From August 7, 2025, Australia’s Department of Home Affairs is implementing changes to English language requirements that will impact a wide range of visa applicants. These updates aim to standardize proficiency expectations across all approved tests while introducing new pathways for demonstrating English competency.

New test providers approved.

Three additional English language tests are now recognized for Australian visa applications:

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

These will join the existing accepted tests such as IELTS (Academic & General Training), PTE Academic, TOEFL iBT, OET, and Cambridge C1 Advanced—with some adjustments to visa-specific uses.

Adjusted score thresholds across all tests.

To ensure consistency, the Department has revised score benchmarks for each approved test provider. These changes affect the following visa categories and English proficiency levels:

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

Each visa category now includes clearly defined minimum scores for speaking, listening, reading, and writing components across all accepted tests.

Passport exemptions remain unchanged.

Applicants holding passports from designated English-speaking countries continue to be exempt from testing requirements. This includes citizens of countries such as the United Kingdom, the United States, Canada, New Zealand, and the Republic of Ireland.

Transitional provisions for in-progress applications.

Applicants who sit an English language test before August 7, 2025, may still rely on the pre-existing score requirements during the transitional period. This ensures fairness for individuals who have already undertaken testing under the previous guidelines.

Here's a more detailed breakdown:

• New Tests:
  The Australian Department of Home Affairs has approved CELPIP General, LANGUAGECERT Academic, and the Michigan English Test (MET). 
• Effective Date:
  These changes apply to visa applications made on or after August 7, 2025. 
• Existing Tests:
  The previously approved tests like IELTS, TOEFL iBT, Cambridge C1 Advanced, Pearson PTE Academic, and Occupational English Test (OET) remain valid. 
• IELTS Updates:
  IELTS Academic and IELTS General Training are now listed separately, and One Skill Retake is also recognized. 
• Transition Rules:
  Visa applicants who sat for one of the previously approved tests before August 7, 2025, will still have their results accepted under the old score requirements. 
• Test Formats:
  Only secure test center versions of these tests are accepted, not online or at-home versions. 

Validity & Transition Rules

• Test results must be less than 3 years old when you apply, in most cases.
• Tests taken before August 6, 2025 are still acceptable under “grandfathering” rules, as long as they're within the valid timeframe—typically until mid-2027 .

Test-by-Test Breakdown

1. CELPIP General

• Measures English proficiency in listening, reading, writing, and speaking.
• Accepted starting August 7, 2025.
• For Student (Subclass 500) visas, the minimum overall score requirement is 7.
• For Temporary Graduate (Subclass 485) visas, component scores should be at least 6 in each module, with an overall score of 8.
• To qualify for Proficient English level, the official Department of Home Affairs thresholds from early August 2025 are: Listening 9, Reading 8, Writing 10, Speaking 8.

2. LanguageCert Academic Test

• Academic test assessing all four skills—listening, reading, writing, speaking.
• Now accepted for visa applications from August 7, 2025.
• Student Visa (Subclass 500): minimum overall score of 61.
• Temporary Graduate (Subclass 485): component minimums—Listening 49, Reading 54, Writing 56, Speaking 62, overall 67.

3. Michigan English Test (MET) (incl. SSR)

• Standardized test measuring four language skills.
• Accepted for visa use as of August 7, 2025 .
• Student Visa (Subclass 500): overall score requirement is 53.
• Temporary Graduate (Subclass 485): Listening 53, Reading 51, Writing 51, Speaking 43, overall 58.
• For Proficient English, Department thresholds are: Listening 22, Reading 22, Writing 26, Speaking 24.

How These Tests Work & Their Value

• CELPIP General: A fully computer-based test developed in Canada, widely used for immigration and academic assessment.
• LanguageCert Academic: A flexible multilingual testing system recognized for academic and migration purposes internationally.
• MET: Offered by Michigan University and ETS, it includes an SSR option that allows candidates to retake specific sections rather than the entire test.

Together with existing tests (IELTS, TOEFL iBT, PTE, OET, Cambridge C1 Advanced), these additions offer applicants more choice, accessibility, and the ability to choose based on test format, comfort, availability, or cost.

Summary Table

*Proficient English thresholds are set by the Department of Home Affairs

What This Means for You

• More flexibility in choosing the test that fits your style, budget, and location.
• Faster & localized options—for example, CELPIP in Canada or MET/LanguageCert in multiple global centers.
• Standardized fairness—score benchmarks across tests are realigned for consistent decision-making.
• No remote tests accepted—all tests must be taken at secure test centers; home-testing versions are not valid for immigration purposes

Final Thoughts

Australia’s inclusion of CELPIP General, LanguageCert Academic, and MET as new English test options marks a significant move toward inclusivity and flexibility in its visa process. These tests allow applicants to choose formats, speeds, and settings that suit them best—all while maintaining rigorous standards.

If you're planning to apply for a visa:

1. Check your visa subclass and its English level requirements.
2. Choose the test that best fits your strengths and logistics.
3. Prepare and book well ahead of application deadlines.
4. Confirm your scores meet the thresholds—especially for subclass 500 or 485.

With these expanded options, you're empowered to plan your journey to Australia with confidence.