Changes to English Language Requirements for Australian Visas

From 7 August 2025, the Department of Home Affairs has rolled out important updates to the English language requirements for visa applicants.

For many people planning to make Australia their new home, the English test can feel like one of the biggest hurdles in the migration journey. These changes bring both reassurance and opportunity – and we’re here to guide you through them.

What’s Changing?

• More choice, more flexibility – The list of accepted English tests has grown. This means you now have more options to choose the test that best suits your strengths.

• No more at-home tests – Only exams taken at secure test centres are accepted. Online or “at-home” versions of tests are no longer valid.

• Transition period – If you sat an approved test on or before 6 August 2025, it may still count as valid evidence for up to three years (until 6 August 2028).

Accepted Tests (from 7 August 2025)

Applicants must meet the required scores in one of the following:

• Cambridge C1 Advanced (paper-based)

• CELPIP General

• IELTS Academic / IELTS General Training (including One Skill Retake)

• LanguageCert Academic

• MET (with Single Section Retake)

• Occupational English Test (OET)

• PTE Academic

• TOEFL iBT

  
  

Not accepted: online or at-home versions such as CELPIP Online, IELTS Online, LanguageCert Academic Online, MET Digital (at-home), OET@Home, or TOEFL iBT Home Edition.

Updated “Competent English” Score Requirements

For applications lodged from 7 August 2025, you’ll need to meet minimum scores in each test component.

For example:

• Cambridge C1 Advanced – Listening 163, Reading 163, Writing 170, Speaking 179

• CELPIP General – Score of 7 across all components

(Other tests have their own benchmarks – it’s important to check the exact requirement for your visa subclass.)

What This Means for You

While it might sound daunting, these changes are actually positive for many applicants:

More pathways to success – With a broader range of accepted tests, you can choose one that matches your strengths and test-taking style.

Fairer outcomes – The new scoring system slightly lowers thresholds for some visa streams, making it more achievable for people who may have struggled with a specific test format in the past.

For many future migrants, this could be the chance to finally cross the English requirement off the list and move forward with confidence.

Book a consultation to speak to one of our experienced Registered Migration Agents for expert guidance with your visa enquiries.

Disclaimer: The information provided herein is of a general nature only and does not constitute immigration advice. For more detailed and case-specific information or advice, please get in touch with SCA Connect.