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English Tests for Australian Visas Shape

📋 Quick Facts

Most skilled, employer, and student visas require proof of English.

Nine tests are accepted as of 7 August 2025.

Results valid for 3 years.

Must meet the minimum in every band.

Exemptions: Passport holders from the UK, USA, Canada, Ireland, and NZ.

Accepted English Tests

The Department of Home Affairs accepts the following:

IELTS (Academic & General Training, including One Skill Retake)

PTE Academic

TOEFL iBT

Cambridge C1 Advanced (CAE)

OET (Occupational English Test, for healthcare professionals)

CELPIP General (new)

LanguageCert Academic (new)

Michigan English Test (MET) (new)

📌 Results from any of these tests are valid for 3 years.

🇦🇺 English Test Score Comparison (Effective 7 August 2025)

TestFunctional
(4.5)		Vocational
(5.0)		Competent
(6.0)		Proficient
(7.0)		Superior
(8.0)
IELTS4.5 in each band5.0 in each band6.0 in each band7.0 in each band8.0 in each band
PTE Academic30 in each band36 in each band51 in each band66 in each band84 in each band
TOEFL iBT35–45 total46–59 total60–78 total79–93 total94–101 total
Cambridge C1 Advanced154–162163–169170–176177–185186–192
CELPIP General5–66–77–88–99
LanguageCert AcademicB1 Achiever (40–59)B2 Communicator (60–74)C1 Expert (75–89)C1 Expert (75–89)C1 Expert (75–89)
MET (Michigan English Test)55–5960–6465–6970–7475–79
OET (Healthcare)Pass (A/B)Pass (A/B)Pass (A/B)Pass (A/B)Pass (A/B)

⚠️ Why It Matters

Only scores from approved tests are accepted for visa purposes.

Missing the minimum in just one band = requirement not met.

Using an expired result may delay or cause refusal.

More test options = more flexibility for applicants.

📅 How to Prove Your English Ability

Book an accepted English test.

Achieve the required minimum scores in all bands.

Receive your official results certificate.

Upload results with your visa application or Skills Assessment.

Make sure results are valid within 3 years.

📄 Required Documents

Test certificate or official score report

Passport bio page

Partner’s English test results (if claiming partner points)

⛔ Common Mistakes

Submitting results from a non-approved test.

Using results older than 3 years.

Missing the minimum score in one band.

Assuming exemption without valid passport evidence.

❓English Test for Australian Visas FAQs

👉 Nine: IELTS, PTE, TOEFL, Cambridge C1, OET, CELPIP, LanguageCert, MET.
👉 For 3 years from the test date.
👉 Yes. Minimum applies to each component.
👉 Passport holders from UK, USA, Canada, Ireland, NZ.
👉 No. All results must come from a single sitting.

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Disclaimer
The information on this page is for general guidance only and does not guarantee visa approval. All visa applications are subject to the discretion of the Australian Department of Home Affairs. For personalized guidance, please contact a registered migration agent at Visa Advisor.