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AUSTRALIA – Changes to English language testing for visa applicants.
August 7, 2025
By: Rachael Adolphe, Senior Immigration Manager, Newland Chase Australia.
From August 7, 2025, Australia’s Department of Home Affairs is implementing changes to English language requirements that will impact a wide range of visa applicants. These updates aim to standardize proficiency expectations across all approved tests while introducing new pathways for demonstrating English competency.
New test providers approved.
Three additional English language tests are now recognized for Australian visa applications:
- CELPIP General
- LanguageCert Academic
- Michigan English Test (MET)
These tests join the existing list of accepted providers and offer applicants greater flexibility in meeting language requirements.
Adjusted score thresholds across all tests.
To ensure consistency, the Department has revised score benchmarks for each approved test provider. These changes affect the following visa categories and English proficiency levels:
- Student visa (subclass 500)
- Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485)
- Functional, Vocational, Competent, Proficient, and Superior English levels
Each visa category now includes clearly defined minimum scores for speaking, listening, reading, and writing components across all accepted tests.
Passport exemptions remain unchanged.
Applicants holding passports from designated English-speaking countries continue to be exempt from testing requirements. This includes citizens of countries such as the United Kingdom, the United States, Canada, New Zealand, and the Republic of Ireland.
Transitional provisions for in-progress applications.
Applicants who sit an English language test before August 7, 2025, may still rely on the pre-existing score requirements during the transitional period. This ensures fairness for individuals who have already undertaken testing under the previous guidelines.
Need visa support?
Understanding how these updates impact your visa strategy can be complex. The Newland Chase team is here to help you navigate the changes and select the most appropriate testing pathway for your situation. Contact us today.
This immigration update is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for legal or scenario-specific advice. Furthermore, it is important to note that immigration announcements are subject to sudden and unexpected changes. Readers are encouraged to reach out to Newland Chase for any case- or company-specific assessments.
