Australian Visa English Language Test Changes: The Department of Home Affairs August 2025 Update

The Department of Home Affairs has announced major reforms to English language tests for Australian visa applicants, commencing on 7 August 2025. These updates affect a wide range of visa subclasses, including skilled, student, and family Australian visas.

The changes redefine which accepted English language tests are valid, introduce new minimum score requirements, and clarify how long test results remain valid. Importantly, all remote or online tests are now explicitly excluded — a decisive move aimed at strengthening test integrity and ensuring fairness across all visa applicants.

This article explains what the new rules mean for visa applicants and how Australian Migration Agents can guide you through these changes to ensure your visa application meets the updated English language requirements. We understand this is a significant change, and getting expert advice is crucial.

Key Updates to Accepted English Language Tests

From 7 August 2025, only English language tests approved and completed in person at approved test centres will be accepted tests for Australian visa purposes. The Department of Home Affairs now formally recognises nine official English language tests:

• Cambridge C1 Advanced
• CELPIP General (Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program)
• IELTS Academic (with One Skill Retake option)
• IELTS General Training (with One Skill Retake option)
• LanguageCert Academic
• MET (Michigan English Test, with Single Section Retake)
• OET (Occupational English Test)
• PTE Academic (Pearson Test of English Academic)
• TOEFL iBT (Test of English as a Foreign Language internet-Based Test)

These approved tests must be completed in a secure, in-person setting. Some older or discontinued test versions taken before 7 August 2025 may still be accepted under transitional rules if they remain within validity. We strongly recommend that test takers verify their test date against the new rules.

Exclusion of Online or At-Home Tests

All online or at home English test versions are now ineligible for Australian visa purposes. This includes:

• IELTS Online
• CELPIP Online
• MET Digital (remote version)
• LanguageCert Academic Online
• OET@Home
• TOEFL iBT Home Edition

Applicants must ensure their test is booked at an authorised centre. Any result from a remote or home test will not be accepted for migration purposes, regardless of the score. This is a non-negotiable requirement from the Australian Government to ensure consistency and prevent fraud in the English language tests.

Test Result Validity Periods and Migration Regulations

The timeframe during which your test results remain valid depends on the test date and visa subclass. It is important to understand the different rules based on when the tests were undertaken.

Tests taken before 7 August 2025:

• Functional English: valid up to 12 months before visa lodgement.
• Competent, Proficient, or Superior English: valid up to 3 years before visa lodgement.

Tests taken on or after 7 August 2025:

• Functional English: valid for 12 months.
• Competent, Proficient, and Superior English: valid for 3 years from the test date.

The migration regulations require applicants to provide evidence that their english language ability meets the required score on the date of their visa application. Always check your specific visa subclass requirements, as validity rules can vary across different visa categories.

Revised Component Scores and Proficiency Levels

A major part of this update is the change to how test scores are assessed. Visa applicants must now achieve the minimum scores in each of the four test components (listening, reading, writing, and speaking). Overall scores no longer compensate for a weaker component score. This means that a slight deficiency in one area, such as component listening, can now prevent an applicant from meeting the required standard of English proficiency.

Updated Score Requirements

Equivalent minimums apply across all nine approved tests, including the LanguageCert Academic test, TOEFL iBT, and Michigan English Test. These score requirements are critical for general skilled migration and other points-tested visa types.

Detailed Look at the Newly Approved Tests

The inclusion of three newly approved tests provides greater flexibility for test takers.

The CELPIP General test is a popular test option in Canada and is now fully recognised for Australian visa applications. Similarly, the LanguageCert Academic test and the Michigan English Test (MET) offer alternative pathways for demonstrating English language proficiency.

The acceptance of these newly approved tests gives applicants more choice in finding a suitable test provider and date. Each of these test providers adheres to strict security standards to maintain the integrity of the results.

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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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Vocational English and the Skills in Demand Visa

For Temporary Skill Shortage (Subclass 482) visa applicants, Vocational English remains the benchmark until 13 September 2025, when new alignment rules under Instrument LIN 25/016 take effect.

After that date, a Vocational English level will typically require:

• IELTS: at least 5.0 in each component, or
• Equivalent scores across the approved tests.

This score aligns with the minimum required for the standard stream of the TSS visa.

English Language Requirements for Student Visas

Student visa (Subclass 500) applicants must show evidence of English language ability through one of the accepted English language tests or through education in English.

You may meet the english language requirements by:

• Achieving the minimum test score in one of the nine approved tests.
• Completing five years of full-time study in English in an English-speaking country.
• Completing five years of secondary or higher education in English, even if outside a native English-speaking country.

The required score can vary for a student visa depending on your course level and education provider, so always check the specific requirements for your visa type.

Exemptions from English Testing

Some passport holders are automatically considered to have met the Competent English requirement. These include citizens of:

• The United Kingdom
• Ireland
• The United States
• Canada
• New Zealand

Certain visa subclasses, such as Partner Australian visa applications, may accept Functional English or other alternative evidence, such as proof of English-medium study. It is vital to confirm if your circumstances allow for an exemption before booking an English language test.

How Australian Migration Agents Can Assist

At Australian Migration Agents, we help clients understand and meet the new english language tests and score requirements. We know that these updates can be confusing, and our goal is to simplify the process for you. Our team provides:

• Eligibility Assessments: Reviewing your test scores and validity under new 2025 rules.
• Strategic Advice: Recommending the best test, such as PTE Academic or IELTS Academic, and timing for your visa subclass.
• Document Review: Ensuring all supporting evidence complies with Department of Home Affairs standards.

Getting the English language component right is crucial to avoid processing delays or refusals, which can be costly and stressful. Our migration agents can guide you through each step for a compliant and successful Australian visa application. Contact Australian Migration Agents for tailored support today.

Frequently Asked Questions

When do the new English language rules start?

The updated test acceptance and scoring rules commence on 7 August 2025.

Can I still use an online English test result?

No. From 7 August 2025, only in-person tests undertaken at secure test centres will be accepted for Australian migration.

How long are my test results valid?

Most tests for Competent, Proficient, or Superior English are valid for up to three years, except for Functional English results, which are valid for 12 months.

Do these changes affect all visa types?

Yes. The new framework applies broadly to skilled, student, and family visa categories, although specific score thresholds vary by visa type.

What should I do if my test was taken before August 2025?

Your results may still be valid under transitional rules, depending on the date and visa subclass. Seek advice from Australian Migration Agents to confirm your eligibility and avoid disappointment.

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