Australia Expands Visa English Test Options

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Australia has expanded the list of approved English language tests for visa applicants, offering more flexibility and options for individuals seeking to meet the country’s language requirements. The changes, effective August 7, 2025, increase the number of accepted English Language Tests (ELTs) from five to nine.

The Department of Home Affairs oversees English language requirements for certain visas to ensure applicants can fully integrate into Australian society and to manage immigration risks. Visa applicants must provide evidence of English proficiency by achieving the required scores on an approved test.

Starting August 7, 2025, applicants may choose from additional English language tests for visa purposes, ensuring consistent scoring across different providers. For tests completed before this date, previous settings and requirements will remain valid for a limited period, depending on the visa subclass.

Cambridge C1 Advanced Test (C1 Advanced) – note that results from September 13, 2025, will no longer be accepted for Skills in Demand (SID) visas.

Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program General (CELPIP General)

International English Language Testing System Academic (IELTS Academic), including One Skill Retake (OSR)

International English Language Testing System General Training (IELTS General Training), including One Skill Retake (OSR)

Additional new tests have been recently approved by the Department of Home Affairs.s

Tests must be conducted in secure testing centers, either computer-based or paper-based. Australia does not accept fully online or “at-home” versions, including CELPIP Online, IELTS Online, and TOEFL iBT Home Edition.

While the level of English proficiency required has not changed, some scoring adjustments have been made to align with the updated test list. For instance, the TOEFL iBT score requirement has increased from 64 to 67 to maintain consistency across assessments.

Applicants should verify the specific score requirements and acceptable evidence for their visa subclass. Results from tests taken before August 7, 2025, are generally valid for up to 24 months, depending on visa criteria. For the Skills in Demand Visa (Subclass 482), the English test requirements will remain unchanged until September 13, 2025.

The expanded ELT options aim to provide fair and flexible pathways for visa applicants while ensuring that language proficiency standards remain consistent and reliable. By diversifying approved tests, the Department of Home Affairs intends to accommodate a broader range of applicants while maintaining the integrity of Australia’s immigration system.

Applicants planning to take an English test for visa purposes should confirm the latest list of accepted ELTs, test dates, and score requirements directly with the Department of Home Affairs to ensure compliance.

These changes reflect Australia’s commitment to a structured and transparent immigration process, giving applicants clearer options for demonstrating English proficiency while safeguarding the quality and consistency of language assessments.