Australia is one of the top destinations for Indian professionals, students, and skilled workers. Every year, thousands of Indians apply for Australian work visas to build a career abroad. One of the key requirements has always been proof of English language ability.
On 7 August 2025, the Australian government introduced significant changes to the English language test requirements for foreign workers applying for visas. If you are preparing for a work visa, these new rules will directly affect which test you can take, what scores you need, and how long your test results remain valid.
What Changed in the English Test Rules?
Australia has always accepted a set of English tests for visa applications. Until recently, there were only five main tests like IELTS and PTE. Now, from 7 August 2025, there are nine accepted English tests. Some new tests have been added, and the score requirements for existing tests like PTE and TOEFL have also been updated.
Here are the key changes:
- More test choices – Earlier, you could take IELTS, PTE Academic, TOEFL iBT, OET, or Cambridge C1 Advanced. Now, you can also use:
- CELPIP General
- LanguageCert Academic
- Michigan English Test (MET)
- Score updates – The Australian government compared scores across different tests and adjusted the score ranges for each English level. For example, the PTE Academic score you need for “Competent English” or “Proficient English” is slightly different now.
- Result validity – Your test results must usually be less than 3 years old (36 months) when you apply. For some cases like Functional English, the results must be less than 1 year old.
- No at-home tests – Online versions like IELTS Online or TOEFL Home Edition are not accepted. You must take the test in an approved test center.
Why Did Australia Make These Changes?
The updates are designed to:
- Give applicants more options: Many workers outside big cities struggled to find test dates for IELTS or PTE. With more tests accepted, it’s easier to book.
- Create fairer comparisons: Different tests measure skills differently. By adjusting score requirements, Australia wants to make sure that a “Competent” level in IELTS means the same as “Competent” in PTE or CELPIP.
- Maintain visa integrity: At-home versions are not accepted because Australia wants to ensure the test is taken fairly under exam conditions.
Which Visas Are Affected?
Most work visas and skilled migration visas require proof of English. Here’s a quick breakdown:
1. Skills in Demand (SID) Visa – Subclass 482 (Temporary Work Visa)
- This is the main visa for employer-sponsored workers.
- English is mandatory unless you’re exempt (for example, if your job is in a country where English is the main language).
- The government has hinted that from 13 September 2025, the Cambridge C1 Advanced test may no longer be accepted for this visa.
2. Permanent Employer-Sponsored Visas (Subclass 186)
- For those moving from temporary to permanent jobs in Australia.
- English requirement depends on whether you need Competent, Proficient, or Superior English.
3. General Skilled Migration Visas (Subclass 189, 190, 491)
- These are for skilled workers applying independently or through state nomination.
- You must show Competent English or higher to be eligible. Higher scores (Proficient/Superior) can give you more points.
4. Other Work-Linked Pathways
- Training visas, regional visas, and graduate visas may also use these English test rules.
What Do These Levels Mean?
Australia uses five main English levels:
- Functional English – Very basic English (often for family visas, not work visas).
- Vocational English – Basic work-level English.
- Competent English – The minimum needed for most skilled visas.
- Proficient English – Higher level, gives more points.
- Superior English – Very high level, gives the maximum points for migration.
Each test (IELTS, PTE, TOEFL, etc.) now has updated scores for these levels. For example:
- IELTS Competent = 6.0 in each band.
- PTE Academic Competent = 50 (new alignment).
- CELPIP General Competent = 7 in each component.
What Indian Applicants Should Keep in Mind
If you are an Indian worker or student applying for an Australian work visa in 2025 or later, here’s what you should note:
- Choose the right test – If IELTS dates are full, you now have more options like CELPIP or LanguageCert. Pick the one where you’re most comfortable.
- Book early – With Australia being a top choice, test slots in cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, and Hyderabad can fill up quickly.
- Prepare smartly – Practice with the updated score benchmarks. Even a small score increase can affect your visa eligibility.
- Check validity – Don’t use an old score report. Make sure your result is still within the valid period.
- Visa-specific rules – For example, the SID 482 visa may soon exclude Cambridge C1 Advanced, so check updates before booking that test.
Practical Tips for Indians Preparing Now
- Pick your test wisely: If you’re stronger in speaking, CELPIP is a good choice; if you prefer academic-style exams, PTE or IELTS may suit you better.
- Don’t delay your test: Visa applications can be delayed if your English proof is missing.
- Use official prep material: Each test provider has its own practice tests—use them.
- Stay updated: Australia may keep refining which tests apply to which visas (like the SID 482 update expected in September 2025). Always double-check before booking.
- Plan your finances: Start planning with Unimoni early so you can handle visa payments and foreign exchange smoothly.
How Unimoni Can Help Indian Applicants
Applying for an Australian work visa involves more than just clearing the English test. You’ll also need to manage money transfers, forex, and payments abroad. That’s where Unimoni makes a big difference.
Here’s how:
1. Paying Visa Fees Abroad
Australian visa application fees are paid in AUD (Australian Dollars). Unimoni lets you pay these fees quickly, securely, and at competitive exchange rates.
2. Foreign Currency Exchange
Moving to Australia? You’ll need AUD in cash or a forex card for your initial expenses. Unimoni provides multi-currency forex cards and foreign exchange services at better rates.
3. International Money Transfers
Unimoni helps you send money from India easily for paying for employment, rent, family maintenance, gifts and other migration-related payments.
4. Travel Insurance with Medical Coverage
Moving abroad means being prepared for emergencies. Unimoni provides travel insurance plans that cover medical expenses, accidents, and travel delays, giving you peace of mind while you settle in Australia.
5. Flight Ticket Booking with Special Rates
Unimoni partners with airlines and travel services to offer discounted airfares for students and workers heading overseas. You can save significantly compared to regular bookings. Indian workers and students usually carry extra luggage when moving abroad. Through Unimoni’s tie-ups, you can get special baggage allowance offers, making your relocation smoother.
