From 7 August 2025, the Department of Home Affairs has introduced significant changes to the approved English language tests for Australian visa applications.
These changes affect which tests are accepted, score thresholds, and how long results remain valid. If you are planning to apply for an Australian visa, it is important to understand how these updates impact your eligibility.
Broader range of accepted tests: Now includes Cambridge C1 Advanced, CELPIP General, IELTS Academic & General Training (with One Skill Retake), LANGUAGECERT Academic, MET (with Single Section Retake), OET, PTE Academic, and TOEFL iBT.
Updated score requirements across all levels – Functional, Vocational, Competent, Proficient, and Superior English.
Validity rules:
Here’s an example of some updated minimums for tests taken from 7 August 2025:
| Level | IELTS (each) | PTE Academic (component min) | TOEFL iBT (component min) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Functional | 4.5 overall | Overall: 24 | Total: 26 |
| Vocational | 5.0 | L: 33, R: 36, W: 29, S: 24 | L: 8, R: 8, W: 9, S: 14 |
| Competent | 6.0 | L: 47, R: 48, W: 51, S: 54 | L: 16, R: 16, W: 19, S: 19 |
| Proficient | 7.0 | L: 58, R: 59, W: 69, S: 76 | L: 22, R: 22, W: 26, S: 24 |
| Superior | 8.0 | L: 69, R: 70, W: 85, S: 88 | L: 26, R: 27, W: 30, S: 28 |
Complize’s Workforce module centralises all visa-related data, including English language evidence. With automated alerts and real-time compliance dashboards, you can:
Confirm candidates meet current Department requirements before lodging applications
Track validity dates for test results and visa documents
Ensure your team works from one source of truth for immigration compliance
In a year of increasing enforcement and complex rules, having accurate, up to date information is the difference between onboarding success and costly delays.
Book a demo.