 August 2025, if an applicant has an English test which was conducted before 7 August 2025, the required test scores and relevant providers are maintained from the old instrument.
- English language test conducted on or after 7 August 2025: If an applicant has an English test which was conducted on or after 7 August, the required test scores and relevant providers are those specified in the new instrument.
Below, we break down the specific changes for each key visa category.
Student Visa (Subclass 500)
English requirements for the Student visa have been updated to align with the new testing providers and to more accurately reflect the necessary skill level. While the overall IELTS score requirement remains the same, the minimum scores for other tests, such as PTE Academic and TOEFL iBT, have changed. Furthermore, three new tests—CELPIP General, LANGUAGECERT Academic, and MET—are now accepted for this visa.
Comparison of English Language Scores for Student Visa (Subclass 500)
Validity of English tests for a Sc 500 Student visa application
- English evidence provided at time of application: The test must be no more than 24 months old on the day
the visa application is lodged
- English evidence provided after lodgement: The test must be no more than 24 months old on the day the Department makes its decision on the visa application.
Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485)
The table below presents the necessary test scores and corresponding providers for a Sc 485 visa application, based on whether the English test was taken before 7 August (referred to as “old”) or on/after 7 August 2025 (referred to as “new”).
Comparison of English Language Scores for Subclass 485 Visa (General Applicants)
Comparison of Scores for Subclass 485 (Hong Kong and British National Passport Holders)
Validity of English test for Sc 485 visa application
- Evidence of English is provided at the time of application and the test is not more than 12 months old on the day the Sc 485 application is lodged.
- The required score has been achieved in a single sitting (unless it is an OET).
Vocational, Competent, Proficient and Superior English language proficiency
From 7 August 2025, new test score requirements apply for vocational, competent, proficient, and superior English levels under the Migration Instrument 2025 (LIN 15/016). These rules apply to visa subclasses that require English but don’t have their own separate English test rules — for example, the Sc 186 visa. They don’t apply to visas like the Sc 482, which have separate English requirements. Check Schedule 2 of your visa subclass to see if this applies to you. The table below shows the test scores and providers you’ll need, depending on whether you took your English test before 7 August (“old”) or on/after 7 August 2025 (“new”).
Validity of English tests relevant to LIN 25/016:
The English test must be taken no more than 36 months before the visa application is lodged.
Functional English
The Migration (Evidence of Functional English Language Proficiency) Instrument 2025 (LIN 25/014) updates test score requirements for functional English proficiency for tests taken after 7 August 2025. It applies to visa subclasses and nominations that specify functional English but lack a separate language instrument. Applicants must check the relevant regulations for their visa subclass or nomination to confirm applicability. A table outlines the required scores and providers for tests taken before 7 August (old instrument or Part 2(7) of the new instrument) and on/after 7 August 2025 (new instrument LIN 25/014).
Validity of English tests relevant to LIN 25/014
The English language test must have been taken either:
- within 12 months immediately before the application date; or
- on or after the application date.
