By August 7, 2025, the Australian government has introduced major changes to the English language test for visa applicants. The Department of Home Affairs announced new test options and adjusted score thresholds to ensure consistent English proficiency assessment.
Whether you’re migrating to Australia for work, study, or permanent residency, understanding these updates is crucial for a successful visa application. This guide breaks down the new rules, lists accepted tests, and offers tips to navigate them.
Summary of the Changes
The Australian government expanded the list of approved English language tests and adjusted minimum scores for existing ones.
This ensures proficiency levels are comparable across tests, reflecting the skills needed for Australian life.
These changes apply to visa subclasses like skilled migration, employer-sponsored, and student visas for tests taken on or after August 7, 2025.
Key Updates
- New Tests: Three new tests—CELPIP General, LANGUAGECERT Academic, and Michigan English Test (MET)—are now accepted for visa applications.
- Recent Score Changes: New minimum scores apply to tests like IELTS, PTE Academic, Cambridge C1 Advanced, TOEFL iBT, and OET for Competent English.
- C1 Advanced Restriction: The C1 Advanced test is no longer valid for vocational English requirements, impacting some visa subclasses.
- Test Validity: Scores remain valid for three years from the test date.
These updates offer candidates more flexibility while maintaining high English proficiency standards.
Updated Score Requirements for Existing Tests
The score thresholds for several existing tests have been revised to align with the new proficiency standards. Below is a detailed table summarizing the minimum scores required for Competent English across all approved tests:
| Test | Listening | Reading | Writing | Speaking |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| IELTS | 6.0 | 6.0 | 6.0 | 6.0 |
| PTE Academic | 47 | 48 | 51 | 54 |
| C1 Advanced | 163 | 163 | 170 | 179 |
| TOEFL iBT | 16 | 16 | 19 | 19 |
| OET | 290 | 310 | 290 | 330 |
| CELPIP General | 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 |
| LANGUAGECERT Academic | 57 | 60 | 64 | 70 |
| MET | 56 | 55 | 57 | 48 |
Newly Admitted English Exams
Three additional tests are now available to demonstrate English proficiency for Australian visas. Here’s an overview:
1. CELPIP General
- Description: The CELPIP General is a computer-based exam popular for immigration in Canada and now Australia, assessing functional English for workplace and social settings.
- Skills: Listening, Reading, Writing, Speaking (single session).
- Result Turnaround: 4–5 business days.
- Competent English Scores: Overall 7 (all components).
2. LANGUAGECERT Academic
- Description: This test assesses English at academic and professional levels, offering paper-based and computer-based options, focusing on real-life language use.
- Skills: Listening, Reading, Writing, Speaking.
- Result Turnaround: Within 3 business days.
- Competent English Scores: Listening: 57; Reading: 60; Writing: 64; Speaking: 70.
3. Michigan English Test (MET)
- Description: A flexible test widely used in the U.S. and globally, available at test centers or online, suitable for work or study.
- Skills: Listening, Reading, Writing, Speaking (four-skill exam).
- Result Turnaround: Varies by test center.
- Competent English Scores: Listening: 56; Reading: 55; Writing: 57; Speaking: 48.
Impact on Visa Applicants
These changes present both opportunities and challenges:
- Newer Choices: CELPIP General, LANGUAGECERT Academic, and MET offer more test options based on your strengths, location, or format preference (e.g., computer-based or paper).
- Increased Standards: Higher score requirements for some tests mean you must meet all component standards.
- Test Validity: Scores from tests taken before August 7, 2025, remain valid for three years but must meet previous thresholds. Check with the Department of Home Affairs.
Consider test availability, result speed, and format when choosing. For example, CELPIP General is fully computer-based, while LANGUAGECERT Academic offers both formats.
Useful Tips for Applicants
To adapt to these changes:
- Select the Test Type: Research test requirements and formats. For instance, OET suits healthcare workers, while MET aligns with U.S.-style testing.
- Study Well: Use official study materials (e.g., IELTS practice tests, PTE Academic webinars) to exceed minimum scores.
- Verify Scores: Check existing test scores against new thresholds. Consult a migration agent if unsure.
- Plan Ahead: Book tests early, as new tests may gain popularity quickly.
Stay updated via the Department of Home Affairs.
Why These Changes Matter
The Australian government aims to ensure visa applicants have the English skills to thrive in the workforce, education, or daily life. Offering more tests and standardizing scores makes the process fairer and more accessible without lowering proficiency standards. These changes align with Australia’s efforts to attract skilled migrants and students who contribute to its economy and society.
Additional Context
These English test updates are part of broader 2025 immigration reforms, including changes to skilled migration visas and the Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL). The new Skills in Demand visa, replacing the Temporary Skill Shortage (subclass 482), emphasizes high-demand occupations and English proficiency to address workforce shortages.
Final Thoughts
The English test changes effective August 7, 2025, offer visa applicants more options but require careful preparation due to stricter score requirements. Whether pursuing a skilled migration, student, or employer-sponsored visa, understanding these updates is essential.
Choose your test wisely, study diligently, and verify scores. Visit the Department of Home Affairs or consult a migration agent for the latest information.
