Archive · 13 Aug 2025
Australia Expands English Tests for Visa Applications
Australia is making it easier for people to apply for visas by accepting more English tests.
Starting in August 2025, they will recognize nine different tests instead of the previous five.
This gives applicants more choices and helps ensure the scoring is fair.
If you took an older test, it's still valid for a while, depending on your visa.
The goal is to make sure new migrants can speak English well enough to live and work in Australia.
You need to make sure your test scores meet the requirements for the specific visa you're applying for.
Australia adds four English tests for visa applications.
The changes take effect on August 7, 2025, expanding accepted tests to nine.
Older test results remain valid for a limited time based on visa rules.
The Department of Home Affairs aims to increase applicant flexibility and ensure scoring consistency.
The update applies to most visas, with some exceptions like the Skills in Demand Visa.
- Who
- The Department of Home Affairs (DHA) and visa applicants.
- What
- Australia is expanding the list of accepted English language tests for visa applications.
- When
- Effective August 7, 2025, with older tests still valid for a limited time.
- Where
- Australia.
- Why
- To increase applicant flexibility and ensure consistent scoring, as well as to help manage immigration risk.
- Affected
- Visa applicants
- Effective Date
- August 7, 2025
- Accepted Tests (New)
- Cambridge C1 Advanced, CELPIP General, IELTS Academic, IELTS General Training, LanguageCert Academic Test, Michigan English Test, OET, PTE Academic, TOEFL iBT
- Tests NOT Accepted (Remote)
- CELPIP Online, IELTS Online, LanguageCert Academic Online, MET Digital (at home), OET@Home, TOEFL iBT Home Edition
- Primary Goal
- Increase applicant flexibility