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Australian Immigration - Language

English Language Requirements for Australian Immigration

The Department of Home Affairs, Australia requires evidence of English language proficiency for some Australian visa applications This requirement supports effective immigration processes and helps ensure that visa holders can take part in Australian life.

Proof of English proficiency can be shown through specific language tests approved for visa purposes. These tests may be offered in both paper-based and computer-based formats, but must always be taken at an authorised testing centre.

From 7 August 2025, the list of approved English language tests for Australian visas was updated. If a test was taken before this date, the result may still be valid for up to three years—depending on the visa subclass. Applicants should confirm the score requirements for their visa type, the acceptable forms of evidence, and the timeframe in which their test results remain valid.

For tests taken on or after 7 August 2025

For tests taken on or after 7 August 2025, the following are accepted when completed at a secure test centre:

  • Cambridge C1 Advanced (C1 Advanced)

  • Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program – General (CELPIP General)

  • IELTS Academic (including One Skill Retake option)

  • IELTS General Training (including One Skill Retake option)

  • LanguageCert Academic test

  • Michigan English Test (MET), including the Single Section Retake option

  • Occupational English Test (OET)

  • Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE Academic)

  • TOEFL iBT (internet-based test)

English Proficiency Levels & Component-wise Score Requirements (From 7 August 2025)

Below is the table of Component-wise Score Requirements applicable from 07 August 2025 onwards. Here is how to interpret the table:

  • Functional English – Often used for entry-level or temporary visas (e.g., Training or Work & Holiday). Minimum overall scores (rather than per component) apply:

    • PTE Academic: Overall 24

    • TOEFL (iBT): Overall 26

    • LanguageCert: Overall 38

    • MET: Overall 38

    • CELPIP General: Overall 5

    • OET: Overall 1020

    • IELTS: Overall band score of at least 4.5

    • Cambridge C1 Advanced: Overall 147

    Competent, Proficient, and Superior English levels require per-component scores as shown above for the listed tests.

The department does not accept evidence from English language tests that are delivered completely online (also known as ‘remote-proctored’ or ‘at-home’).

Examples of online tests that we do not accept for Australian visa purposes include:

  • CELPIP Online
  • IELTS Online
  • LANGUAGECERT Academic Online
  • MET Digital (taken at-home)
  • OET@Home
  • TOEFL iBT – Home Edition

For tests taken on or before 6 August 2025*

The Department of Home Affairs will accept results from certain English tests taken in a secure test centre before this date, provided they are still within the applicable validity period. These include:

  • Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE), now called C1 Advanced

  • International English Language Testing System (IELTS), with the option for One Skill Retake (OSR)

  • Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE Academic)

  • Occupational English Test (OET) — specifically designed for health professionals

  • Test of English as a Foreign Language – internet-Based Test (TOEFL iBT)

* If your test was taken on or before 6 August 2025, it can generally be used to show English proficiency for visa applications until 6 August 2028, depending on the visa type.

* It is important to confirm the specific English level required for your chosen visa and the type of evidence needed. This information can be found on the eligibility page of the visa subclass you are applying for.

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