Australian Immigration Daily News

The Migration (English Language Test Requirements for Subclass 482 Visas) Instrument 2025 (LIN 25/082) commences on 13 September 2025 and repeals the 2024 instrument. It establishes the approved English language tests, required scores, validity periods, and exemptions for applicants in both the Specialist Skills and Core Skills streams of the Subclass 482 visa.

Approved tests now include IELTS Academic and General, PTE Academic, TOEFL iBT, OET, CELPIP General, LANGUAGECERT Academic and the Michigan English Test. The instrument also introduces recognition of the Single Skill Retake pathway, which permits applicants to re-sit a single test component where necessary. Test results must be no more than three years old at the time of application.

Exemptions apply to citizens of the United Kingdom, United States, Canada, Ireland and New Zealand, as well as applicants who have completed at least five years of full-time study in English. Further exemptions include licensed professionals who have already met equivalent English requirements, high earning intra-company transferees earning at least AUD 96,400 annually, and those working in diplomatic or consular roles.

Transitional provisions are in place so that tests taken between 13 September 2022 and 12 September 2025 remain valid if they meet the required scores. Consultation was undertaken with key professional bodies.

The reforms aim to broaden choice, increase fairness, and align requirements with current agreements between the Department of Home Affairs and test providers.

Source: Migration-English-Language-Test-for-sc482-visas-Instrument-2025.pdf and

Migration-English-Language-Test-for-sc482-visas-Instrument-2025-Explanatory-Statement.pdf