Australian immigration English language test requirements updated
4 mins reading time
An important update for Australian migrants, as of 7th August 2025, the Australian Department of Home Affairs has implemented significant changes to the English language test requirements for various visa subclasses. It has been observed that the English test requirements have been somewhat relaxed.
These adjustments aim to standardize proficiency levels across different testing systems and introduce new test options. Below is a detailed overview of the updated requirements.
Accepted English language tests (Post-7 August 2025)
The Department now recognizes a broader range of English language tests for visa applications.
Newly accepted tests:
Updated test requirements:
- IELTS (Academic & General Training, including One Skill Retake)
- PTE Academic
- TOEFL iBT
- OET (Occupational English Test)
- Cambridge C1 Advanced
What this means for migrants
The August 2025 changes bring both opportunities and challenges for Australian migrants looking to settle permanently in Australia.
- Test Validity: English test results obtained on or before 6 August 2025 may still be valid, depending on the specific visa subclass and the validity period of the test scores.
- Exemptions: Exemptions remain unchanged, including those related to passport requirements and level of study.
- Test Formats: The Department now accepts a wider range of test formats, including computer-based and paper-based versions, provided they meet the required standards.
- Online Tests: At-home or online versions of tests, such as TOEFL iBT Home Edition, OET@Home, PTE Academic Online, IELTS Online, and IELTS Indicator, are not accepted for Australian migration purposes.
Positively, more test providers and slightly lower score requirements for certain visa streams mean migrants may find it easier to meet the English threshold – especially if they’ve struggled with a particular test format in the past.
However, the expansion of accepted tests can also mean extra research, more time and potentially extra costs to choose the right one, as fees and availability of tests vary across providers.
For some applicants, this could speed up the process, while for others, it may require retaking a test to meet the exact visa requirement.
For detailed information and guidance, please contract our Migration lawyers at Macpherson Kelley.
Updated English language requirements by visa level
The following tables outline the revised score requirements for each visa level, effective from 7 August 2025. Tests taken before 7 August 2025 will still be accepted.
The information contained in this article is general in nature and cannot be relied on as legal advice nor does it create an engagement. Please contact one of our lawyers listed above for advice about your specific situation.
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Australian immigration English language test requirements updated
An important update for Australian migrants, as of 7th August 2025, the Australian Department of Home Affairs has implemented significant changes to the English language test requirements for various visa subclasses. It has been observed that the English test requirements have been somewhat relaxed.
These adjustments aim to standardize proficiency levels across different testing systems and introduce new test options. Below is a detailed overview of the updated requirements.
Accepted English language tests (Post-7 August 2025)
The Department now recognizes a broader range of English language tests for visa applications.
Newly accepted tests:
Updated test requirements:
- IELTS (Academic & General Training, including One Skill Retake)
- PTE Academic
- TOEFL iBT
- OET (Occupational English Test)
- Cambridge C1 Advanced
What this means for migrants
The August 2025 changes bring both opportunities and challenges for Australian migrants looking to settle permanently in Australia.
- Test Validity: English test results obtained on or before 6 August 2025 may still be valid, depending on the specific visa subclass and the validity period of the test scores.
- Exemptions: Exemptions remain unchanged, including those related to passport requirements and level of study.
- Test Formats: The Department now accepts a wider range of test formats, including computer-based and paper-based versions, provided they meet the required standards.
- Online Tests: At-home or online versions of tests, such as TOEFL iBT Home Edition, OET@Home, PTE Academic Online, IELTS Online, and IELTS Indicator, are not accepted for Australian migration purposes.
Positively, more test providers and slightly lower score requirements for certain visa streams mean migrants may find it easier to meet the English threshold – especially if they’ve struggled with a particular test format in the past.
However, the expansion of accepted tests can also mean extra research, more time and potentially extra costs to choose the right one, as fees and availability of tests vary across providers.
For some applicants, this could speed up the process, while for others, it may require retaking a test to meet the exact visa requirement.
For detailed information and guidance, please contract our Migration lawyers at Macpherson Kelley.
Updated English language requirements by visa level
The following tables outline the revised score requirements for each visa level, effective from 7 August 2025. Tests taken before 7 August 2025 will still be accepted.