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The Department of Home Affairs, as the relevant Australian Department, has introduced substantial updates to the English language testing regime for Australian visa applicants, with significant changes commencing on 7 August 2025. These changes to English language requirements represent a major update to migration regulations and will affect various visa subclasses for Australian visas, including those in the skilled, student visa, and family migration programmes. The updates for August 2025 have significantly altered which English language tests are tests accepted, the required minimum test scores thresholds, and how long test results remain valid for Australian visa purposes. These new requirements will impact many people. English language proficiency is essential for successful integration into the Australian community, both socially and in the workplace.
A core part of the new policy is the definitive exclusion of online or ‘at-home’ versions of English tests. This change ensures greater security and comparability of test results, reinforcing the integrity of the visa application programme. This detailed overview explains what the August 2025 changes mean for prospective visa applicants and how Australian Migration Lawyers can provide the tailored migration assistance you need to navigate these new requirements.
From 7 August 2025, the Department of Home Affairs will only accept results from a specified list of approved tests providers (test providers recognized by the Australian Department), and the English tests must be completed in-person at a designated secure test centre. This move reinforces the integrity of the visa application programme. Understanding the new list of accepted English language tests and the updated English test requirements is the first step toward successful completion of this English language requirement.
The following tests meet the new English test requirements and are approved by the department. The list of English language tests approved by the department is specific, and updates are designed to ensure consistency across all accepted English language tests.
The new instruments formalise the acceptance of nine English language tests. The accepted English language tests include:
Some of these are newly approved tests, including the Academic Michigan English Test, CELPIP General, and LANGUAGECERT Academic. These tests are available in both computer based and paper-based formats.
It is important to note that certain older versions, or discontinued formats of these language test formats, may still be valid under transitional arrangements. This applies if tests taken before 7 August 2025 are still within their validity period. The test score validity period is crucial for all newly approved tests. For tests taken before 6 August 2025 may also be considered. You should always seek professional advice from Australian Migration Lawyers to ensure the validity of your existing documentation for your visa application.
A non-negotiable component of the new Department of Home policy is the rejection of remote or online language test formats to prove English proficiency for Australian visa applications (note: 'online tests'—such as remote-proctored or at-home versions—are not accepted, but computer-based tests taken at secure centers are allowed). English tests completed in these unsupervised environments are now unequivocally excluded. This includes all internet based test versions. The following language test types are explicitly no longer tests accepted for Australian visa purposes:
Visa applicants must ensure that their language test booking is with an authorised, in-person test centre to satisfy the Department of Home Affairs requirements, especially since all online or home edition formats are now ineligible for Australian visa purposes changed by the August 2025 update.
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The validity periods for an English language test result depends on the level of English proficiency required for the visa subclass and the date the language test was taken, specifically whether the tests undertaken were completed before or after the policy change date, as this affects their respective validity periods. Understanding these applicable timeframes is paramount for a successful visa application.
For tests taken before 7 August 2025, test results may still be valid for Australian visa purposes if they fall within the following timeframes. This also applies to tests taken before 6 August 2025.
The specific English language requirements for Functional English are detailed in the Migration (Evidence of Functional English Language Proficiency) Instrument 2025 (LIN 25/014).
For tests taken on or after 7 August 2025, the standard validity periods for Competent, Proficient English, and Superior English is generally up to three years from the date of the language test. For Functional English, the test result must have been achieved within 12 months before the visa application date. Visa applicants must always check the specific score requirements of their intended visa type, as validity periods and the minimum English language level required can differ significantly between programmes. The required english level is crucial.
A critical shift in the assessment methodology is the strict enforcement of minimum test scores in all four components: component listening, reading, writing, and speaking, for each level of English proficiency. These are the minimum scores required for each component. An overall score will no longer compensate for a deficiency in one component. You must meet or exceed the minimum overall score for every skill. This is different from some previous requirements.
The standard stream of English language proficiency now requires meeting these minimum scores in each component.
The Department of Home Affairs specifies four main English proficiency levels for most visa types: Competent, Proficient, Superior, and Vocational. In addition to these levels, the English language visa requirements and English test requirements for each visa type are determined by the Australian Government, which sets out the accepted language tests and minimum test scores needed to meet visa criteria. Functional English is generally the lowest required level of English language, often for secondary applicants or for specific visa streams such as the Subclass 407 (Training) visa. The Migration (Specification of Language Tests, Test Scores and Passports) Instrument 2025 (LIN 25/016) outlines the specific test scores required for these English proficiency levels.
English Proficiency Level IELTS (Each Component) PTE Academic (Each Component from 7 Aug 2025) Competent English 6.0 in each Component Listening: 47, Reading: 48, Writing: 51, Speaking: 54 Proficient English 7.0 in each Component Listening: 58, Reading: 59, Writing: 69, Speaking: 76 Superior English levels 8.0 in each Component Listening: 69, Reading: 70, Writing: 85, Speaking: 88
Note: The revised test scores for the **PTE Academic**language test**, in particular, represent a major change from the previous requirements for Competent, Proficient, and Superior English proficiency. Equivalent minimum score requirements apply across all other approved English language tests, including OET, CELPIP General, MET, and TOEFL iBT. Applicants must provide evidence that they meet or exceed these required test scores. This includes the Cambridge C1 Advanced, LANGUAGECERT Academic, and other tests accepted.
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The English language requirements for Vocational English, often essential for the Skill in demand (subclass 482) visa, have been aligned under the new instrument. In addition, applicants for the General Skilled Migration (GSM) program must also meet specific English language requirements, with minimum English test scores necessary to qualify for migration points under this pathway. Applicants for the Subclass 482 visa should note that while most significant changes apply from 7 August 2025, the English requirements for the Subclass 482 visa will remain unchanged until 13 September 2025. After this date, they will align with the Vocational level of English proficiency outlined in LIN 25/016.
Vocational English requires a minimum overall score of 5 in each component of the IELTS language test (IELTS General Training or IELTS Academic) or the new equivalent English test scores in the other approved English language tests. This applies to the full list of English language tests approved by the Australian government.
The student visa (Subclass 500) and student visa applications have their own specific English language requirements, which are also affected by the August 2025 updates. International students must provide evidence of their English language ability; overseas students are required to meet English language requirements for student visas, often by achieving specific test scores or attending ELICOS courses. The English language requirements for a student visa are strict.
International students applying for a student visa may meet the English language requirement through various means, including:
It is important to note that the specific required test scores for a student visa application can vary depending on the course of study (e.g., Bachelor, Postgraduate Coursework, or Postgraduate Research) and the education provider's own minimum grade requirements. For instance, a student applying for a postgraduate coursework degree will often face different English language requirements than one commencing a graduate diploma or graduate certificate. This applies to all English language tests.
For international students and skilled migrants, the IELTS Academic language test or the PTE Academic language test are often the preferred choice. The IELTS Academic language test specifically assesses English language skills needed in an academic environment, which is highly relevant for higher education students. The TOEFL iBT and Cambridge C1 Advanced are also popular for student visa applications.
While sitting an English language test is the most common path, applicants from certain countries may be used as exempt from the English language requirement. This provides an alternative way to show English language ability.
For many skilled and partner visa purposes, holders of a valid passport from the following English speaking countries are deemed to have met the English language requirement at the Competent level:
If you hold a passport from one of these countries, you should confirm with a migration lawyer whether your specific visa type allows for this exemption, as different English language requirements can apply on a case by case basis. Contact Australian Migration Lawyers for this advice.
Some visa subclasses, such as certain Partner visas, may require a lower level of English (Functional English) or offer other pathways to demonstrate English language ability, such as evidence of successful completion of a certain amount of study in an English-speaking country.
At Australian Migration Lawyers, we understand that navigating the new Australian visa English language requirements can be daunting, especially with the revised score thresholds and component listening minimums. Our role is to provide you with clarity and confidence for your visa application.
We assist clients with their Australian visa applications by:
Do not leave your application to chance. Contact Australian Migration Lawyers for tailored support and expert advice on meeting your English language requirements today. Getting this component right is vital to maximise your prospects of a successful outcome for your Australian visa. We can help you navigate all the English language tests and test scores.
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