Subclass 485 English Test Update
Effective 7 Aug 2025
Subclass 485 English Test Update – Effective 7 August 2025
The Department of Home Affairs has updated the English language test requirements for the Temporary Graduate (Subclass 485) visa, starting 7 August 2025.
If you’re planning to apply for a Subclass 485 visa, it’s important to understand the new test options, score requirements, and exemptions.
You don’t need to provide English test results if you hold a valid passport from one of these countries:
Standard Test Score Requirements
| English Test | Overall Score | Listening | Reading | Writing | Speaking |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| C1 Advanced | ❌ Not accepted for Subclass 485 | — | — | — | — |
| CELPIP General | 8 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 |
| IELTS Academic | 6.5 average | 5.5 | 5.5 | 5.5 | 5.5 |
| IELTS General Training | 6.5 average | 5.5 | 5.5 | 5.5 | 5.5 |
| LANGUAGECERT Academic | 67 | 49 | 54 | 56 | 62 |
| MET (Michigan English Test) | 58 | 53 | 51 | 51 | 43 |
| OET | 1310 | 260 | 280 | 260 | 310 |
| PTE Academic | 55 | 40 | 42 | 41 | 39 |
| TOEFL iBT | 81 | 12 | 12 | 14 | 17 |
| English Test | Overall Score | Listening | Reading | Writing | Speaking |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| C1 Advanced | ❌ Not accepted for Subclass 485 | — | — | — | — |
| CELPIP General | 7 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| IELTS Academic | 6.0 average | 5.0 | 5.0 | 5.0 | 5.0 |
| IELTS General Training | 6.0 average | 5.0 | 5.0 | 5.0 | 5.0 |
| LANGUAGECERT Academic | 61 | 41 | 44 | 45 | 54 |
| MET (Michigan English Test) | 53 | 49 | 47 | 45 | 38 |
| OET | 1210 | 220 | 240 | 200 | 270 |
| PTE Academic | 47 | 33 | 36 | 29 | 24 |
| TOEFL iBT | 67 | 8 | 8 | 9 | 14 |
Applicants from these regions have separate English test requirements. For tests taken on or after 7 August 2025, minimum scores are slightly lower (e.g., IELTS 6 overall, PTE 47).
If your test was taken on or before 6 August 2025, your results remain valid under the previous requirements, as long as the test was taken within 12 months before you apply for your visa.
Your English test results are valid for one year from the test date for subclass 485 visa application. If you retake a section (OSR or SSR), the 1-year period is still counted from your first test date.
FAQ Section
1️⃣ Who is exempt from taking an English test for the 485 visa?
Applicants who hold valid passports from the UK, USA, Canada, New Zealand, or Ireland do not need to take an English test.
2️⃣ What is the main change from 7 August 2025?
The Department now accepts IELTS One Skill Retake (OSR) and MET Single Section Retake (SSR) results — offering applicants more flexibility.
3️⃣ How long are my test results valid for?
English test results remain valid for 1 years from your first test date for Subclass 485 visa application.
4️⃣ What if I took my test before 7 August 2025?
Your test is still valid if it meets the older score requirements and was taken within 12 months before applying for your visa.
5️⃣ Can OET results be used for 485 visa applications?
Yes — but you must obtain your overall score directly from OET and include it in your application.
If you’re unsure whether your English test meets the new 485 visa requirements, our migration team can guide you through the process.
👉 Contact Migration Dreamz for personalized visa advice.
