By - AVF Consultant
Good news for applicants of visas! From 7 August 2025, the Department of Home Affairs of Australia began accepting nine different English language tests instead of just five. This provides applicants with more choices. Anand Visa Facilitators is here to assist you to grasp this change and what it means for your visa process.
What's Changing?
There used to be a limited number of five tests that were accepted for an Australian visa. From 7 August 2025, nine are on the list. This is what's currently accepted when taken at a secure test centre:
- Cambridge C1 Advanced (C1 Advanced)
- CELPIP General (Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program – General)
- IELTS Academic (including One Skill Retake)
- IELTS General Training (including One Skill Retake)
- LANGUAGECERT Academic
- Michigan English Test (MET, including Single Section Retake)
- Occupational English Test (OET)
- PTE Academic (Pearson Test of English Academic)
- TOEFL iBT (Test of English as a Foreign Language – internet-based)
That's four new choices: CELPIP General, LANGUAGECERT Academic, MET, and IELTS General Training (including its One Skill Retake option).
Why This Matters to You
Increased flexibility: Now you can take a test you feel at ease with, in your region.
Fairness maintained: All tests need to be done in a secure centre, and thus the system remains dependable.
Old results are still valid: If you sat one of the old tests on or before 6 August 2025, your result remains valid—usually for up to three years—based on your visa subclass.
How to Choose the Right Test
Check your English requirement for visa: Your visa subclass will request Functional, Competent, Proficient, or higher.
Choose from the nine approved tests: Select what's accessible and best for your strengths.
Don't do online-at-home versions: DHA won't accept fully online tests (such as IELTS Online, MET Digital, CELPIP Online, etc.). Ensure your test is done in a safe centre.
What About Old Test Results?
Yes, your previous results are counted—if they're within the validity range accepted and taken prior to 7 August 2025. It's usually up to three years' validity for most visa types. Find out what your visa subclass needs.
What You Should Do Now
- First, determine your visa subclass and what English level it requires.
- Choose a test from the nine ones that are accepted.
- Book your test at a secure test centre.
- Prepare for it every test is different and has its strengths.
- Book in advance, particularly if test centres get booked up quickly!
Conclusion
This transition makes it simpler and fairer for visa applicants around the globe. At Anand Visa Facilitators, we are ready to help you choose the appropriate test, prepare well, and apply confidently.