Furthers clarification on significant updates to English Language Test providers and score requirements. These changes apply to a range of visa subclasses and have important implications for applicants, agents, and employers
Key Takeaways
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Tests conducted before 7 August 2025
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Old score requirements and test providers still apply.
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This applies even if the visa application is lodged on or after 7 August 2025.
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Tests conducted on or after 7 August 2025
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New score requirements and providers under the updated legislative instruments apply.
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Visa Subclass Highlights
Student Visa (Subclass 500)
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Validity:
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At application lodgement: test must be ≤ 24 months old.
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If submitted after lodgement: must be ≤ 24 months old at decision date.
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Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485)
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Validity:
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Test must be ≤ 12 months old at lodgment.
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Scores must be from a single sitting (except OET).
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Special provisions apply for Hong Kong and British National (Overseas) passport holders.
Vocational, Competent, Proficient, Superior English
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Updated under Migration (Specification of Language Tests, Test Scores and Passports) Instrument 2025 (LIN 25/016) for tests conducted after 7 August 2025.
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Applies to subclasses where English proficiency is specified but not covered by a separate instrument.
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Validity: test must be ≤ 36 months old at application lodgment.
Functional English
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Updated under Migration (Evidence of Functional English Language Proficiency) Instrument 2025 (LIN 25/014) for tests conducted after 7 August 2025.
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Applies to visa subclasses and nominations without a separate English language instrument.
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Validity: test must be taken within 12 months before application, or on/after application date.
Expansion of Accepted Tests
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Accepted English language tests have increased from five to nine providers.
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The Department of Home Affairs confirms transitional arrangements:
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Tests taken on or before 6 August 2025 follow previous requirements for specified timeframes.
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New requirements apply for tests from 7 August 2025 onwards.
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Skills in Demand SC 482 Visa
English language requirements for this visa remain unchanged until 13 September 2025.
What This Means for Applicants
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Always check both your test date and your visa subclass requirements.
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Transitional rules mean older test results may still be valid — but only if taken before 7 August 2025.
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Agents and employers should update their processes to reflect the new instruments.
IN Summary a Side-by-Side Comparison
| VISA | Old Requirements (Test conducted before 7 Aug 2025) | New Requirements (Test conducted on or after 7 Aug 2025) |
|---|---|---|
| Student Visa (Sc 500) | Test ≤ 24 months old at lodgement (or at decision if submitted later). Old accepted providers (5). | Test ≤ 24 months old. Expanded accepted providers (9). New score thresholds under LIN 25/090. |
| Temporary Graduate (Sc 485) | Test ≤ 12 months old at lodgement. Single sitting (except OET). Old providers (5). | Test ≤ 12 months old at lodgement. Single sitting (except OET). Expanded providers (9) with updated scores. |
| Sc 485 – HK & BNO holders | Same as old 485 requirements above. | Same as new 485 requirements above. |
| Vocational, Competent, Proficient, Superior English | Test ≤ 36 months old. Scores under old instrument. | Test ≤ 36 months old. Updated scores under LIN 25/016. |
| Functional English | Test within 12 months before application or on/after application date. Old scores under prior instrument. | Same validity. Updated scores under LIN 25/014. |
| Skills in Demand SC 482 | Old requirements apply until 13 Sept 2025. | No change until 13 Sept 2025. New requirements start after this date. |
For full details, see the Department of Home Affairs’ English language visa requirements webpage.
