Australia’s Latest English Language Test Updates – August 2025

The Australian Department of Home Affairs has announced important changes to English language test providers and score requirements for various visa subclasses. These updates came into effect on 7 August 2025 and affect Student visas (Subclass 500), Temporary Graduate visas (Subclass 485), and other visa categories requiring proof of English proficiency, including Functional English.

The changes involve new approved test providers, updated score requirements, and transitional arrangements for applicants who took their tests before the new rules came into force.

If you are planning to apply for an Australian visa, here is everything you need to know.

New English Language Test Providers

From 7 August 2025, the following additional English language test providers are approved for various Australian visa applications:

• Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program General (CELPIP General)
• LANGUAGECERT Academic Test
• Michigan English Test (MET)

Other notable changes:

• IELTS now clearly refers to both General Training and Academic versions.
• Cambridge English Advanced (CAE) is now called Cambridge Advanced Test (C1 Advanced).

Student Visa (Subclass 500) – English Requirements

The Migration (English Language Tests and Evidence Exemptions for Subclass 500 (Student) Visas) Instrument 2025 (LIN 25/090) repeals the Migration (English Language Tests and Evidence Exemptions for Subclass 500 (Student) Visa) Instrument (LIN 24/022) 2024 (LIN 24/022)

Key Updates:

• New approved test providers included.
• Updated test score requirements.
• IELTS Academic and General are both accepted.

Tests Undertaken Before 7 August 2025:

You can still use an old test result if:

• The test was taken before 7 August 2025.
• It meets either the old LIN 24/022 requirements or the new LIN 25/090 requirements.
• At the time of application, the Test is less than 24 months old.
• If provided after application, the Test must be less than 24 months old at the date of decision.

Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485) – English Requirements

The Migration (English Language Requirements for Subclass 485 (Temporary Graduate Visas) Instrument 2025 (LIN 25/089) repeals Migration (English Language Requirements for Subclass 485 (Temporary Graduate) Visas) Instrument 2024 (LIN 24/021)

Key Updates:

• Applies to both Post-Vocational Education Work and Post-Higher Education Work streams.
• Updated test score requirements and providers.

Special Rules for Hong Kong & British National (Overseas) Passport Holders:

• The English test must be less than 12 months old at the time of application.
• The required score must be achieved in one sitting (except for OET).

Tests Undertaken Before 7 August 2025:

You can still use an old test result if:

• It meets either the old LIN 24/021 requirements or the new LIN 25/089 requirements.
• It complies with the age and scoring rules above.

All Visas – Language Tests, Test Scores & Passports

The Migration (Specification of Language Tests, Test Scores and Passports) Instrument 2025 (LIN 15/016) repeals the Migration Regulations 1994 – Specification of Language Tests, Scores and Passports 2015 (IMMI 15/005)

Purpose:

• Specifies recognised English language tests and required scores for all Australian visas.

Tests Undertaken Before 7 August 2025 Valid if:

• Taken in the 36 months before the visa application.
• Taken before 7 August 2025.
• Meets the previous IMMI 15/005 score requirements.

Functional English – Updated Requirements

The Migration (Evidence of Functional English Language Proficiency) Instrument 2025 (LIN 25/014) repeals the Migration Regulations 1994 – Specification of Evidence of Functional English Language Proficiency 2015 – IMMI 15/004

Key Changes in Approved Tests & Scores:
Test Validity:

• Must be taken within 12 months before application or on/after the application date.

Tests Before 7 August 2025 Valid if:

• Taken between 5 August 2024 – 6 August 2025.
• Meets the old IMMI 15/004 score requirements.

What This Means for Applicants

• More choice: Applicants now have more English test providers to choose from.
• Lower score requirements: In some cases (e.g., PTE and TOEFL for Functional English), the minimum scores have been reduced.
• More explicit rules: The wording in the instruments has been updated for better clarity.
• Transition period: Tests taken before 7 August 2025 can still be valid if they meet the old or new requirements.

Final Tips: If you are planning to lodge your Australian visa application soon:

• Check that your test provider is on the updated list.
• Confirm your score meets the new instrument requirements.
• Verify test validity based on application date.

For professional assistance with your Student visa (Subclass 500), Temporary Graduate visa (Subclass 485), or other visa types, contact ImmiVisa today. Our registered migration agents will ensure your English language evidence meets the latest Australian immigration requirements.