Effective from August 7, 2025, Australia has introduced a major change for visa applicants by expanding the list of approved English language tests. The number of recognised tests has increased from five to nine, giving candidates more flexibility and choice when proving their English proficiency.
This update by the Department of Home Affairs (DHA) aims to make the application process more convenient while ensuring a consistent scoring standard across different test providers.
Why This Change Matters
For many visa categories, proof of English proficiency is a mandatory requirement. Until now, applicants had limited test options, often facing long wait times or location restrictions.
With this expansion, candidates can now choose from more test formats and providers that suit their location, schedule, and strengths – without compromising on test quality or scoring reliability.
When Will the New Rules Apply?
- Most Visa Categories – From August 7, 2025
- Skills in Demand Visa (Subclass 482) – From September 13, 2025
Full List of Accepted English Language Tests (For Tests Taken On or After August 7, 2025)
- 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 Single Section Retake)
- Occupational English Test (OET)
- Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE Academic)
- TOEFL iBT
What About Older Test Results?
If you took an English test on or before August 6, 2025, and it was part of the older approved list (Cambridge C1 Advanced, IELTS, PTE Academic, OET, TOEFL iBT), your results will still be accepted for certain visa subclasses.
For some visas, these results remain valid until August 6, 2028.
Important Rules to Remember
- English Requirements Differ by Visa Type – From Functional English to Superior English, score requirements vary depending on the visa subclass.
- No At-Home Tests Accepted – The DHA will not accept remote or online test versions such as CELPIP Online, IELTS Online, LanguageCert Academic Online, MET Digital (Home), OET@Home, or TOEFL iBT Home Edition.
- Secure Test Centres Only – All tests must be taken in-person at approved test centres.
Why Australia Made This Change
The DHA states that expanding the test list will:
- Reduce barriers for visa applicants around the world
- Provide flexibility in test choice and location
- Ensure scoring consistency to maintain immigration integrity
- Help new migrants have the English skills required to fully participate in Australian society
By covering multiple testing providers, Australia is ensuring that applicants from different regions have fair and accessible options.
Final Takeaway
If you’re planning to apply for an Australian visa after August 7, 2025, you’ll have nine different English test options to choose from. Make sure to check your specific visa subclass requirements, book your test at a secure centre, and prepare well to meet the English language score criteria.
