Australia Updates English Language Visa Requirements

What’s New in August 2025?

The Department of Home Affairs has updated the list of approved English language tests and redefined the minimum score requirements for various visa categories. These changes will apply to tests taken from 7 August 2025 onwards.

1. More Tests Are Now Accepted

Alongside existing accepted tests, three new tests have been added to the approved list:

• CELPIP General

• Michigan English Test (MET)

• LANGUAGECERT Academic

These are now accepted across various skilled, student, and work visa categories—opening up more flexibility and accessibility for applicants globally.

2. Online / At-Home Tests Are NOT Accepted

Australia will not accept English tests taken online or at home, even if they’re otherwise valid. This includes:

• IELTS Online

• TOEFL iBT Home Edition

• OET@Home

• MET Digital

• CELPIP Online

• PTE Academic Online

All tests must be taken in-person at approved test centres.

3. New Score Requirements by English Level

Australia evaluates English proficiency based on levels: Functional, Vocational, Competent, Proficient, and Superior. Each visa type may require a different level.

Key Changes for Competent English:

Old approach: Only overall scores mattered (e.g., IELTS 6 in all bands).

New approach: Component-wise minimum scores now specified per test.

English Proficiency Levels & Component‑wise Score Requirements (from 7 August 2025)

How to Use This Update

This enhanced table now equips applicants aiming for Proficient (10 points) or Superior (20 points) English with clear, updated score requirements across each major test—helping you better plan preparation and test selection based on your visa subclass and points goals.

4. What About Tests Taken Before August 7, 2025?

Good news: If you already took an approved test before 7 August 2025, it will still be valid for the usual duration (often 1–3 years) depending on the visa.

For example:

• Student visas: Usually valid for 2 years

• Skilled visas: Often valid for 3 years

How Swainz Overseas Careers Can Help

As a leading Australia immigration consultancy in Hyderabad, Swainz Overseas Careers ensures that your English language readiness is never a roadblock to your Australian visa success.

Here’s how we support you:

• Recommend the right English test based on your visa type

•  Provide updated score guidelines and training advice

• Partner with official test prep centres for IELTS, PTE, CELPIP, MET

•  Help interpret your results and validate score validity windows

•  Stay ahead of policy changes with real-time updates

Whether you’re aiming for a student visa, skilled PR, or work sponsorship, Swainz ensures your language credentials meet exact Home Affairs expectations.

Australia’s recent update modernises and expands English test options for migrants and students, but also brings more precision in scores and stricter test format rules. As an applicant, it's now more important than ever to:

• Choose the right test

• Score the right bands in all components

• Avoid online tests, even if valid elsewhere

With Swainz Overseas Careers guiding your journey, you’ll confidently clear the English requirement and move one step closer to your Australian dream.