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Important updates to English language requirements for Australian visa

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On 7 August 2025, the Department of Home Affairs implemented several new legislative instruments, introducing changes to the English language requirements for Australian visas. These updates include revised minimum scores, an expanded list of approved test providers, and adjustments to validity rules. 

The way these amendments apply depends on when the English test was taken. If the test was completed before 7 August 2025, the previous list of providers and scores still applies, provided the result remains valid at the time of application. However, if the test was taken on or after 7 August 2025, the updated providers and scores outlined in the new instruments must be met. 

These changes also apply across functional, vocational, competent, proficient, and superior English levels, as well as specific visa subclasses and were developed in consultation with key stakeholders including the Education Visa Consultative Committee (EVCC), the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA), the Law Council of Australia, and the Migration Institute of Australia (MIA). 

 

Expanded test providers 

The Department has increased the number of approved providers from five to nine. The new list now includes: 

  • CELPIP General 
  • LANGUAGECERT Academic 
  • Michigan English Test (MET) 
  • IELTS (General Training and Academic, including One Skill Retake where applicable) 
  • PTE Academic 
  • TOEFL iBT 
  • OET 
  • Cambridge C1 Advanced 

 

Cambridge CAE is now referred to as Cambridge C1 Advanced for clarity. 

 

Temporary Graduate (subclass 485) visa requirements 

The Australian Government has replaced the old 2024 rules (LIN 24/021) with a new 2025 version (LIN 25/089) for English language requirements for the Temporary Graduate (Subclass 485) visa. 

 

The new 2025 instrument: 

  • Updates which English test providers are accepted. 
  • Changes the minimum scores you need to pass. 

 

Applicants for the Temporary Graduate (subclass 485) visa must meet the new list of approved tests and updated score requirements, rather than the previous 2024 criteria. 

The table below shows the differences between the old English test rules (LIN 24/021) and the updated rules (LIN 25/089). Old scores are shown in black, and the new ones are highlighted in blue. 

 Validity of English test:  

  • English evidence must be submitted with the application.  
  • The test must be less than 12 months old on the lodgement date.  
  • All required scores must be achieved in a single sitting, except for the OET. 

 

Tests taken before 7 August 2025 

Applicants for the Temporary Graduate visa who took their English test before 7 August 2025 may still use that test if it meets either the previous score requirements or the equivalent scores outlined in Schedules 3 and 4 of the new rules. 

Note: Applicants holding a Hong Kong or British National (Overseas) passport are required to meet the same validity period, provider list and score requirements as other Temporary Graduate Visa applicants.  

 

Vocational, competent, proficient, and superior English 

This update changes the required scores for proving vocational, competent, proficient, or superior English if the test was taken on or after 7 August 2025. 

It applies to visa subclasses that require a set English level but don’t have their own separate English language rules. For example, it applies to the Employer Nomination Scheme (subclass 186) visa (which specifies competent English) but not to the Skills in Demand (subclass 482) visa, which has its own separate English test requirements. 

 

Validity: 

  • Pre-7 August 2025 tests: within 36 months before lodgement. 
  • Post-7 August 2025 tests: within 36 months before invitation or lodgement (depending on regulations). 

 

The table below compares the old and new test providers and scores, depending on whether the English test was taken before or after 7 August 2025. 

Functional English 

The Migration (Evidence of Functional English Language Proficiency) Instrument 2025 (LIN 25/014) introduces updated providers and scores, removing Cambridge C1 Advanced for this category. 

New minimum overall scores in the below table: 

The test must be taken either within 12 months before the date you submit your nomination or visa application, or on or after the date you apply. This rule is unchanged from the previous version, but the wording has been updated for clarity. 

 

Transitional provisions 

Applicants can still use pre-7 August 2025 test results if: 

  • The provider and score meet the old requirements; 
  • The test is within the relevant validity period for the visa subclass; 
  • Scores are verifiable through the provider’s system; 
  • All component minimums are met. 

 

Impact on employers and applicants 

For applicants: 

  • Match your visa’s required English level. 
  • Book early due to possible test demand increases. 
  • Ensure scores are from an approved provider and within the validity window. 

 

For employers: 

  • Verify candidates meet current test provider and score requirements before sponsorship. 
  • Adjust recruitment processes to leverage a wider range of providers. 

 

Need help? 

Absolute Immigration can guide you through these latest English language testing updates, ensuring your application meets the new provider and score requirements from the outset. Our team stays across every legislative change, so we can advise you on the right test, validity rules, and score benchmarks for your visa type. From assessing your eligibility to preparing and lodging a compliant application, we work to minimise the risk of delays or refusals, giving you the best chance of success under the updated requirements. 

Contact us at aisupport@absoluteimmigration.com for tailored advice on meeting current eligibility requirements for your visa application. 

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