If you're planning to live, work, or study in Australia, proving your English language proficiency is a crucial part of the visa application process. As of 7 August 2025, the Australian Government has introduced significant changes to the list of approved English tests and the score requirements, particularly for widely used tests like PTE Academic. These changes apply to a wide range of visas, including Skilled Migration, Student Visas, Employer-Sponsored Visas, and the Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485).
Understanding these new rules is essential for your visa success. English language ability can directly affect your points for skilled migration, eligibility for specific visa subclasses, and even the validity of your visa application. With new tests now accepted and updated scoring thresholds in place, applicants need to choose the right test, prepare accordingly, and ensure their results meet the updated immigration criteria. Making assumptions based on outdated rules or using ineligible test formats (such as online tests) could lead to delays, refusals, or lost opportunities—especially in a competitive migration environment.
If you’re planning to apply for an Australian visa, read on to understand the new rules, accepted tests, and how to prepare.
What Are the Key Changes?
1. New English Tests Now Accepted
Australia has expanded the list of accepted English language proficiency tests. From 7 August 2025, the following tests will be officially accepted for most visa subclasses:
- CELPIP General
- LanguageCert Academic
- Michigan English Test (MET)
These are now included alongside the previously accepted:
- IELTS (General and Academic)
- PTE Academic
- TOEFL iBT
- OET (for healthcare professionals)
- Cambridge C1 Advanced
Note: Only test centre formats are accepted. Online or at-home test versions are not valid.
2. Higher Score Requirements for PTE Academic
If you’re taking the PTE Academic on or after 7 August 2025, you'll need to meet new, higher score thresholds:
| Proficiency Level | Listening | Reading | Writing | Speaking |
| Competent | 47 | 48 | 51 | 54 |
| Proficient | 58 | 59 | 69 | 76 |
| Superior | 69 | 70 | 85 | 88 |
These new scores apply to visa types such as:
- Skilled Migration (Subclass 189, 190, 491)
- Employer Sponsored (Subclass 482, 186)
- Graduate Visa (Subclass 485)
If you’ve already taken an English test before 7 August 2025, you may still use it for your application.
- Pre-August 2025 Tests: Valid for up to 3 years, depending on the visa type
- Post-August 2025 Tests: Must meet new scoring and test type rules
We recommend checking your visa subclass requirements or speaking to a registered migration agent.
From 7 August 2025, only in-person, test-centre-based exams will be accepted.
Tests that are NOT valid include:
IELTS Online, TOEFL iBT Home Edition, OET@Home, CELPIP Online, LanguageCert Online, MET Digital (at-home)
What This Means for Visa Applicants
The 2025 English language changes carry important implications for anyone applying for an Australian visa. First, there's now more flexibility, as a broader range of English language tests are accepted, giving applicants more options to choose a test that suits their strengths and availability. However, this comes with higher benchmarks, particularly for those taking the PTE Academic, where the required scores for each English proficiency level have increased—making thorough preparation more important than ever. Strategic timing is also critical; if you've already taken a test before 7 August 2025, your results may still be valid under the previous rules, so it's worth checking if you can apply using those scores. Lastly, it’s important to note that only in-person tests at approved test centres are accepted. At-home or online versions of any test are no longer valid for visa purposes, so applicants must ensure they register for the correct test format to avoid complications.
Need Help Navigating the New Rules?
These changes can significantly impact your visa points, application timing, and test strategy. Whether you're applying for a skilled visa, student visa, or partner visa, it’s critical to make informed decisions.
Book a consultation with us. Contact us at: info@aplusagency.com.au
Source: https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/help-support/meeting-our-requirements/english-language
