TLDR: Updates to English test requirements for 482 visas. New test providers added, scores changed, and you can now retake individual sections. Applies to applications from 13 September 2025.
What’s Changing?
From 13 September 2025, new English test rules apply to 482 visa applications (Specialist Skills and Core Skills streams).
Three new English tests are now accepted:
- CELPIP General (Canadian test)
- LANGUAGECERT Academic
- Michigan English Test (MET)
All Approved Tests
You can now choose from:
- IELTS (Academic or General Training)
- PTE Academic
- TOEFL iBT
- OET
- CELPIP General
- LANGUAGECERT Academic
- Michigan English Test (MET)
Required Scores (Tests taken 13 Sept 2025 onwards)
| Test | Listening | Reading | Writing | Speaking |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| IELTS | 5.0 | 5.0 | 5.0 | 5.0 |
| PTE Academic | 33 | 36 | 29 | 24 |
| TOEFL iBT | 8 | 8 | 9 | 14 |
| OET | 220 | 240 | 200 | 270 |
| CELPIP | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| LANGUAGECERT | 41 | 44 | 45 | 54 |
| MET | 49 | 47 | 45 | 38 |
Previous Requirements (Before 13 September 2025)
| Test | Overall Score | Listening | Reading | Writing | Speaking | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| IELTS | 5.0 | 5.0 | 5.0 | 5.0 | 5.0 | Overall and each component in 5.0 required |
| OET | N/A | B | B | B | B | Grade B for each component |
| TOEFL iBT | 35 | 4 | 4 | 14 | 14 | Overall 35; L/R 4, W/S 14 |
| PTE Academic | 36 | 36 | 36 | 36 | 36 | All components 36 required |
| Cambridge Advanced (CAE) | 154 | 154 | 154 | 154 | 154 | Overall and each component in 154 |
If you took your test on/after 13 September 2025, you can retake individual sections instead of the whole test. This means:
- ✅ IELTS One Skill Retake (OSR) is now allowed
- ✅ MET Single Skill Retake (SSR) is now allowed
But: If you took your test before 13 September 2025, you still need to pass all sections in one sitting.
Important Timing
- Test validity: 3 years from your first test date
- Application timing: Rules apply to applications lodged 13 September 2025 onwards
- Retakes: 3-year countdown starts from original test date, not retake date
Old vs New Requirements
Took test before 13 Sept 2025? You follow the old rules (single sitting required, some different scores)
Taking test from 13 Sept 2025? You follow the new rules above (retakes allowed)
Planning Your Test Strategy
With retakes now allowed, you could:
- Take the full test
- If you fail one section, retake just that section
- Use your best scores from both attempts
Disclaimer: This is general information only, not migration advice.
