Australia PR English Language Tests: The Comprehensive Guide to 2025 Changes

As of 7 August 2025, the Department of Home Affairs has implemented significant changes to the approved English language tests and the required scores for various visa applications. These updates are crucial for anyone planning their Australia PR application or any other visa, as they affect everything from the types of tests accepted to the specific scores needed to meet different English proficiency levels.

This detailed guide will walk you through the latest changes, providing a comprehensive overview to help you navigate the new requirements and ensure your application is successful.

A New Era for Australian English Language Testing

The recent changes are designed to provide greater flexibility for visa applicants while standardizing the assessment of English skills across multiple test providers. The Department of Home Affairs has expanded the list of accepted tests from five to nine, giving you more options to choose from. This is a welcome development for those who may have found the previous options restrictive.

The newly accepted tests, along with the existing ones, now include:

• Cambridge C1 Advanced
• CELPIP General
• IELTS (Academic & General Training), including One Skill Retake
• LANGUAGECERT Academic
• MET (Michigan English Test), including Single Section Retake
• OET (Occupational English Test)
• PTE Academic (Pearson Test of English)
• TOEFL iBT

It is vital to note that these changes primarily apply to tests taken on or after 7 August 2025. If you took your English test on or before this date, the previous requirements may still apply, provided your results are within the applicable validity period for your specific visa type. This validity period is generally up to three years, but it's crucial to double-check the exact requirements for your chosen visa subclass on the official Department of Home Affairs website.

Understanding the English Proficiency Levels

The Department of Home Affairs categorizes English proficiency into five distinct levels: Functional, Vocational, Competent, Proficient, and Superior. The level of English you need depends entirely on the visa subclass you are applying for. For instance, a skilled worker seeking Australia PR through a points-tested visa may need to demonstrate Proficient or even Superior English to claim additional points, while a partner visa applicant may only need to prove Functional English.

Let's break down the new score requirements for each level.

Functional English

This is the lowest level of English proficiency required for some visa subclasses. It demonstrates a basic ability to communicate in English. The new score requirements for tests taken on or after 7 August 2025 are as follows:

Test	Accepted Scores – BEFORE 7 August 2025	Accepted Scores – FROM 7 August 2025
IELTS	Overall score of 4.5	Average score of 4.5
PTE Academic	Overall score of 30	Overall score of 24
TOEFL iBT	Total score of 32	Total score of 26
Cambridge C1 Advanced	Total score of 147	N/A
MET	N/A	Overall score of 38
CELPIP	N/A	Overall score of 5
OET	N/A	Overall score of 1020
LANGUAGECERT Academic	N/A	Overall score of 38

As you can see, some tests like Cambridge C1 Advanced are no longer accepted for this level, while new tests like CELPIP, MET, OET, and LANGUAGECERT Academic have been added with their own specific score requirements.

Vocational English

This level is typically required for certain temporary skilled visas. It indicates that you have a practical working knowledge of English. The new score requirements for tests taken on or after 7 August 2025 are detailed below:

Test	Accepted Scores – BEFORE 7 August 2025	Accepted Scores – FROM 7 August 2025
IELTS	5 in each component	5 in each component
PTE Academic	36 in each component	Listening: 33, Reading: 36, Writing: 29, Speaking: 24
TOEFL iBT	Listening: 4, Reading: 4, Writing: 14, Speaking: 14	Listening: 8, Reading: 8, Writing: 9, Speaking: 14
Cambridge C1 Advanced	154 in each component	Not accepted for this level from 7 Aug 2025
MET	Not accepted	Listening: 49, Reading: 47, Writing: 45, Speaking: 38
CELPIP General	Not accepted	5 in each component
OET	B in each component	Listening: 220, Reading: 240, Writing: 200, Speaking: 270
LANGUAGECERT Academic	Not accepted	Listening: 41, Reading: 44, Writing: 45, Speaking: 54

The shift from a single score to component-based scoring for some tests, like PTE Academic and OET, highlights the Department's focus on a balanced proficiency across all four language skills.

Competent English

This is the standard level required for many skilled visas and is often the baseline for beginning your Australia PR journey. The score changes for tests taken on or after 7 August 2025 are outlined below:

Test	Accepted Scores – BEFORE 7 August 2025	Accepted Scores – FROM 7 August 2025
IELTS	6 in each component	6 in each component
PTE Academic	50 in each component	Listening: 47, Reading: 48, Writing: 51, Speaking: 54
TOEFL iBT	Listening: 12, Reading: 13, Writing: 21, Speaking: 21	Listening: 16, Reading: 16, Writing: 19, Speaking: 19
Cambridge C1 Advanced	169 in each component	Listening: 163, Reading: 163, Writing: 170, Speaking: 179
MET	Not accepted	Listening: 56, Reading: 55, Writing: 57, Speaking: 48
CELPIP General	Not accepted	7 in each component
OET	B in each component	Listening: 290, Reading: 310, Writing: 290, Speaking: 330
LANGUAGECERT Academic	Not accepted	Listening: 57, Reading: 60, Writing: 64, Speaking: 70

The new breakdown of scores for tests like PTE Academic and TOEFL iBT means that applicants must now achieve a minimum score in each of the four components—listening, reading, writing, and speaking—to satisfy the requirement.

Proficient English

Achieving Proficient English is a game-changer for many Australia PR applicants. It can add 10 points to your points-tested visa application, significantly boosting your chances of receiving an invitation. The updated scores for tests taken on or after 7 August 2025 are:

Test	Accepted Scores – BEFORE 7 August 2025	Accepted Scores – FROM 7 August 2025
IELTS	7 in each component	7 in each component
PTE Academic	65 in each component	Listening: 58, Reading: 59, Writing: 69, Speaking: 76
TOEFL iBT	Listening: 24, Reading: 24, Writing: 27, Speaking: 23	Listening: 22, Reading: 22, Writing: 26, Speaking: 24
Cambridge C1 Advanced	185 in each component	Listening: 175, Reading: 179, Writing: 193, Speaking: 194
MET	Not accepted	Listening: 61, Reading: 63, Writing: 74, Speaking: 59
CELPIP General	Not accepted	Listening: 9, Reading: 8, Writing: 10, Speaking: 8
OET	B in each component	Listening: 350, Reading: 360, Writing: 380, Speaking: 360
LANGUAGECERT Academic	Not accepted	Listening: 67, Reading: 71, Writing: 78, Speaking: 82

For those aiming for a high score, it's essential to study for each individual component of the test, as a low score in one area could prevent you from meeting the overall requirement.

Superior English

Superior English is the highest level of proficiency and can earn you 20 points for your skilled visa application, making you highly competitive. The new score requirements for tests taken on or after 7 August 2025 are:

Test	Accepted Scores – BEFORE 7 August 2025	Accepted Scores – FROM 7 August 2025
IELTS	8 in each component	8 in each component
PTE Academic	79 in each component	Listening: 69, Reading: 70, Writing: 85, Speaking: 88
TOEFL iBT	Listening: 28, Reading: 29, Writing: 30, Speaking: 26	Listening: 26, Reading: 27, Writing: 30, Speaking: 28
Cambridge C1 Advanced	200 in each component	Listening: 186, Reading: 190, Writing: 210, Speaking: 208
CELPIP General	Not accepted	Listening: 10, Reading: 10, Writing: 12, Speaking: 10
OET	A in each component	Listening: 390, Reading: 400, Writing: 420, Speaking: 400
LANGUAGECERT Academic	Not accepted	Listening: 80, Reading: 83, Writing: 89, Speaking: 89

What These Changes Mean for You

This overhaul of English language requirements for Australia visa applications has several key implications:

1. More Test Options: The expanded list of accepted tests gives you greater flexibility in choosing a test that best suits your skills and preparation style. For example, if you find the IELTS format challenging, you can now consider the CELPIP or LANGUAGECERT Academic tests.
2. Focus on Component-Based Scoring: The move towards component-based scoring for several tests underscores the importance of a balanced skill set in all four areas of language—listening, reading, writing, and speaking. Simply having a high overall score may no longer be sufficient.
3. Check Test Validity: Remember the transition period. If you have test results from before 7 August 2025, they may still be valid. However, you must confirm the specific validity period for your visa subclass. It's crucial to consult the Department of Home Affairs website or a registered migration agent to avoid any issues with your application.
4. Re-evaluating Your Strategy: If you were planning to take an English test, you must now familiarize yourself with the new score requirements. It may be necessary to adjust your study plan to focus on the specific minimum scores for each component.
5. Online Tests are Not Accepted: The Department of Home Affairs has explicitly stated that it does not accept remote or at-home versions of any of these tests. All tests must be taken at secure, in-person test centers. This is a critical point to remember when booking your exam.

Your Next Steps to a Successful Australia PR Journey

Preparing for Australia immigration requires careful planning and staying up-to-date with policy changes. Here’s a checklist to help you move forward with confidence:

• Determine Your Required English Level: Identify the specific English proficiency level needed for your target visa subclass. This is the first and most important step.
• Choose the Right Test: With more options available, research the different tests (IELTS, PTE, TOEFL, CELPIP, etc.) to see which one aligns best with your strengths.
• Review the New Score Requirements: Carefully study the new score tables provided above and on the official Department of Home Affairs website. Make sure you understand the component-based requirements.
• Plan Your Test Date: Book your test at a secure, in-person center and give yourself ample time to prepare.
• Seek Professional Advice: The world of Australia visa applications can be complex. Consulting with a registered migration agent is highly recommended to ensure you meet all the requirements, including English language proficiency, and to address any specific circumstances you may have.

By understanding and adapting to these changes, you can ensure your English language skills are a strong asset in your Australia PR application, rather than a hurdle.

Need Help with the New Requirements?

Navigating the complexities of Australia immigration and the new English language requirements can be overwhelming. Don't let these changes be a roadblock to your Australia PR dream. Our team of expert migration agents at Visas Avenue stays up-to-date with all the latest policy changes and can provide you with personalized guidance. Contact us today at Toll-Free No. 78-18-000-777 or you can drop us an e-mail at info@visasavenue.com for a consultation and let us help you prepare a seamless and successful visa application.

 

- Rajneesh Kumar