At Immigration Buddy, we understand how important it is for international students, skilled migrants and visa applicants to stay updated with the latest policy and rules. The immigration laws of Australia change regularly and even small changes to language criteria can directly impact visa requirements, processing timelines and migration plans.
On 7 August 2025, the government of Australia announced some changes to immigration English language tests and requirements of Australia. These changes affected many things, including test format, score validity time, test types and minimum score criteria. Also, if you are planning to work, live or study in Australia, it is important to understand these updates.
In this blog, we will share the Changes to Australian visa English test requirements and show you how you can prepare for the test for your visa application under the updated framework.
The new English tests visa requirements changes Australia by the Department of Home Affairs are better aligned with the real work communication requirements in study, work and community settings.
The reforms aim to:
Additionally, most known exams, including IELTS, PTE Academic and TOEFL iBT, the following tests are now formally accepted for immigration purposes in Australia:
This expanded recognition gives you greater flexibility when choosing an English test for Australia.
Minimum score benchmarks have been revised across five key English proficiency levels:
Each visa subclass may require a detailed level, depending on your circumstances.
Some tests now allow you to retake separate components rather than repeating the full exam. For example, IELTS One Skill Retake and MET skill-specific retesting provide you with a more targeted opportunity to improve your results.
All the tests before 6 August 2025 are valid for the applicable timeline, which is up to three years, based on the visa subclass. However, you must make sure that your scores match with the requirements.
Below is a simplified explanation of the updated minimum score expectations across major accepted tests.
| English Level | IELTS | PTE Academic | TOEFL iBT | Other Tests (CELPIP, OET, MET, LANGUAGECERT) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Functional English | Average 4.5 | Overall 24 | Total 26 | CELPIP 5, OET 1020, MET 38, LANGUAGECERT 38 |
| Vocational English | 5 in each component |
Listening:33 |
Listening:8 |
CELPIP 5 in each, OET B grade in each, MET scores per skill vary |
| Competent English | 6 in each component | Listening:47 Reading:48 Writing:51 Speaking:54 |
Listening:16 |
CELPIP 7 in each, OET B, MET scores updated |
| Proficient English | 7 in each component | Listening: 58 Reading: 59 Writing: 69 Speaking:76 |
Listening:22 Reading:22 Writing:26 Speaking:24 |
CELPIP 8-9, OET B, MET scores updated |
| Superior English | 8 in each component | Listening:69 Reading:70 Writing:85 Speaking:88 |
Listening:26 Reading:27 Writing:30 Speaking:28 |
CELPIP 10, OET A, MET scores updated |
The English tests visa requirements changes in Australia affect multiple visa subclasses, including student visas, skilled migration visas, employer sponsored visas and partner visas.
If you are applying for a student visa 500, then your English test for Australia must fulfill both institutional and immigration requirements. There are chances that the universities may set higher criteria than immigration authorities, especially for postgraduate programs.
English proficiency directly affects migration points. Achieving proficient or excellent English can improve your ranking in the Skill Select system.
In healthcare occupations, you can rely on OET results. With updated benchmarks and expanded recognition, you must verify your test performance carefully before lodging applications.
Selecting the correct test is not just about convenience. It should align with:
For example, healthcare specialists can go for OET, while skilled workers can choose IELTS and PTE exams.
When you think about the IELTS requirement for Australia, it is important to know that immigration requirements are different from academic admission requirements. Always confirm which score status applies to your visa subclass.
Most English language tests remain valid for up to three years for immigration purposes. However, there are exceptions depending on visa subclass and occupation.
Key considerations:
Failure to follow these rules may result in visa refusal or delays.
Different visas require different English levels. Do not assume the same standard applies across categories.
English preparation can take several months, particularly if aiming for Proficient or Superior English.
If available, consider retaking only the component you need to improve.
It is required to stay updated with the rules and policies to avoid surprises.
A registered migration agent can track your performance and help you with a suitable test method.
At Immigration Buddy, we have years of experience helping applicants with lengthy and complicated immigration processes. Our agents stay updated with the visa requirements changes in Australia. With the expert help, your immigration journey can be stress-free.
Our services include:
We make sure that your application and English test for Australia satisfy the immigration policy and your long term goals.
Understanding the updated English requirement for Australia is important for skilled workers who want to increase their migration points.
The changes to Australian Immigration English Language Tests and requirements change the test to look for immigration. No matter if you are applying for a student visa, skilled migration pathway or an employer sponsored visa, it is important to understand the new English tests visa requirements of Australia.
Choosing the right English test for Australia requires fulfilling test scores and ensuring that you follow all the rules, which can provide you with great outcomes. Understanding the English requirements for Australia will help you make your visa application strong.
Immigration Buddy is committed to helping you with clarity and confidence. With expert help, strategic planning and up to date policy knowledge, you can achieve your dream to live, study and work in Australia.
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