Australia’s Department of Home Affairs has announced that more English Language Tests (ELTs) have been introduced for Australian visa purposes.
To apply for a visa that requires English language proficiency, you need to take a valid test and achieve the required English test scores for the visa purpose.
Starting 7 August 2025, the number of accepted English Language Tests (ELT) for Australian visa purposes has increased from five to nine.
For tests taken on or before 6 August 2025, for previously accepted ELT, previous settings and requirements will stay valid for certain timeframes, dependant on the visa eligibility.
The ELT changes aim to ensure consistent scoring across test providers and provide more flexibility and test options for visa applicants.
The Department of Home Affairs requires proof of English language proficiency for some Australian visa applications. This helps to manage immigration risk and ensures that visa holders may fully engage in the Australian community.
Multiple English language tests are accepted for Australian visa applications. Tests can be computer-based or paper-based, but they must be administered in a secure testing center.
New ELT Rule for Australian Visa
On 7 August 2025, the English language tests approved for Australian visa purposes changed. If you completed a test before this date, your results may still be valid for up to 3 years. This will depend on the visa subclass you apply for. You will need to check the required English test scores for the visa, the type of evidence you must provide and the test eligibility timeframes.
The English language test requirements for the Skills in Demand Visa (Subclass 482) will not change until 13 September 2025.
Australia 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 Australia does not accept for Australian visa purposes include CELPIP Online, IELTS Online, TOEFL iBT – Home Edition, amongst others.
There have been no changes to the level of English language ability required. However, some scores may be slightly different to make sure that all the available tests match that level, e.g. the TOEFL iBT score has increased from 64 to 67.
The Australian Government’s Department of Home Affairs will accept results from the updated list of English language tests taken on or after 7 August 2025.
Depending on your evidence level requirements, in most cases, results from tests taken on or before 6 August 2025 will be valid for 24 months before a visa application is made.
ELT Tests Taken on or After 7 August 2025
Cambridge C1 Advanced Test (C1 Advanced). Australia will no longer accept Cambridge C1 Advanced Tests taken on or after 13 September 2025 for SID visa purposes.
Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program General (CELPIP General)
International English Language Testing System Academic (IELTS Academic), including One Skill Retake (OSR)
International English Language Testing System General Training (IELTS General Training), including One Skill Retake (OSR)
LANGUAGECERT Academic Test (LANGUAGECERT Academic)
Michigan English Test (MET), including Single Section Retake (SSR)
Occupational English Test (OET)
Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE Academic)
Test of English as a Foreign Language internet-Based Test (TOEFL iBT)