Revised English Language Proficiency Benchmarks and Approved Tests (LIN 25/016)

Policy effect

Updates and specifies the accepted English language test providers and scores across four proficiency bands (Vocational, Competent, Proficient, Superior) under the Migration Regulations 1994, repealing instrument IMMI 15/005. The instrument applies to visa applications made on or after commencement on 7 August 2025 and specifies transitional provisions for tests undertaken in the 36-month period before application and before commencement. It specifies approved tests including C1 Advanced, CELPIP General, IELTS Academic, IELTS General Training, LANGUAGECERT Academic, MET, OET, PTE Academic, and TOEFL iBT, subject to specific exclusions per band (such as C1 Advanced excluded from Vocational, and MET excluded from Superior). It also specifies exempt passport-issuing countries: Canada, New Zealand, the Republic of Ireland, the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, and the United States of America.

Conditions and exceptions

Validated condition or limit: The instrument applies to visa applications made on or after commencement on 7 August 2025 and specifies transitional provisions for tests undertaken in the 36-month period before application and before commencement.; It specifies approved tests including C1 Advanced, CELPIP General, IELTS Academic, IELTS General Training, LANGUAGECERT Academic, MET, OET, PTE Academic, and TOEFL iBT, subject to specific exclusions per band (such as C1 Advanced excluded from Vocational, and MET excluded from Superior).; It also specifies exempt passport-issuing countries: Canada, New Zealand, the Republic of Ireland, the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, and the United States of America.

Official source excerpt

Quoted verbatim from the official source below. Ellipses indicate omitted text.

This instrument is the Migration (Specification of Language Tests, Test Scores and Passports) Instrument 2025. … Migration Regulations 1994 – Specification of Language Tests, Score and Passports 2015 – IMMI 15/005 1 The whole of the instrument Repeal the instrument. … Schedule 3—Specified passports Item Country 1 Canada 2 New Zealand 3 The Republic of Ireland 4 The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland 5 The United States of AmericaAuthorised …

Review method

Gemini 3.5 Flash-Lite extraction with independent Gemini 3.8 Flash verification

Other Australia changes operative in 2025

• 2025-03-22Nil Visa Application Charge (VAC) for Pacific Australia Card Holders (LIN 25/007)
• 2025-05-01Establishment of Subclass 192 (Pacific Engagement) Treaty Stream (Australia-Tuvalu Falepili Union)
• 2025-05-01Pre-Application Process and Selection Rules for Subclass 192 Visa (Treaty Stream)
• 2025-07-01Indexation of Skilled Visa Income Thresholds (TSMIT) via LIN 25/038
• 2025-07-01Migration (Arrangements for Protection, Refugee and Humanitarian Visas) Amendment (Internet Lodgement) Instrument 2025
• 2025-08-07Specification of English Language Proficiency Requirements for Subclass 500 (Student) Visas (LIN 25/090)
• 2025-11-29Specification of Medical Assessment Matrix for Public Interest Criteria (LIN 25/049)