Australia's English Language Test Requirements for Visas Have Been Updated

Vikrant Gungash
Aug 7
3 min read

By Vikrant Singh, August 07, 2025

Canberra, ACT - The Australian Government's Department of Home Affairs has implemented significant changes to the English language test score requirements for various visa applications, which came into effect on August 7, 2025. These adjustments affect the scores needed to demonstrate "Competent," "Proficient," and "Superior" levels of English, with a mix of increases and decreases across different test components and providers.

These new requirements apply to tests taken on or after August 7, 2025. However, results from tests taken on or before August 6, 2025, can still be used for visa applications until August 6, 2028, depending on the specific visa subclass.

A key aspect of the new changes is that the Department of Home Affairs does not accept results from English language tests that are conducted entirely online. All tests must be taken at a secure, approved test centre.

Proving Your English Proficiency

Applicants can prove their English language ability in two primary ways:

Holding a valid passport from the United Kingdom, the United States of America, Canada, New Zealand, or the Republic of Ireland. It is important to note that British National (Overseas) passports are not accepted for this purpose.
Achieving the required scores in an approved English language test within the three years prior to lodging a visa application.

A Look at the New Score Requirements

Here is a breakdown of the updated score requirements for each level of English proficiency for tests taken on or after August 7, 2025.

Competent English

This is often the minimum level required for many skilled migration visas.

Test	Listening	Reading	Writing	Speaking
IELTS (Academic & General Training)	6	6	6	6
PTE Academic	47	48	51	54
TOEFL iBT	16	16	19	19
Cambridge C1 Advanced (CAE)	163	163	170	179
CELPIP General	7	7	7	7
Occupational English Test (OET)	290	310	290	330
LANGUAGECERT Academic	57	60	64	70
Michigan English Test (MET)	56	55	57	48

Proficient English

Achieving 'Proficient' English can award additional points for certain skilled migration visas.

Test	Listening	Reading	Writing	Speaking
IELTS (Academic & General Training)	7	7	7	7
PTE Academic	58	59	69	76
TOEFL iBT	22	22	26	24
Cambridge C1 Advanced (CAE)	175	179	193	194
CELPIP General	9	8	10	8
Occupational English Test (OET)	350	360	380	360
LANGUAGECERT Academic	67	71	78	82
Michigan English Test (MET)	61	63	74	59

Superior English

The highest level of English proficiency, 'Superior' English, grants the maximum number of points for language ability in the points-based system.

Test	Listening	Reading	Writing	Speaking
IELTS (Academic & General Training)	8	8	8	8
PTE Academic	69	70	85	88
TOEFL iBT	26	27	30	28
Cambridge C1 Advanced (CAE)	186	190	210	208
CELPIP General	10	10	12	10
Occupational English Test (OET)	390	400	420	400
LANGUAGECERT Academic	80	83	89	89

One Skill Retake Options

The Department of Home Affairs accepts IELTS test results that include the "One Skill Retake" (OSR) for eligible visas. Similarly, for the Michigan English Test (MET), results including a "Single Section Retake" (SSR) are also accepted for eligible visa subclasses. Applicants should verify the eligibility criteria for their specific visa.

It is crucial for all prospective visa applicants to check the specific English language requirements for the visa they are applying for, as these can vary. The latest information is available on the Department of Home Affairs website.

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