New English Test Rules for Visa Applicants in Australia

From August 7, 2025, there are important updates regarding English language requirements for various Australian visa applicants.

The aim is to ensure a more consistent assessment across approved tests and provide alternative options for showing your English skills.

Newly Approved Testing Options

Australia has now recognised three additional English language tests for visa applications:

• CELPIP General
• LanguageCert Academic
• Michigan English Test (MET)

This addition offers you more flexibility when it comes to meeting language requirements for your visa application.

With this update, Australia now recognises a total of nine tests from eight providers for visa purposes. Previously accepted tests include:

• IELTS (International English Language Testing System)
• Pearson Test of English (PTE Academic)
• Cambridge English
• TOEFL iBT (Test of English as a Foreign Language Internet-Based Test)
• OET (Occupational English Test)

Revised Score Thresholds

The Australian Department of Home Affairs has also adjusted the score requirements for each approved test provider. This affects several visa categories and levels of English proficiency:

• Student visa (subclass 500)
• Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485)
• Functional, Vocational, Competent, Proficient, and Superior English levels

Now, each visa category has clearly defined minimum scores for speaking, listening, reading, and writing across all accepted tests.

Exemptions for Certain Passports

Great news if you hold a passport from one of the designated English-speaking countries. You’ll remain exempt from language testing. This includes citizens from countries such as:

• United Kingdom
• United States
• Canada
• New Zealand
• Republic of Ireland

Transitional Provisions for Current Applications

If you’ve already completed an English language test before August 7, 2025, you can still use your previous test scores during the transitional period. This is to ensure fairness for those who took their tests under the old guidelines.

Need Assistance with Your Visa?

Understanding how these changes impact your visa strategy can be daunting. Don’t hesitate to reach out via our forums for guidance.

What do you think?

Have a question about this topic or your own plans to move to Australia or New Zealand? Scroll down and leave a comment. We’d love to hear from you.

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