New English Test Requirements Australia 485 Visa (Post 7 Aug Update)

Overview of the 485 Visa

Before diving into the English requirements, let’s quickly understand what the 485 visa offers.

Feature	Graduate Work Stream	Post-Study Work Stream
Purpose	For graduates with skills in demand (linked to skilled occupation list)	For graduates with higher education qualifications from an Australian institution
Duration	Up to 18 months	2–4 years (depending on qualification & location)
Work Rights	Full-time	Full-time
Pathway	Potential step towards skilled migration	Potential step towards skilled migration

On 7 August 2025, Australia’s Department of Home Affairs introduced significant changes to the English language requirements for the Subclass 485 Temporary Graduate visa (Standard stream). These updates aim to make the application process more accessible while maintaining the integrity of the visa program.

Key changes include:

• Expansion of the list of accepted English tests
  
  

• Adjustments to minimum score thresholds
  
  

• Clarified validity periods for test results
  
  

• Continued exemptions for certain passport holders
  
  

If you’re planning to apply for the 485 visa, understanding both old and new requirements is crucial to avoid delays or rejections.

Accepted English Tests

Before 7 August 2025

For tests taken on or before 6 August 2025, the list of accepted English tests was more limited:

• IELTS (Academic or General Training, including One Skill Retake)
  
  

• PTE Academic
  
  

• TOEFL iBT
  
  

• OET (Occupational English Test)
  
  

• Cambridge C1 Advanced (CAE)
  
  

From 7 August 2025

After the changes, the number of accepted tests expanded, offering applicants more options:

• IELTS (Academic or General Training)
  
  

• PTE Academic
  
  

• TOEFL iBT
  
  

• OET
  
  

• Cambridge C1 Advanced (CAE)
  
  

• CELPIP General
  
  

• LanguageCert Academic
  
  

• Michigan English Test (MET)
  
  

Why this matters: More test options mean greater flexibility for applicants, allowing them to choose the format and style that best suits their abilities and availability.

Score Requirements

Old Requirements (Tests Taken On or Before 6 August 2025)

Test	Overall	Listening	Reading	Writing	Speaking
IELTS	6.5 avg	5.5	5.5	5.5	5.5
PTE Academic	57	-	-	-	-
TOEFL iBT	83	-	-	-	-
Cambridge C1 Advanced	176	162	162	162	162
OET	B grade in each	-	-	-	-

New Requirements (Tests Taken On or After 7 August 2025)

Test	Overall / Total	Listening	Reading	Writing	Speaking
IELTS	6.5 avg	5.5	5.5	5.5	5.5
PTE Academic	55	40	42	41	39
TOEFL iBT	81	12	12	14	17
CELPIP General	8	6	6	6	6
LanguageCert Academic	67	49	54	56	62
MET	58	53	51	51	43
OET	1310	260	280	260	310

Old vs New – Quick Comparison Table

Test	Taken ≤ 6 Aug 2025	Taken ≥ 7 Aug 2025
IELTS	6.5 avg (5.5 each)	6.5 avg (5.5 each)
PTE Academic	Overall 57	Overall 55; component minimums lowered
TOEFL iBT	Overall 83	Overall 81; detailed section scores
Cambridge C1 Advanced	Overall 176, components ≥162	Same requirement
OET	B grade each section	Total 1310; section minimums
CELPIP General	Not accepted	Overall 8; 6 in each
LanguageCert Academic	Not accepted	Overall 67; per component scores
MET	Not accepted	Overall 58; individual thresholds

Validity of Test Results

• Tests taken on or before 6 August 2025: Valid for up to 3 years from the date of the test, provided they meet the old score thresholds.
  
  

• Tests taken on or after 7 August 2025: Must be taken within 12 months of lodging the visa application.
  
  

Practical tip: If your test is from before the cut-off and still valid, you may use it. But for applications well after the change, a fresh test may be necessary.

Exemptions from English Testing

If you hold a passport from one of the following countries, you are automatically considered to meet the English requirement for the 485 visa:

• United Kingdom
  
  

• United States of America
  
  

• Canada
  
  

• New Zealand
  
  

• Republic of Ireland

Why These Changes Matter

• Greater Flexibility: With more accepted tests, applicants can select a test that suits their strengths and location.
  
  

• Lower Score Barriers: Slight reductions in required scores can benefit applicants who struggled to meet the previous thresholds.
  
  

• Clearer Component Scores: The new rules detail specific minimums for listening, reading, writing, and speaking, making expectations clearer.
  
  

• Time Sensitivity: Stricter validity periods for newer tests mean better planning is essential.
  
  

• Retention of Old Scores: If your old test still meets validity rules, you could save time and money.
  
  

Action Plan for Applicants

1. Check Your Test Date – Confirm whether it falls before or after 7 August 2025.
   
   

2. Match the Correct Requirements – Apply old or new score rules based on your test date.
   
   

3. Plan for Validity – If applying months later, ensure your test won’t expire before lodgement.
   
   

4. Choose Wisely – Select a test format (computer-based, paper-based) and scoring system that suits you.
   
   

5. Confirm Component Scores – Ensure each individual section meets the required minimum.
   
   

6. Know Your Exemptions – If your passport exempts you, skip the testing process altogether.
   
   

7. Seek Professional Advice – For borderline scores or unique situations, consider consulting a migration professional.
   
   

Conclusion

The post-7 August 2025 updates to the 485 visa English test requirements give applicants more test options and slightly more lenient scoring thresholds. However, the 12-month validity rule for new tests means careful planning is essential.

By understanding the differences between old and new requirements, checking your test date, and ensuring you meet both overall and component scores, you can position yourself for a smooth 485 visa application.