On 7 August 2025, the English language tests approved for Australian visa purposes changed. If you took a test before this date, your result may still be valid as proof of vocational English for up to 3 years, depending on the visa subclass.
To prove you have vocational English, show us evidence of one of the following:
- You are a citizen of, and hold a valid passport issued by, one of the following countries:
- Canada
- New Zealand
- The Republic of Ireland
- The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
- The United States of America
- You achieved one of the test scores in Table 1 or Table 2 in the 3 years before your visa application, depending on the visa subclass.
Table 1 - Vocational English approved tests and scores taken on or after
7 August 2025
| Test | Scores |
|---|
|
Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program General (CELPIP General) | In each of the 4 test components, at least
-
5 for listening
-
5 for reading
-
5 for writing
-
5 for speaking
|
International English Language Testing System (IELTS Academic)
The department accepts IELTS test results that include
One Skill Retake (OSR) for eligible visas. To find out if you are eligible, check the relevant
visa page. | In each of the 4 test components, at least:
-
5 for listening
-
5 for reading
-
5 for writing
-
5 for speaking
|
International English Language Testing System (IELTS General Training)
The department accepts IELTS test results that include
One Skill Retake (OSR) for eligible visas. To find out if you are eligible, check the relevant
visa page. | In each of the 4 test components, at least:
-
5 for listening
-
5 for reading
-
5 for writing
-
5 for speaking
|
Michigan English Test (MET) The department accepts MET test results that include
Single Section Retake (SSR) for eligible visas. To find out if you are eligible, check the relevant
visa page. | In each of the 4 test components, at least:
-
49 for listening
-
47 for reading
-
45 for writing
-
38 for speaking
|
Occupational English Test (OET)
This test is developed for health professionals. The OET scoring format was previously alphabetical and changed to numerical on 7 August 2025.
OET does not currently provide
overall test results on test score reports. However, you can get your overall OET score results by contacting
OET. | In each of the 4 test components, at least:
-
220 for listening
-
240 for reading
-
200 for writing
-
270 for speaking
|
LANGUAGECERT Academic Test (LANGUGECERT Academic)
| In each of the 4 test components, at least:
-
41 for listening
-
44 for reading
-
45 for writing
-
54 for speaking
|
Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE Academic)
PTE Academic has the same name as the previous version of the test that was accepted before 7 August 2025. However, the test and scores are different. | In each of the 4 test components, at least:
-
33 for listening
-
36 for reading
-
29 for writing
-
24 for speaking
|
Test of English as a Foreign Language internet-Based Test (TOEFL iBT)
From 26 July 2023 to 4 May 2024, the TOEFL iBT test was not approved for Australian visa purposes.
| In each of the 4 test components, at least:
-
8 for listening
-
8 for reading
-
9 for writing
-
14 for speaking
|
Table 2 - Vocational English approved tests and scores taken
on or before 6 August 2025*
| Test | Scores |
|---|
Cambridge C1 Advanced Test (C1 Advanced)
Previously known as Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE)
From
12 February 2024 to
6 August 2025, the department will only accept results from the Cambridge C1 Advanced paper-based test.
The department will still accept tests taken before
12 February 2024 and within specified validity periods, for C1 Advanced paper-based and computer-based tests. | In each of the 4 test components, at least:
-
154 for listening
-
154 for reading
-
154 for writing
-
154 for speaking
|
International English Language Testing System (IELTS Academic or General Training)
From
14 December 2022, the department accepts IELTS test results that include
One Skill Retake (OSR) for eligible visas. To find out if you are eligible, check the relevant
visa page. | In each of the 4 test components, at least:
-
5 for listening
-
5 for reading
-
5 for writing
-
5 for speaking
|
Occupational English Test (OET) This test is developed for health professionals. The OET scoring format was previously alphabetical and changed to numerical on 7 August 2025. OET does not currently provide
overall test results on test score reports. However, you can get your overall OET score results by contacting
OET. | In each of the 4 test components, at least:
-
B for listening
-
B for reading
-
B for writing
-
B for speaking
|
Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE Academic)
PTE Academic has the same name as the test available from 7 August 2025, however, the test and scores are different. | In each of the 4 test components, at least:
-
36 for listening
-
36 for reading
-
36 for writing
-
36 for speaking
|
Test of English as a Foreign Language internet-Based Test (TOEFL iBT)
From 26 July 2023 to 4 May 2024, the TOEFL iBT test was not approved for Australian visa purposes. | In each of the 4 test components, at least:
-
4 for listening
-
4 for reading
-
14 for writing
-
14 for speaking
|
* Test results from a test taken on or before 6 August 2025, may be used as evidence of English proficiency for visa purposes until 6 August 2028, inclusive. This will depend on the visa.Some visas will allow you to submit other forms of evidence. Check the relevant
visa pages to find out.
Online test restrictions
The department 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 we
do not accept for Australian visa purposes include:
- CELPIP Online
- IELTS Online
- LANGUAGECERT Academic Online
- MET Digital (taken at-home)
- OET@Home
- TOEFL iBT - Home Edition
