By Admin, #OasisVisas 
From 7 August 2025, the Australian Government has expanded the list of accepted English Language Tests (ELTs) for visa purposes. The number of approved tests has increased from five to nine, giving applicants more flexibility and choice.
The changes aim to:
- Ensure consistent scoring across different test providers
- Offer more test options to visa applicants
If you are applying for a visa that requires proof of English language skills, you must take an approved test for your visa category and achieve the required scores.
Important dates:
- Tests taken on or before 6 August 2025: Results from the previously accepted five tests will remain valid for up to three years, depending on the visa type.
- Tests taken on or after 7 August 2025: Results will only be accepted from the nine approved tests listed below.
- Skills in Demand Visa (Subclass 482): Current English test rules remain in place until 13 September 2025.
Approved English Language Tests from 7 August 2025 (must be taken at a secure test centre):
1. Cambridge C1 Advanced Test (C1 Advanced)
2. CELPIP General (Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program)
3. IELTS Academic, including One Skill Retake (OSR)
4. IELTS General Training, including One Skill Retake (OSR)
5. LANGUAGECERT Academic Test
6. Michigan English Test (MET), including Single Section Retake (SSR)
7. Occupational English Test (OET)
8. Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE Academic)
9. TOEFL iBT (Test of English as a Foreign Language Internet-Based Test)
Previously Accepted Tests for Results Taken Before 7 August 2025:
- Cambridge English (C1 Advanced)
- IELTS (including OSR)
- PTE Academic
- OET (for health professionals)
- TOEFL iBT
These results can be used for visa applications until 6 August 2028, depending on visa requirements.
English Proficiency Levels for Visas
Visa subclasses may require Functional, Vocational, Competent, Proficient, or Superior English. You must check the required level and provide valid test results within the allowed timeframe.
No Fully Online Tests Accepted
The Department of Home Affairs will not accept results from completely online or at-home English tests, including:
- CELPIP Online
- IELTS Online
- LANGUAGECERT Academic Online
- MET Digital (taken at home)
- OET@Home
- TOEFL iBT Home Edition
All approved tests must be completed in person at a secure testing centre.