Australia Updates English Test Rules for Subclass 482 Visa

Key Point 

• Australia has revised its accepted English language tests and score thresholds for Skills in Demand visa applicants 

Subclass 482 Visa English Language Requirements  

Australia now requires applicants for the Skills in Demand visa (subclass 482) to meet new minimum scores across a broader range of accepted English tests, effective 13 September 2025. The update includes: 

• Applicants can now choose from expanded test options: IELTS, CELPIP, PTE, TOEFL iBT, OET, MET, and LanguageCert Academic.
• They must meet clear minimum scores for each skill area (e.g., IELTS: 5.0 in all bands; PTE: Listening 33, Speaking 24, etc.).
• Authorities do not accept online test versions like IELTS Online or TOEFL Home Edition.
• Applicants must complete all test components in one sitting; mixing scores from multiple attempts is not allowed.

Exemptions apply for passport holders from Canada, New Zealand, Ireland, U.K. or the U.S., and for applicants earning AUD 96,400+ annually, among others. 

Previous Information  

This update follows our earlier announcement on 7 August 2025, when Australia expanded its list of accepted English language tests for visa applicants. For full details on the initial changes, including newly approved test providers, see our previous coverage: Australia Expands Accepted English Language Tests for Visa Applicants.  

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