English Language Visa Requirements As Of 7 August 2025
- synergymigration
- Sep 16
- 2 min read
Updated: Sep 19
Starting 7 August 2025, the Australian Department of Home Affairs introduced important changes to how they assess English language skills for visa applications. If you're preparing to apply, it's vital to know what’s different, which tests are accepted now, and what scores you’ll need. This article breaks down the updates so you can make sure you meet the requirements.
You can find the full article here: https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/help-support/meeting-our-requirements/english-language
What’s Changed
More test types are accepted now, including Cambridge C1 Advanced, CELPIP General, IELTS (Academic & General, with One Skill Retake where applicable), LanguageCert Academic, MET (with Single-Section Retake), OET, PTE Academic, and TOEFL iBT.
However, for English tests taken on or before 6 August 2025, the “old” requirements still apply. Therefore, if your results are still valid under the applicable timeframe. Usually that means up to three years, depending on the visa subclass.
Levels of English and What Scores You Need
Australia uses different bands/levels of English proficiency depending on what visa class or stream you’re applying for. Here’s a summary of what the updated minimums look like for each level:
Functional English
Tests taken after 7 August now require lower overall scores than before. For example:
PTE Academic: Overall score of 24
TOEFL iBT: Total score of 26
Other tests such as Cambridge or OET have specific new thresholds.
Vocational English
More stringent component scores are in place. For instance:
In some tests you must now meet minimum scores in each component (listening, reading, writing, speaking).
Certain tests previously accepted are no longer accepted at this level.
Competent English
The updated rules include higher component requirements in many tests. For example:
PTE Academic now requires specific minimums in each component rather than just overall.
TOEFL iBT component scores are also adjusted.
Proficient & Superior EnglishAt these higher levels, component thresholds have been revised upward. Some test formats or component minimums that were acceptable before may no longer be sufficient under the new rules.
What You Need To Know
If your English test was done before 7 August 2025, make sure it still meets the old requirements and remains valid for your visa subclass. If scheduled after that date, your results must satisfy the new requirements. Moreover, whether your visa requires Functional, Vocational, Competent, Proficient or Superior English, find out which level applies and that you meet the correct score (and component) benchmarks.
Navigating Australia’s immigration rules can be complex, especially when changes like these happen. To make sure your application won’t run into avoidable issues, consider consulting a registered migration agent. We can help you understand exactly what’s needed based on your personal situation, recommend which test to take, and support you in preparing a strong submission. Contact us now for a consultation.
Synergy Migration Services - Trusted companion for your migration journey
📞 Hotline: (07) 3190 8600
🌐 Website: www.synergy-migration.com.au
💬 Address: 6/621 Coronation Dr, Toowong, QLD, Australia 4066
