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 a guaranteed annual earnings of at least AUD96,400
Core Skills and Specialist Skills streams
If you do not fall within one of the above exemptions, you will demonstrate your English language proficiency if you apply for the subclass 482 visa in the Core Skills or Specialist Skills stream, and you:
- achieve the required test scores set out in the table below, in a single attempt at the test
- complete the test within 3 years before the date of submitting a valid visa application
For the Specialist Skills and Core Skills streams, the English language tests you can take and the required results are as follows:
| Test | Required results |
|---|---|
| International English Language Testing System (IELTS) | Overall band score of at least 5.0 with a score of at least 5 in each of the test components. |
| Occupational English Test (OET) | Score of at least ‘B’ in each of the four components |
| Test of English as a Foreign Language internet-based Test (TOEFL iBT) | iBT total score of at least 35 with a score of at least 4 for each of the test components of listening and reading, and a score of at least 14 for each of the test components of speaking and writing |
| Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE Academic) | Academic overall test score of at least 36 with a score of at least 36 in each of the test components |
| Cambridge C1 Advanced test | Overall test score of at least 154 with a score of at least 154 in each of the test components. |
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.
