English Language Test Providers and Scores for Subclass 482 Visa
The Migration (English Language Test Requirements for Subclass 482 Visas) Instrument 2025 (LIN 25/082) repeals the Migration (Language Test Requirements for Subclass 482 Visas) Instrument 2024 (LIN 24/099). This update introduces new approved English language tests and revised score requirements for both the Specialist Skills stream and the Core Skills stream of the Subclass 482 visa.
New English Test Providers
The updated instrument recognises additional English test providers following new Deeds of Agreement with the Department:
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CELPIP General (Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program)
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LANGUAGECERT Academic Test
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Michigan English Test (MET)
Other changes include:
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Clearer reference to both IELTS General Training and IELTS Academic.
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The Cambridge English Advanced (CAE) is now referred to as Cambridge Advanced Test (C1 Advanced).
Commencement and Application
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The new instrument commences on 13 September 2025.
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It applies to Subclass 482 visa applications lodged on or after 13 September 2025.
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Transitional provisions apply for applicants who sat their English test before 13 September 2025.
This means there are two sets of test score requirements, depending on whether the test was taken before or on/after 13 September 2025.
The table below sets out the required English test scores and providers for Subclass 482 visa applicants:
Single Attempt and Retakes
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Under the previous instrument (LIN 24/099), applicants were required to complete all test components in a single attempt.
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The new instrument (LIN 25/082) allows applicants to re-sit a test component.
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This means that for tests taken on or after 13 September 2025, applicants may use IELTS One Skill Retake (OSR) or MET SSR.
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For tests taken before 13 September 2025, results must still come from a single attempt.
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Validity of English Test Results
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English test results remain valid for 3 years from the original test date.
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If an applicant re-sits a component, the 3-year validity period still runs from the first test sitting.
When applying for the Skills in Demand visa (subclass 482), primary visa applicants are required to demonstrate that they meet certain minimum standards of English language proficiency by taking and achieving a specific result in an English language test, unless exemptions apply.
Exemptions
You are exempt from needing to prove English language proficiency if one of the following apply:
- you are a passport holder from:
- Canada
- New Zealand
- the Republic of Ireland
- the United Kingdom
- the United States of America
- you have completed at least 5 years of full-time study in at least a secondary level institution and where most classes were in English. We need the following information:
- name and location of the institution/s
- level of qualification/s
- official transcript from the secondary and/or tertiary institution
- number of contact hours per week in English
- number of years of study
- your nominated occupation in Australia will be performed at:
- diplomatic or consular mission of another country
- an Office of the Authorities of Taiwan
- your nominated occupation requires you:
- to hold a licence, registration or membership
- you were granted the licence, registration, or membership
- you had to prove that you had equal or higher English language proficiency than that listed in the table below to be granted the licence, registration or membership
- you are:
- an employee of an overseas business
- the business or its associated entity has nominated you to work in Australia
- you will receive guaranteed annual earnings of at least AUD96,400
Core Skills and Specialist Skills streams
If none of the above exemptions apply, you must take an English language test before you apply for the subclass 482 visa in the Core Skills or Specialist Skills stream. You must:
- achieve the minimum score in one of the tests listed below
- take the test within 3 years before you apply
The scores you need depend on when you took the test.
Table 1: Tests taken on or after 13 September 2025
If your test offers a single skill retake option (for example IELTS One Skill Retake), the result for that skill may be accepted. There is no overall score requirement for these tests.
| Test | Minimum required results |
|---|---|
| Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program (CELPIP) General | Listening: 5 Reading: 5 Writing: 5 Speaking: 5 |
| International English Language Testing System (IELTS) Academic | Listening: 5.0 Reading: 5.0 Writing: 5.0 Speaking: 5.0 |
| IELTS General Training | Listening: 5.0 Reading: 5.0 Writing: 5.0 Speaking: 5.0 |
| LANGUAGECERT Academic | Listening: 41 Reading: 44 Writing: 45 Speaking: 54 |
| Michigan English Test (MET) | Listening: 49 Reading: 47 Writing: 45 Speaking: 38 |
| Occupational English Test (OET) | Listening: 220 Reading: 240 Writing: 200 Speaking: 270 |
| PTE Academic | Listening: 33 Reading: 36 Writing: 29 Speaking: 24 |
| TOEFL iBT (for tests taken on or after 21 January 2026, you must select “Taking TOEFL for Australia” when you register) | Listening: 8 Reading: 8 Writing: 9 Speaking: 14 |
Cambridge C1 Advanced is not on the list for tests taken on or after 13 September 2025.
Table 2: Tests taken before 13 September 2025
You must achieve the minimum scores in one sitting. Single skill retake results are not accepted for these tests.
| Test | Minimum required results |
|---|---|
| International English Language Testing System (IELTS) | Overall band score of at least 5.0, with at least 5 in each test component |
| Occupational English Test (OET) | At least B in each of the four components |
| Test of English as a Foreign Language internet-based Test (TOEFL iBT) | Total score of at least 35, with at least 4 in listening and reading and at least 14 in speaking and writing. The TOEFL iBT was not approved for Australian visas from 26 July 2023 to 4 May 2024. |
| Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE Academic) | Overall score of at least 36, with at least 36 in each test component |
| Cambridge C1 Advanced (previously Cambridge English: Advanced, CAE) | Overall score of at least 154, with at least 154 in each test component. From 12 February 2024 only the paper-based test is accepted; tests taken before that date (paper or computer based) are still accepted while they are within the validity period. |
Online tests are not accepted
Home Affairs does not accept English tests delivered entirely online (also called remote proctored or at home tests). Examples include CELPIP Online, IELTS Online, LANGUAGECERT Academic Online, OET@Home, MET Digital taken at home and TOEFL iBT Home Edition. Sit your test at an approved test centre.
Labour agreement stream
You must have English language skills suitable to perform your nominated occupation. English requirements may be specified in the Labour agreement between your employer and the Commonwealth.
