The Department of Home Affairs (the department) requires evidence of English language proficiency for some Australian visa applications. This helps effectively manage immigration risk and ensure visa holders can fully participate in the Australian community.
We obtain evidence from several English language tests approved for Australian visa applications. Tests may be available in either computer-based or paper-based formats, but the test must take place in a secure testing centre.
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. You can find this information by visiting Getting a visa. More information on the changes to the English language test are below.
For tests taken on or after 7 August 2025
The department accepts test scores from the following tests that are undertaken at a secure test centre:
- Cambridge C1 Advanced Test (C1 Advanced)
- 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)
For tests taken on or before 6 August 2025*
The department accepts test scores from the following tests up until certain timeframes that are undertaken at a secure test centre:
- Cambridge English (CAE) (also known as
C1 Advanced)
- International English Language Testing System (IELTS), including One Skill Retake (OSR)
- Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE Academic)
- Occupational English Test (OET), noting this is a test developed for health professionals
- Test of English as a Foreign Language internet-Based Test (TOEFL iBT).
*You can use a test taken on or before 6 August 2025 as evidence of English proficiency for visa purposes until 6 August 2028, inclusive. This will depend on the visa.
You must check what level of English you need and what evidence you must provide for the visa you want to apply for. You can check this through the eligibility page of the relevant visa subclass.
English proficiency level requirements for your visa
For information on test score validity periods and detailed evidence requirements, refer to the below:
English language requirements in Australian Migration Legislation
You can find English language requirements specified in the following legislative instruments for the Migration Regulations 1994:
-
The Migration (Evidence of Functional English Language Proficiency) Instrument 2025 (LIN 25/014)
-
Migration (Specification of Language Tests, Test Scores and Passports) Instrument 2025 (LIN 25/016).
You can find these instruments, along with others outlining visa-specific English language requirements, at the
Federal Registration of Legislation.
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
