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Did you know that applicants applying for the Temporary Graduate visa (Subclass 485) must satisfy specific English language requirements unless they hold an exempt passport?
As Australia’s migration landscape is always changing and evolving, it is important that you know what these changes could mean for you. In particular, the English test requirements for the 485 visa became stricter from 23 March 2024, with further score updates applying to tests taken on or after 7 August 2025.
At Australian Migration Agents, we are here assist graduates across Australia with understanding the latest visa rules and ensuring their English test results meet Department of Home Affairs requirements before lodging their application.
Do You Need an English Test for the 485 Visa?
Most Subclass 485 applicants must provide evidence of English proficiency when lodging their visa application.
You may be exempt from providing an English test if you hold a valid passport from one of the following countries:
- United Kingdom
- United States of America
- Canada
- New Zealand
- Republic of Ireland
Applicants who are not exempt must complete an approved English language test and achieve the required scores within the specified validity period.
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Book a Consultation
If you are interested in getting more information about a visa, get in touch with Australian Migration Agents for a consultation.
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New 485 Visa English Requirements
For Temporary Graduate visa applications lodged on or after 23 March 2024:
- The required test scores increased from that date, and test scores are now only valid for 12 months before the visa application date
- The minimum IELTS equivalent increased from 6.0 to 6.5 overall
- Applicants must achieve at least 5.5 in each component as evidence of english language proficiency
- Exact thresholds depend on the test taken and changed again from 7 August 2025 for tests such as IELTS, PTE Academic, and TOEFL iBT
The accepted test list and some scoring formats were updated again from 7 August 2025, though the core score thresholds for IELTS, PTE Academic, and TOEFL iBT stayed the same as the 2024 settings.
The newer thresholds do not apply in the same way to Hong Kong and British National (Overseas) passport holders, who continue to keep lower thresholds under Australian government settings.
These changes were introduced under Migration Instrument LIN 24/021. The 23 March 2024 changes were introduced under Migration Instrument LIN 24/021. This was fully repealed and replaced from 7 August 2025 by a new instrument, LIN 25/089, which kept the same score thresholds but updated the list of accepted tests and some scoring formats.
Accepted English Tests for the 485 Visa
The Department accepts several approved English language tests for Subclass 485 applications. These approved tests are used to show English language proficiency, and the required scores differ by exam, including the following tests: IELTS test, PTE Academic, TOEFL iBT, and OET. For this visa, both IELTS academic and IELTS general training are accepted, and general training is valid for visa purposes. You must sit the test in person at a secure, approved test centre, as online or at-home versions are not accepted.
IELTS General or Academic; Does It Matter for the 485?
Unlike some visas that specify a particular IELTS format, the 485 visa accepts either IELTS Academic or IELTS General Training; the Department treats them as equally valid for this visa, so your choice comes down to which format suits you better rather than which one the visa "prefers." IELTS General Training tends to use more everyday, workplace-style content, while IELTS Academic leans toward academic texts and tasks, some applicants find one noticeably more comfortable than the other.
Minimum English Scores for 485 Visa (Standard Stream)
For most applicants, the table below shows the minimum test thresholds for current standard-stream applications, including the required score for each component and the required IELTS score or other band score equivalent used to assess your IELTS score.
Starting from 7 August 2025, the minimum scores for accepted English tests are adjusted to include at least 6.5 overall in IELTS and 57 overall in PTE Academic. The scores in the table above have applied since 23 March 2024 and remained unchanged when the 7 August 2025 update (LIN 25/089) took effect including the PTE Academic overall score of 55, not 57.
Superior English and the 485 Visa
If you've seen "Superior English" mentioned alongside the 485 visa, it's worth knowing this term doesn't actually apply to the 485 itself. Proficient and Superior English are scoring tiers used in the General Skilled Migration points test (for visas like the Subclass 189, 190, and 491), where a higher English score earns extra points toward your application. The Subclass 485 doesn't use a points test, so there's no "Superior English" bonus to claim on a 485 application; the requirement is simply to meet the fixed score threshold shown in the table above.
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English Test Validity Period
For all Subclass 485 visa applications lodged after 23 March 2024, English test results must be no older than 12 months immediately before the visa application date.
Previously, applicants could use test results obtained within the last 3 years. This validity period has now been significantly reduced.
English Requirements for Hong Kong and BNO Passport Holders
Special concessions continue to apply for:
- Hong Kong passport holders
- British National Overseas (BNO) passport holders
Applicants in this category remain subject to the previous English language threshold:
- IELTS overall score of 6.0
- Minimum score of 5.0 in each component
Equivalent scores in other approved English tests are also accepted.
Previous 485 Visa English Requirements
Applications lodged before 23 March 2024 were assessed under the earlier English requirements.
The previous minimum scores included:
These earlier requirements may still apply to applications lodged before the policy changes commenced.
485 Visa Application Charges From 1 July 2026
From 1 March 2026, the Temporary Graduate visa application charges increased substantially, with a further increase taking effect from 1 July 2026.
Current government charges are:
Additional costs may apply for health examinations, police clearances, biometrics and English testing.
Common Mistakes Applicants Make
Many Subclass 485 visa refusals occur because applicants:
- Submit expired English test results
- Do not meet the minimum component scores
- Confuse old and new English requirements
- Use unapproved English tests
- Lodge the visa before receiving valid results
- Assume a One Skill Retake or Single Section Retake will be accepted, when the 485 requires a single, full sitting
It is important to ensure your English results fully comply with the current legislative requirements at the time of application.
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Need Help With Your 485 Visa Application?
The Temporary Graduate visa rules continue to change regularly, particularly regarding English language criteria and eligibility requirements.
Australian Migration Agents can assist with:
- Checking your English test eligibility
- Reviewing your visa documents
- Assessing your 485 visa pathway
- Preparing and lodging your application
- Responding to Department requests
Professional guidance can help reduce delays and avoid unnecessary visa refusal risks.
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