If you’re applying for an Australian visa, your English test results could be the make-or-break factor in your application. On 7 August 2025, the Department of Home Affairs updated its list of approved tests and rules — and if you don’t know these changes, you risk delays or even rejection.
This guide explains which tests are accepted, how long your results stay valid, what score levels you may need, and the important restrictions you should know before booking your exam.
Why Australia Tests Your English
The Department of Home Affairs requires proof of English proficiency for certain visa subclasses. This ensures visa holders can participate fully in the community and reduces immigration risk.
Tests Accepted After 7 August 2025
If you take your test on or after this date, you must choose from one of these secure-centre exams:
- Cambridge C1 Advanced (C1 Advanced)
- Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program General (CELPIP General)
- IELTS Academic or General Training (including One Skill Retake)
- LANGUAGECERT Academic Test
- Michigan English Test (MET), including Single Section Retake
- Occupational English Test (OET)
- Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE Academic)
- TOEFL iBT
Only book through approved secure test centres — online-only tests are not accepted.
Tests Taken Before 6 August 2025
If you completed your test on or before this date, results may still be valid until 6 August 2028. Accepted tests are:
- Cambridge English (CAE) / C1 Advanced
- IELTS (including OSR)
- PTE Academic
- OET (for health professionals)
- TOEFL iBT
Validity still depends on the visa subclass — always check the eligibility criteria for your visa.
Understanding English Proficiency Levels
Australian migration law recognises five broad levels of English: Functional, Vocational, Competent, Proficient, Superior. Here is a breakdown of the scores you need to attain each level and what they mean for your PR application.
New Australian English Language Requirements for Permanent Residency
| Category | IELTS | PTE Academic | Impact on PR Application |
| Functional | 4.5 on Each Band | 24 overall band score | Not eligible for skilled visas. Required for secondary applicants to avoid paying the English Education Charge. |
| Vocational | 5 on Each Band | 33 for Listening 36 for Reading 29 for Writing 24 for Speaking | Does not provide any points. |
| Competent | 6 on Each Band | 47 for Listening 48 for Reading 51 for Writing 54 for Speaking | Does not provide any points. This is the minimum requirement for many skilled visas. |
| Proficient | 7 on Each Band | 58 for Listening 59 for Reading 69 for Writing 76 for Speaking | Grants 10 points towards your application. |
| Superior | 8 on Each Band | 69 for Listening 70 for Reading 85 for Writing 88 for Speaking | Grants 20 points towards your application. |
Please note: Score requirements are subject to change. It is recommended to check the official website of the Australian Department of Home Affairs for the most current information.
Each visa subclass specifies which level you need, the minimum score in each test, and how recent your test must be. You can find these details in the Migration Regulations 1994 and related legislative instruments.
Tests You Cannot Use
The Department does not accept fully online, remote-proctored tests, including:
- CELPIP Online
- IELTS Online
- LANGUAGECERT Academic Online
- MET Digital (at home)
- OET@Home
- TOEFL iBT Home Edition
Useful Suggestion
If you’re planning a visa application, book your test early — ideally 3–6 months before your planned lodgement date. This gives you time for retakes if needed and ensures your results are valid when you apply.
Final Word
From 7 August 2025, Australia’s visa English requirements have tightened — only certain secure-centre tests are accepted, validity rules depend on when you took the test, and online-only exams are off the table. Check your visa subclass for the exact score you need, and plan your test well ahead. The right preparation now can save you time, stress, and the risk of an avoidable visa refusal.
