Immigration Alert | English Language Changes
The Department of Home Affairs released several new legislative instruments for English which took effect from 7 August 2025.
These changes apply to applications for specified visa subclasses lodged on or after 7 August 2025, with transitional provisions in place for applicants who have valid results from an English test completed before this date. Where this applies, if an English test was conducted before 7 August 2025, an applicant must have achieved the required scores that were in place under the previous legislative instrument.
The changes will apply to visas that require English language proficiency such as the (Subclass 186, 494, 189, 190 and 491). These particular changes do not affect the Subclass 482.
Other English language updates have been announced for Subclass 500 student visas and subclass 485 visas, which also take effect today.
An Overview of Changes effective 7 August
(not including subclass 482, 485 or 500 visas)
The Migration (Specification of Language Tests, Test Scores and Passports) Instrument 2025 (LIN15/016) has updated the scores used to establish whether a person has vocational, competent, proficient, or superior English language skills. These changes will apply to the following subclasses:
- 186
- 494
- 189
- 190
- 491.
The new Instrument has expanded the acceptable test options five to nine with the following additional options now being available:
- Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program General (CELPIP General);
- IELTS Academic and IELTS General including One Skill Retake (OSR);
- LANGUAGECERT Academic Test;
- Michigan English Test (MET) including Single Section Retake (SSR).
The Instrument has also provided updated minimum scores across the various providers and different levels, as outlined in the table below, and the three-year validity period applied to test results remains unchanged. Passport holders from the UK, Ireland, US, Canada, and New Zealand also continue to be deemed native English language speakers and are not required to provide any formal evidence of their English language skills.
Sources: DOHA and MIA
Upcoming changes to English requirements for the Subclass 482 Skills in Demand visa
The Department has also announced that the English language requirements for the SID visa will also be changing on 13 September this year. From that date, primary applicants will need to evidence at least a Vocational level of English language skills, with minimum required scores as outlined above. After this date, the Department will no longer accept Cambridge C1 Advanced Tests for the SID visa, so applicants must ensure they have taken the test before this date, if this is their preferred provider.
Transition period
The Department has indicated that results from a test taken before 6 August 2026 may still be used as evidence of English proficiency until 6 August 2028, provided they meet the applicable minimum score requirements. This may still be variable depending on the subclass applied for and applicants should check before applying in case of additional changes.
Takeaway
Applicants need to be sure before submitting an application that their test results meet the required scores, which may be variable depending on the date test was completed.
Connect with us
For more information or if you’re unsure of the requirements and require an assessment or consult, please reach out to our immigration team! hello@mapien.com.au