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Australian Government Announces Major Changes to English Language Test Rules for Visa Applicants
Australian Government Announces Major Changes to English Language Test Rules for Visa Applicants
Australian Government Announces Major Changes to English Language Test Rules for Visa Applicants
The Australian Department of Home Affairs has introduced significant reforms to the English language testing system for visa applicants. These changes affect which tests are accepted, the score requirements, the validity period of results, and visa-specific English levels.
If you’re planning to apply for an Australian visa, it’s essential to understand these updates to ensure your application meets the new standards.
Newly Approved English Language Tests
From 7 August 2025,three new English tests are now accepted for visa purposes:
CELPIP General Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program
Language Cert Academic Academic-focused English proficiency exam
Michigan English Test (MET) Internationally recognised English language test
All results from these tests are valid for three years from the date of testing, consistent with existing rules for other approved tests like IELTS and PTE Academic.
Updated Score Requirements
To ensure fairness and consistency, the minimum scores for several existing tests have been revised:
PTE Academic
C1 Advanced
Occupational English Test (OET)
TOEFL iBT
Important Change: The C1 Advanced test is no longer accepted for Vocational English requirements.
English Proficiency Levels Under the New Rules
Australia’s migration program recognises five main English levels, each serving a specific purpose:
Functional English – Demonstrates basic communication skills; often required for secondary applicants.
Vocational English – Required for certain skilled and employer-sponsored visas.
Competent English – Minimum requirement for most General Skilled Migration (GSM) visas and some employer-sponsored visas.
Proficient English – Provides 10 points in the GSM points test.
Superior English – Provides 20 points in the GSM points test.
Each level now has updated minimum score requirements across listening, reading, writing, and speaking components for all approved tests.
Visa-Specific English Requirements
Student Visa (Subclass 500)
Applicants must meet specific minimum scores unless exempt by nationality.
Lower scores may be accepted if the applicant enrols in 10–20 weeks of ELICOS (English Language Intensive Courses for Overseas Students) before their main course.
Graduate Visa (Subclass 485)
From 7 August 2025, higher minimum English scores apply for the Standard Stream.
These requirements cover all approved English language tests.
Exemptions from English Testing
Applicants are not required to provide an English test result if they hold a valid passport from:
United Kingdom
United States
Canada
New Zealand
Republic of Ireland
However, even exempt applicants must take a test if they want to claim Proficient or Superior English points for GSM visas.
What This Means for Applicants?
These changes will impact all visa subclasses that require proof of English ability, including Skilled Migration, Employer-Sponsored, Student, and Graduate visas.
To avoid delays or refusal of your application:
Choose an approved test from the updated list.
Make sure your scores meet the new minimums.
Ensure your test results are valid at the time of application.
