Changes to English Language Tests for Visa Applicants from 7 August 2025
New Accepted English Tests From this date, applicants can submit results from three newly approved tests: These test results will be considered valid for up to 3 years from the date of testing, aligning with existing test validity standards. Updated Score Requirements To ensure consistency across all testing formats, score thresholds for the following tests have been revised: These changes aim to align required scores more accurately with the levels of English proficiency expected under Australia’s visa framework. Important Note: The C1 Advanced test is no longer accepted for Vocational English requirements. English requirements for Student (Sc 500) visas Applicants must meet English test requirements unless exempt based on nationality. Minimum scores (no ELICOS required): Test Minimum Score IELTS Academic 6.0 PTE Academic 47 TOEFL iBT 67 OET 1210 CELPIP General 7 LANGUAGECERT Academic 61 MET 53 Note: Lower scores may be acceptable if the applicant is enrolled in 10–20 weeks of ELICOS (English Language Intensive Courses for Overseas Students). Tests undertaken before commencement of the instrument A person will be determined to possess the necessary English language proficiency, where: English language Requirements for Temporary Graduate (Sc 485) visas Important: Higher English score requirements apply for tests taken on or after 7 August 2025. Minimum scores (Standard Stream): Test Listening Reading Writing Speaking Overall/Total IELTS 5.5 5.5 5.5 5.5 6.5 average band TOEFL iBT 12 12 14 17 81 PTE Academic 40 42 41 39 55 OET 260 280 260 310 1310 LANGUAGECERT Academic 49 54 56 62 67 MET 53 51 51 43 58 CELPIP General 6 6 6 6 8 Tests undertaken before commencement of this instrument As per section 10 of the instrument, a person will be determined to possess the necessary English language proficiency for the purposes of subparagraphs 485.212(1)(a)(i) and (ii) or 485.212(1)(b) where: Who is Exempt from English Testing? You do not need to provide English test results if you hold a valid passport from one of the following countries: Note: If you wish to claim Proficient or Superior English points under GSM, a test is still required regardless of nationality. Language Tests, Test Scores and Passports The Migration (Specification of Language Tests, Test Scores and Passports) Instrument 2025 (LIN 15/016) repeals the Migration Regulations 1994 – Specification of Language Tests, Score and Passports 2015 (IMMI 15/005). The instrument operates to specify English language proficiency and related test scores which are used to establish this proficiency. The instrument updates the English language test scores and test providers required for Australian visas. Tests undertaken before commencement of this instrumentAs per section 10 of the instrument a person will be determined to possess the necessary English language proficiency, where they make a valid application on or after 7 August 2025 and they have undertaken a test specified in subsection (2), (4), (6) or (8) (these are the test providers that were included in the previous instrument): ApplicationThe instrument commenced today on 7 August 2025 and applies to a visa application made on or after 7 August but as noted above there is a saving provision for English language tests undertaken before the commencement of the instrument. Competent English – Minimum Score Requirements To satisfy the Competent English level, applicants must achieve the following minimum scores: Test Listening Reading Writing Speaking IELTS 6 6 6 6 PTE Academic 47 48 51 54 C1 Advanced 163 163 170 179 TOEFL iBT 16 16 19 19 OET 290 310 290 330 CELPIP General 7 7 7 7 LANGUAGECERT Academic 57 60 64 70 MET 56 55 57 48 Functional English Purpose: Demonstrate basic English proficiency through education or testing. Test score requirements (valid for 12 months): Test Minimum Score IELTS Average band score of 4.5 TOEFL iBT Total score of 26 PTE Academic Overall score of 24 LANGUAGECERT Academic Overall score of 38 MET Overall score of 38 CELPIP General Overall score of 5 OET Overall score of 1020 The test needs to be undertaken in the period of 12 months immediately before the day the relevant nomination or visa application is made or on or after the day on which a relevant nomination or visa application is made. This is the same as the previous instrument, but the new instrument has been rephrased to improve clarity. Tests undertaken before commencement of the instrument As per section 7 of the instrument, a person will be determined to possess the necessary functional English (paragraph 5(2)(b) of the Act) and satisfy the requirements of paragraph 5.17(a) of the Regulations, where: Vocational English Purpose: Required for certain skilled and employer-sponsored visas. **Minimum score in each component (Listening, Reading, Writing, Speaking): Test Listening Reading Writing Speaking IELTS 5 5 5 5 TOEFL iBT 8 8 9 14 PTE Academic 33 36 29 24 Proficient English Purpose: For General Skilled Migration (GSM) applicants claiming 10 points for English. Minimum score in each component: Test Listening Reading Writing Speaking IELTS 7 7 7 7 TOEFL iBT 22 22 26 24 PTE Academic 58 59 69 76 OET 350 360 380 360 C1 Advanced 175 179 193 194 CELPIP General 9 8 10 8 LANGUAGECERT Academic 67 71 78 82 MET 61 63 74 59 Superior English Purpose: For GSM applicants claiming 20 points for English. Minimum score in each component: Test Listening Reading Writing Speaking IELTS 8 8 8 8 TOEFL iBT 26 27 30 28 PTE Academic 69 70 85 88 OET 390 400 420 400 CELPIP General 10 10 12 10 LANGUAGECERT Academic 80 83 89 89 C1 Advanced 186 190 210 208 MET Not accepted Not accepted Not accepted Not accepted Functional English Test Accepted Scores – BEFORE 7 August 2025 Accepted Scores – FROM 7 August 2025 IELTS Overall score of 4.5 Average score of 4.5 PTE Academic Overall score of 30 Overall score of 24 TOEFL iBT Total score of 32 Total score of 26 Cambridge C1 Advanced Total score of 147 N/A MET N/A Overall score of 38 CELPIP N/A Overall score of 5 OET N/A Overall score of 1020 LANGUAGECERT Academic N/A Overall score of 38 Vocational English Test Accepted Scores – BEFORE 7 August 2025 Accepted Scores – FROM 7 August 2025 IELTS 5
Visa Processing Times, Program Levels, and New Visas
Visa Processing Updates Migration Program Planning Levels The 2025–26 Migration Program will remain at 185,000 places, unchanged from 2024–25. A new National Innovation visa will replace the Global Talent and Distinguished Talent streams. State and Territory nomination allocations are still being finalised. Regional Migration Settings The Department confirmed regional migration settings are effective at attracting migrants but retention remains a challenge. Improvements in settlement and protection measures are under consideration. Skilled Visa Updates Family Visa Updates Student and Temporary Visa Updates New and Special Visa Programs
Tasmania 190 Visa – Skilled Employment Priority Roles (TSE Priority Occupation)
Subclass 190 – Tasmanian Skilled Employment (TSE) Tasmania has updated their Priority Occupation list Minimum requirements TSE Priority Occupation List Eligible skills assessment Examples of related occupations Notes and caveats Must have a skills assessment for one of these occupations Must be working in an occupation listed in the same three-digit group.Note that not all occupations in the group have been listed 121311 Apiarist121321 Poultry Farmer 121 Farmers and Farm Managers121311 Apiarist121321 Poultry Farmer121399 Livestock Farmers nec121711 Broadacre Crop and Livestock Farmer121799 Mixed Production Farmers nec 131112 Sales and Marketing Manager131113 Advertising Manager 131 Advertising, Public Relations and Sales Managers131112 Sales and Marketing Manager131113 Advertising Manager131114 Public Relations Manager Employer must have operated in Tasmania for at least three years. 132111 Corporate Services Managers132211 Finance Managers132311 Human Resource Managers132511 Research and Development Managers 132 Business Administration Managers132111 Corporate Services Managers132211 Finance Managers132311 Human Resource Managers132411 Policy and Planning Managers132511 Research and Development Managers 133111 Construction Project Manager133211 Engineering Manager 133 Construction, Distribution and Production Managers133111 Construction Project Manager133112 Project Builder133211 Engineering Manager133511 Production Manager (Forestry)133512 Production Manager (Manufacturing)133513 Production Manager (Mining)133611 Supply and Distribution Manager133612 Procurement Manager 134212 Nursing Clinical Director134213 Primary Health Organisation Manager134214 Welfare Centre Manager134299 Health and Welfare Services Managers nec134311 School Principal 134 Education, Health and Welfare Services Managers134111 Child Care Centre Manager134211 Medical Administrator / Medical Superintendent134212 Nursing Clinical Director134213 Primary Health Organisation Manager134214 Welfare Centre Manager134299 Health and Welfare Services Managers nec134411 Faculty Head134412 Regional Education Manager134499 Education Managers nec 135112 ICT Project Manager135199 ICT Managers nec 135 ICT Managers135111 Chief Information Officer135112 ICT Project Manager135199 ICT Managers nec 139911 Arts Administrator or Manager139912 Environmental Manager139913 Laboratory Manager139914 Quality Assurance Manager139999 Specialist Managers nec 139 Miscellaneous Specialist Managers139911 Arts Administrator or Manager139912 Environmental Manager139913 Laboratory Manager139915 Sports Administrator139916 Quality Assurance Manager139917 Regulatory Affairs Manager139999 Specialist Managers nec 141111 Cafe or Restaurant Manager141311 Hotel or Motel Manager 141 Accommodation and Hospitality Managers141111 Cafe or Restaurant Manager141211 Caravan Park and Camping Ground Manager141311 Hotel or Motel Manager141411 Licensed Club Manager141911 Bed and Breakfast Operator141912 Retirement Village Manager141999 Accommodation and Hospitality Managers nec 149913 Facilities Manager 149 Miscellaneous Hospitality, Retail and Service Managers149111 Amusement Centre Manager149112 Fitness Centre Manager149113 Sports Centre Manager149211 Call or Contact Centre Manager149212 Customer Service Manager149311 Conference and Event Organiser149411 Fleet Manager149413 Transport Company Manager149911 Boarding Kennel or Cattery Operator149912 Cinema or Theatre Manager149913 Facilities Manager149914 Financial Institution Branch Manager149915 Equipment Hire Manager149999 Hospitality, Retail and Service Managers nec 221111 Accountant (General)221112 Management Accountant221113 Taxation Accountant221213 External Auditor221214 Internal Auditor221211 Company Secretary 221 Accountants, Auditors and Company Secretaries221111 Accountant (General)221112 Management Accountant221113 Taxation Accountant221211 Company Secretary221212 Corporate Treasurer221213 External Auditor221214 Internal Auditor Must have full membership of either CPA/CA/IPA/ACCA/CFA/CIMA.Employer must have operated for at least 3 years to meet Long-term employment option and Gold / Green attributes in all pathways 223112 Recruitment Consultant 223 Human Resource and Training Professionals223111 Human Resource Adviser223112 Recruitment Consultant223113 Workplace Relations Adviser223311 Training and Development Professional 224712 Organisation and Methods Analyst224713 Management Consultant224914 Patents Examiner224999 Information and Organisation Professionals nec 224 Information and Organisation Professionals224111 Actuary224112 Mathematician224114 Data Analyst224115 Data Scientist224116 Statistician224211 Archivist224212 Gallery or Museum Curator224213 Health Information Manager224214 Records Manager224311 Economist224411 Intelligence Officer224412 Policy Analyst224511 Land Economist224512 Valuer224611 Librarian224712 Organisation and Methods Analyst224713 Management Consultant224714 Supply Chain Analyst224912 Liaison Officer224914 Patents Examiner224999 Information and Organisation Professionals nec 225111 Advertising Specialist225113 Marketing Specialist225311 Public Relations Professional225499 Technical Sales Representatives nec 225 Sales, Marketing and Public Relations Professionals225111 Advertising Specialist225112 Market Research Analyst225113 Marketing Specialist225114 Content Creator (Marketing)225115 Digital Marketing Analyst225211 ICT Account Manager225212 ICT Business Development Manager225213 ICT Sales Representative225311 Public Relations Professional225411 Sales Representative (Industrial Products)225412 Sales Representative (Medical and Pharmaceutical Products)225499 Technical Sales Representatives nec Employer must have operated in Tasmania for at least three years. 232111 Architect232112 Landscape Architect232212 Surveyor232213 Cartographer232214 Other Spatial Scientist232411 Graphic Designer232412 Illustrator232414 Web Designer 232 Architects, Designers, Planners and Surveyors232111 Architect232112 Landscape Architect232212 Surveyor232213 Cartographer232214 Other Spatial Scientist232311 Fashion Designer232312 Industrial Designer232313 Jewellery Designer232411 Graphic Designer232412 Illustrator232413 Multimedia Designer232414 Web Designer232511 Interior Designer232611 Urban and Regional Planner 233211 Civil Engineer233212 Geotechnical Engineer233213 Quantity Surveyor233214 Structural Engineer233215 Transport Engineer233311 Electrical Engineer233511 Industrial Engineer233512 Mechanical Engineer233513 Production or Plant Engineer 233 Engineering Professionals233111 Chemical Engineer233112 Materials Engineer233211 Civil Engineer233212 Geotechnical Engineer233213 Quantity Surveyor233214 Structural Engineer233215 Transport Engineer233311 Electrical Engineer233411 Electronics Engineer233511 Industrial Engineer233512 Mechanical Engineer233513 Production or Plant Engineer233611 Mining Engineer (excluding Petroleum)233612 Petroleum Engineer233911 Aeronautical Engineer233912 Agricultural Engineer233913 Biomedical Engineer233914 Engineering Technologist233915 Environmental Engineer233916 Naval Architect / Marine Designer233999 Engineering Professionals nec 234111 Agricultural Consultant234112 Agricultural Scientist234113 Forester / Forest Scientist234211 Chemist234212 Food Technologist234312 Environmental Consultant234313 Environmental Research Scientist234399 Environmental Scientists nec234411 Geologist234412 Geophysicist234413 Hydrogeologist234711 Veterinarian 234 Natural and Physical Science Professionals234111 Agricultural Consultant234112 Agricultural Scientist234113 Forester / Forest Scientist234114 Agricultural Research Scientist234115 Agronomist234116 Aquaculture or Fisheries Scientist234211 Chemist234212 Food Technologist234213 Wine Maker234311 Conservation Officer234312 Environmental Consultant234313 Environmental Research Scientist234314 Park Ranger234399 Environmental Scientists nec234411 Geologist234412 Geophysicist234413 Hydrogeologist234511 Life Scientist (General)234513 Biochemist234514 Biotechnologist234515 Botanist234516 Marine Biologist234517 Microbiologist234521 Entomologist234522 Zoologist234599 Life Scientists nec234611 Medical Laboratory Scientist234612 Respiratory Scientist234711 Veterinarian234911 Conservator234912 Metallurgist234913 Meteorologist234914 Physicist234915 Exercise Physiologist234999 Natural and Physical Science Professionals nec 241111 Early Childhood (Pre-primary School) Teacher241213 Primary School Teacher241311 Middle School Teacher / Intermediate School Teacher241411 Secondary School Teacher241511 Special Needs Teacher241512 Teacher of the Hearing Impaired241513 Teacher of the Sight Impaired241599 Special Education Teachers nec 241 School Teachers241111 Early Childhood (Pre-primary School) Teacher241213 Primary School Teacher241311 Middle School Teacher / Intermediate School Teacher241411 Secondary School Teacher241511 Special Needs Teacher241512 Teacher of the Hearing Impaired241513 Teacher of the Sight Impaired241599 Special Education Teachers nec 251111 Dietitian251112 Nutritionist251211 Medical Diagnostic Radiographer251212 Medical Radiation Therapist251213 Nuclear Medicine Technologist251214 Sonographer251312 Occupational Health and Safety Adviser251411 Optometrist251412 Orthoptist251511 Hospital Pharmacist251512 Industrial Pharmacist251513 Retail Pharmacist251911 Health Promotion Officer251912 Orthotist or Prosthetist251999 Health Diagnostic and Promotion Professionals nec 251 Health Diagnostic and Promotion Professionals251111 Dietitian251112 Nutritionist251211 Medical Diagnostic Radiographer251212 Medical Radiation Therapist251213 Nuclear Medicine Technologist251214 Sonographer251311 Environmental Health Officer251312 Occupational Health and Safety Adviser251411 Optometrist251412 Orthoptist251511 Hospital Pharmacist251512 Industrial Pharmacist251513 Retail Pharmacist251911 Health Promotion Officer251912 Orthotist or Prosthetist251999 Health Diagnostic and Promotion Professionals nec 252311 Dental Specialist252411 Occupational Therapist252511 Physiotherapist252611 Podiatrist252711
Tasmania – Health and Allied Health Occupations List (TSE Pathway)
Updated 2025–26 Program Settings Subclass 190 – Tasmanian Skilled Employment (TSE) – Health and Allied Health Occupations Tasmania has updated its eligible occupations under the Subclass 190 Skilled Employment Pathway, specifically for the health and allied health sectors. Applicants working in these occupations may be eligible for nomination after six months of employment in Tasmania. Eligible Occupations include (but are not limited to): 272 Social and Welfare Professionals 311 Medical Technicians 411 Health and Welfare Support Officers Remote Work – Tasmanian Established Resident Pathway The Established Resident Pathway now formally recognises remote work as a valid form of employment in Tasmania. Remote work definition: Important clarification:
New 186 TRT Rule Adversely Impacts Medical Practitioners’ PR Pathway
A significant regulatory amendment — the Migration Amendment (Skilled Visa Reform Technical Measures) Regulations 2025 — has introduced an adverse change affecting Subclass 186 Temporary Residence Transition (TRT) visa applicants in exempt occupations, including Medical Practitioners, CEOs, Corporate General Managers and Managing Directors. This change applies to all 186 TRT visa applications lodged on or after 29 November 2025. What Has Changed? The amendment updates the employment requirement for the 186 TRT stream by inserting the words: “…by an approved work sponsor.” This requirement is added to both: Why This Is a Serious Issue for Exempt Occupations For exempt occupations, the change is not merely clarifying existing law — it introduces a NEW restriction. Before 29 November 2025 Medical practitioners, CEOs and GMs could count relevant employment with a non-sponsoring employer toward the 2-year TRT requirement. After 29 November 2025 Time employed by a non-sponsoring entity will no longer count Only employment by an approved Standard Business Sponsor will count toward the 2-year requirement This is a major shift that will leave many previously eligible applicants instantly ineligible. Who Will Be Affected? This change affects anyone in an exempt occupation who: This group includes many: Learn more about pathways for medical professionals here: Who Is NOT Affected? Anyone who lodges their 186 TRT application before 29 November 2025 Anyone whose 2-year qualifying period is already fully sponsored Applicants in non-exempt occupations Immediate Actions Required 1. Eligible Now? Lodge Before 29 November 2025 If you are a Medical Practitioner, CEO or General Manager and have been relying on non-sponsored employment to meet the 2-year TRT requirement: You MUST lodge your 186 TRT application before 29 November 2025. 2. Not Eligible Before the Deadline? You Must Act Fast If you cannot meet the 2-year requirement by the deadline: You may need to: 3. Employers & HR Teams Must Review All Affected Staff Any employee in an exempt occupation whose PR plan depends on mixed employment arrangements must be reviewed immediately. 4. Seek Professional Assistance These changes have major PR implications and strict timelines.
Remote Work and Travel Now Clearer for 491, 494 and 489 Regional Visa Holders
The Australian Department of Home Affairs has released updated policy advice clarifying how Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa holders (subclass 491), Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) visa holders (subclass 494), and Skilled Regional (Provisional) visa holders (subclass 489) can meet their regional living and work requirements. The updated advice aims to resolve long-standing uncertainty around remote work, working for metropolitan or overseas employers, and travel outside designated regional areas (DRAs) in the course of employment. 1. Remote work from a regional area is generally compliant The Department now recognises that remote work is a normal part of the Australian labour market. Visa holders living in a designated regional area who routinely perform their work duties from a location within that area can be compliant with Condition 8579 — even if their employer is based in a metropolitan area or overseas. Compliance is met where: 2. “Frequently and routinely” replaces previous 60/90-day absence rules Earlier internal policy guidelines referenced arbitrary timeframes (e.g., no more than 60 consecutive days or 90 total days outside the DRA). These have now been replaced with the more practical standard of whether work duties are performed “frequently and routinely” outside a regional area. 3. Transport industry workers receive specific exemptions Transport workers (e.g., truck drivers or delivery drivers) may travel between regional and non-regional areas in the course of their duties, without breaching visa conditions, provided they live and primarily work in a DRA. This recognises the nature of transport roles where crossing regional boundaries is unavoidable. 4. Non-compliance occurs when work is routinely performed outside regional areas The policy states visa holders will not meet Condition 8579 if: 5. Evidence visa holders may need to show To demonstrate compliance, visa holders may need to provide: Proof of living in a DRA: Proof that work is performed within a DRA: 6. Common scenarios clarified The Department confirms that visa holders are generally compliant when: However, weekly interstate travel for work may risk non-compliance if work duties are performed frequently outside the regional area. 7. Clearer pathway to permanent residency (subclass 191) Compliance with regional residency and work requirements is essential for eligibility for the Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) visa (subclass 191). This update helps visa holders plan their pathway with greater certainty. What This Means for Regional Visa Holders ✔ More flexibility — Remote work and non-local employers are acceptable if you live and work from a regional area.✔ Modern work patterns recognised — Remote work is officially supported.✔ Occasional travel is fine — Regular out-of-region work is not.✔ Clearer PR pathway — Reduced risk of accidental breaches affecting subclass 191 eligibility.
New 4-Tier Invitation System for 189 Visa
How the Tiered Prioritisation Model Works Under the new model, invitations in the Subclass 189 program are issued based on: Candidates are ranked by points within their occupation and tier, and invitations are issued until the occupation ceiling is reached. Why the Change? Previously, Home Affairs applied a minimum occupation ceiling of 1,000 invitations. In practice, this proved ineffective because: Following analysis of occupation fulfilment rates, Home Affairs has now introduced a lower minimum threshold of 500 invitations per occupation. This change is designed to: The Four Tiers Explained The tier system allows Home Affairs to manage invitations more strategically across the program year. Importantly, occupations within each tier can be amended in response to emerging labour market needs. Tier 1: Highest Value Occupations Tier 1 represents the highest priority occupations for Australia’s long-term skills needs. Key characteristics include: Most occupations in this tier are highly trained medical specialists, such as: Due to their importance, Tier 1 occupations receive the highest weighting, with a 4.0% multiplier applied to maximise intake.
