Author: Dex Chen – Migration Strategist
English language testing plays a critical role in Australian visa applications, but meeting the required score is only one part of the requirement. The format of the test, the use of retake options, and the booking pathway must also align with current Department of Home Affairs rules.
Recent clarification follows the identification of missing information on the Department’s website relating to One Skill Retake and Single Section Retake. While this information is being reinstated, interim guidance has confirmed how these test formats are currently assessed, alongside separate updates affecting TOEFL testing. These developments continue to affect applicants and employers in 2026.
TOEFL iBT Australia requirement for visa purposes
From 21 January 2026, Educational Testing Service (ETS) introduced a new scoring system for the global TOEFL iBT test. This replaced the previous 0 to 30 scoring scale per section with a 1 to 6 band scale. This change does not apply to Australian visa requirements.
For visa purposes, the TOEFL iBT Australia test is the only TOEFL test that meets the Department of Home Affairs English language requirements and continues to use the 0 to 120 scoring scale. Applicants must take care when booking, as testing platforms may default to global TOEFL iBT test types, which are not valid for Australian visa applications. The correct option labelled TOEFL iBT for Australia must be selected during registration.
Clarification on IELTS OSR and MET SSR acceptance
The Department has confirmed that, from 7 August 2025, it accepts IELTS results that include One Skill Retake and Michigan English Test results that include Single Section Retake for most visa applications.
An important exception applies to the Skills in Demand visa (subclass 482). This visa remains subject to a legislative instrument that requires English test results from a single sitting. Retake results cannot be used for this pathway.
For tests taken on or before 6 August 2025, IELTS One Skill Retake was accepted in eligible cases. However, it was not permitted for Skilled-Recognised Graduate visa (subclass 476), subclass 482 and Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485), as these visa subclasses required results from one sitting.
The relevant legislative instruments confirm that IELTS One Skill Retake continues to be recognised where permitted. The required English scores themselves have not changed as a result of these updates.
How IELTS OSR and MET SSR operate under current rules
IELTS One Skill Retake allows a candidate to retake one component only. This may be listening, reading, writing or speaking. The retake can be used once and must be completed within 60 days of the original test.
Michigan English Test Single Section Retake allows a candidate to retake one section. This applies to listening, reading or writing and must be completed within 28 days of the original test.
These options provide flexibility for candidates who narrowly miss the required score in one component. However, they are only valid where the visa subclass allows retake results. A result obtained through a retake may still be unusable if the visa requires a single sitting.
Impact on visa applicants and application validity
Applicants should not assume that all English test formats are interchangeable. The visa subclass, test format and timing of the test all determine whether a result can be accepted.
This is particularly important for subclass 482 applicants. Even where the required score is achieved, the use of a retake result will not meet the requirement if a single sitting is mandated.
Errors at the booking stage can also create risk. Selecting the wrong TOEFL test format may result in an invalid outcome, requiring the applicant to sit a new test.
Employer and sponsor compliance considerations
Employers sponsoring overseas workers must ensure that English test results meet legislative requirements at the time of application. This includes confirming that the test format and sitting conditions are valid for the relevant visa subclass.
For subclass 482 nominations, only results from a single sitting are accepted. Retake results will not satisfy this requirement and may lead to refusal or delays.
Employers should also ensure that candidates select the correct test type when booking. This reduces the risk of invalid evidence and supports smoother processing.
Practical guidance before lodging
Applicants should confirm whether their visa subclass accepts retake results, whether the test was taken within the relevant timeframe, and whether the correct test format was selected at the time of booking.
Employers should review English test evidence early in the process to avoid issues at nomination or visa stage. Addressing these points before lodgement can prevent unnecessary delays or refusals.
Professional support for English test compliance
English language requirements are technical and closely tied to legislative instruments. Small errors in test selection, retake eligibility or booking pathways can lead to invalid applications or unnecessary delays.
Absolute Immigration provides structured support to both individuals and employers. This includes assessing whether English language evidence meets visa requirements, identifying risks related to test format or validity, and ensuring applications align with the relevant legislative framework.
For guidance on visa requirements and ensuring your application meets English language criteria, contact aisupport@absoluteimmigration.com.
