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Updated English Language Test Requirements for Australian Visas – Effective 7 August 2025

August 13, 2025

Effective 7 August 2025, the Department of Home Affairs has introduced revised English language testing requirements for a broad range of Australian visa subclasses. These updates come into effect under Migration Instrument 2025, replacing the 2015 thresholds, applicable to skilled, student, and family visa categories where English language proficiency is a mandatory eligibility criterion. The changes affect accepted test types, score thresholds, and validity periods, with additional recognised tests such as CELPIP, MET, and LANGUAGECERT Academic, alongside updated benchmarks for IELTS, PTE, TOEFL iBT, and others.

Additional New Language Test Providers Now Accepted by the Department of Home Affairs

The Department of Home Affairs has expanded its list of accepted English language tests. The following new test providers are now eligible:

Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program General (CELPIP General) ‘
LANGUAGECERT Academic Test (LANGUAGECERT Academic);
Michigan English Test (MET), including Single Section Retake (SSR)

Additionally, for clarity:

The instrument now explicitly refers to both IELTS General Training and IELTS Academic.
The Cambridge English Advanced (CAE) test is now referred to as Cambridge C1 Advanced.

Current Accepted English Language Tests (from secure test centres):

IELTS Academic and General Training including One Skill Retake (OSR)
PTE Academic
TOEFL iBT
Cambridge C1 Advanced (C1 Advanced)
OET (for healthcare professionals)
CELPIP General – New
LANGUAGECERT Academic – New
MET (Michigan English Test) – New

Validity of Older Test Results

English test results obtained on or before 6 August 2025 under the current rules will remain valid until 6 August 2028, depending on the visa subclass. This provides a three-year transition window for applicants who have already undertaken a test. However, it is essential to verify that the test meets both the date and format criteria under the existing framework to be considered valid during the transitional period.

Home-Based and Online Tests Remain Ineligible

The Department has reaffirmed that tests taken in home-based or online-only formats, regardless of provider are not acceptable for Australian visa applications. This includes:

CELPIP Online
IELTS Online
LANGUAGECERT Academic Online
MET Digital (at-home)
OET@Home
TOEFL iBT – Home Edition

Applicants should avoid using these formats if they intend to submit the results as part of a visa application.

Next Steps for Applicants and Stakeholders

Those planning to apply for an Australian visa should begin preparations as early as possible to ensure compliance with the updated requirements. This includes selecting a secure test location, booking an eligible test, and confirming the required English proficiency level applicable to their visa subclass.

If you are unsure about how this change may apply to you, please contact our experts at Migration Affairs.

Changes to the relevant laws can occur without notice. The above information is not intended to be legal advice and is correct as of the date of writing this article.

Contact Migrations Affairs to speak with our experts for tailored advice on your circumstances and eligibility

Have more specific questions about your visa? Get in touch with Migration Affairs today.

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