O English for Australian Visas it is one of the most important requirements for most subclasses. In addition to demonstrating your ability to integrate and fully participate in Life in Australia, language proficiency is also an eligibility criterion for different types of visas.
In August 2025, the Department of Home Affairs announced significant changes in English requirements for immigration to Australia, including updates to acceptance tests and rules regarding the validity of exams. If you are planning to apply for a visa, it is essential to understand how these changes may impact your immigration strategy.
What You'll Learn in This Guide
- For Australian visas in 2025, the accepted English language tests are: * **IELTS (International English Language Testing System)**: Academic or General Training.
- How long do exams taken before that date remain valid?
- English proficiency levels required for different visas (Functional, Competent, Proficient, Superior)
- What Changed in August 2025
- Practical tips to help you prepare without jeopardizing your application
Which English tests are accepted starting on dand August 2025?
For exams performed on or after August 7, 2025, o Home Affairs accepts the following tests, provided they are taken in person at authorized testing centers:
- Cambridge C1 Advanced (C1 Advanced)
- CELPIP General
- IELTS Academic and IELTS General Training (including One Skill Retake – OSR)
- LanguageCert Academic Test
- Michigan English Test (MET), including Single Section Retake (SSR)
- Occupational English Test (OET), designed for healthcare professionals
- Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE Academic)
- TOEFL iBT (Test of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-based)
What about tests conducted before August 2025?
If you took the exam by August 6, 2025, you can still use it for the purpose of Australian visa, provided the expiration dates are observed. These exams will remain valid until August 6, 2028:
- Cambridge English (CAE – C1 Advanced)
- IELTS (including OSR)
- PTE Academic
- OET
- TOEFL iBT
This means that anyone who already has a valid test result does not need to retake the test immediately, but should be aware of the validity period required for the desired visa subclass.
Attention: Online English tests for Australian visas are not accepted
One of the most important changes is that Online tests will not be accepted for immigration. This includes versions such as:
- CELPIP Online
- IELTS Online
- LanguageCert Academic Online
- MET Digital (homemade)
- OET@Home
- TOEFL iBT Home Edition
Only exams performed at accredited and supervised centers are considered valid.
See also: Courses for Studying in Australia in 2025
English proficiency requirements for Australian visas
Each visa has a minimum English proficiency requirement. The main ones are:
- Functional English
- Vocational English
- Proficient English
- Proficient in English
- Advanced English
The required score on each test varies depending on the type of visa. For example, Functional English requires lower grades than Competent or Advanced English. These requirements are set forth in the Migration (Specification of Language Tests, Test Scores, and Passports) Instrument 2025 (LIN 25/016).
See also: Australian visa renewal
How to Prepare to Avoid Problems During Application
- Check the English language requirement for your visa subclass.
- Choose an accepted and valid exam (avoid scheduling online versions).
- Please check the expiration date of your test; some results are still valid through 2028.
- Prepare in advance to avoid having to retake exams and delay your immigration process.
FAQ – English for Australian Visas
What English language tests are accepted for Australian visas in 2025?
As of August 7, 2025, the Department of Home Affairs accepts exams such as IELTS, PTE Academic, TOEFL iBT, Cambridge C1 Advanced, OET, CELPIP, MET, and LanguageCert, provided they are taken in person at accredited test centers.
Is the IELTS still accepted for immigration to Australia?
Yes. The IELTS Academic and IELTS General Training tests, including the One Skill Retake (OSR) option, continue to be accepted for Australian visas.
Is the TOEFL iBT accepted for an Australian visa?
Yes, but only the in-person version of the TOEFL iBT taken at authorized test centers. The TOEFL Home Edition is not accepted for immigration to Australia.
Is the CELPIP valid for Australian visas?
The CELPIP General is accepted, provided it is taken in person. The CELPIP Online version is not accepted for immigration to Australia.
What level of English is required to apply for an Australian visa?
It depends on the visa subclass. The most common levels are Functional English, Vocational English, Competent English, Proficient English, and Superior English.
How long are tests taken before August 2025 valid?
The results remain valid until August 6, 2028, provided they meet the visa requirements.
Conclusion: English for Australian Visas
The Changes to English language tests for Australian visas in 2025 They introduce new testing options, but also clearer rules regarding validity and format. Understanding these requirements is essential to avoid jeopardizing your eligibility and to ensure your immigration process goes smoothly.
A Good Day Migration has a registered agent who keeps track of all updates to the Department of Home Affairs and can help you:
– Choose the most appropriate English test
– Plan the visa strategy
Organize all documentation securely
Talk to our team and build a solid, surprise-free migration plan. Schedule your consultation. by clicking here
All information was extracted from the Australian Government Department of Immigration website. For more information, please see the official website.
See also:
- 482 Temporary Skill Shortage Visa: minimum salary, required experience, English and benefits
- How to work in Australia: salary, tips and visa options
- How to immigrate to Australia: everything you need to know
- University in Australia: find out how to study in the country
- Australia's best cities: find the ideal destination for your exchange program
- Cost of an exchange in Australia in 2025: see the main planning mistakes

