English Requirements for 485 Visa are Updated and It’s Effective from 7 August 2025
The Australian Government has introduced updated English language requirements for 485 Visa applicants. These changes are effective on 7 August 2025. The changes include new accepted English language tests and the minimum score required for each test type.
Find the details below and see how it may affect your application.
What has changed in the English requirement for 485 Visa?
Here are the changes to the 485 Visa English requirement:
1. Revised English Tests and Renewed Minimum Scores
The Cambridge Advanced (C1 Advanced) test is no longer accepted as of 7 August 2025. However, the Australian Government has included three new accepted English tests, bringing the total to 8 English tests accepted for meeting the English requirement of the 485 Visa. These include:
- Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program General (CELPIP General);
- International English Language Testing System Academic (IELTS Academic);
- International English Language Testing System General Training (IELTS General Training);
- LANGUAGECERT Academic Test (LANGUAGECERT Academic);
- Michigan English Test (MET);
- Occupational English Test (OET);
- Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE Academic);
- Test of English as a Foreign Language internet-based test (TOEFL iBT).
These apply to both 485 Visa streams, including Post-Vocational and Post-Higher Education Work.
2. Test Results Must Be Recent
You must take the test within 12 months prior to submitting the 485 Visa application. The transitional arrangements allow test results taken between 6 August 2025 and 7 August 2025 to remain valid if they meet the new criteria.
3. Exemptions for Certain Passport Holders
Applicants with valid passports from the United Kingdom, United States of America, Canada, New Zealand, or Ireland no longer need to submit test results.
Table of the New English Test Requirements for 485 Visa
Here’s the breakdown of the new English test and minimum score to meet the English requirements for the 485 Visa:
| English Test | Minimum for Overall Score | Total Overall Score | English Components | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Listening | Reading | Writing | Speaking | |||
| Cambridge Advanced Test | Not accepted for fulfilling 485 Visa English requirements | |||||
| CELPIP General | 8 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | |
| IELTS Academic & General | 6.5 | 5.5 | 5.5 | 5.5 | 5.5 | |
| LANGUAGECERT Academic | 67 | 49 | 54 | 56 | 62 | |
| MET | 58 | 53 | 51 | 51 | 43 | |
| OET | 1310 | 260 | 280 | 260 | 310 | |
| PTE Academic | 55 | 40 | 42 | 41 | 39 | |
| TOEFL iBT | 81 | 12 | 12 | 14 | 17 | |
However, if you’re a British National and Hong Kong passport holder, you must meet the following English requirement:
| English Test | Minimum for Overall Score | Total Overall Score | English Components | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Listening | Reading | Writing | Speaking | |||
| Cambridge Advanced Test | Not accepted for fulfilling the English requirements for 485 Visa | |||||
| CELPIP General | 7 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | |
| IELTS Academic & General Training | 6.0 | 5.0 | 5.0 | 5.0 | 5.0 | |
| LANGUAGECERT Academic | 61 | 41 | 44 | 45 | 54 | |
| MET | 53 | 49 | 47 | 45 | 38 | |
| OET | 1210 | 220 | 240 | 200 | 270 | |
| PTE Academic | 47 | 33 | 36 | 29 | 24 | |
| TOEFL iBT | 67 | 8 | 8 | 9 | 14 | |
Why these updates matter
The new English requirements for 485 Visa matters, especially if you’re applying after 7 August 2025. Here’s why:
- Increased score demand: the minimum English proficiency has generally risen, especially in writing and speaking components. If you lack in these aspects, you must work harder to reach the new minimum score.
- New tests welcome: Though the minimum score has risen, addition of CELPIP, LANGUAGECERT, and MET offers more test options and flexibility.
- Reduced validity window: You must ensure to take the tests closer to the lodgment date to avoid delays or refusal. It considers that only tests taken within 12 months prior application is accepted.
If you’re applying for the 485 Visa, make sure your English test results are both up-to-date and meet the new, higher score thresholds. Don’t rely on older tests, even if you previously passed. There’s nothing to lose if you take a new test.
If this update confuses you or you just need tailored guidance on the correct test to take, improving your English scores, or visa application support, we’re here to assist you:
How ONEderland Consulting Can Assist You
Our visa specialists at ONEderland Consulting will assist you in navigating the new English requirements for the 485 visa, ensuring a smooth and stress-free application. We have a 98% success rate and are one of Australia’s most highly recommended migration agents. Read our 4.9* score customer reviews.
We are committed to being open and honest with you, keeping you updated and involved at every stage. We will work tirelessly to secure the best possible outcome for your future in Australia, and you can rely on us to be your dependable partner and advocate.
We are complex visa specialists. As a registered Australian migration agent with the Migration Agents Registration Authority (MARA), we are subject to professional regulation and bound by the Code of Conduct issued by the Migration Agents Registration Authority.
Take the first step and contact us. Our team members are honest, accountable and professional. Contact us via email at visa@onederland.com.au, by phone at 1300 827 159, or through WhatsApp at +61494372414. Alternatively, you can book your consultation online, and it is backed by our 100% Money-Back Guarantee Program.
