TL;DR
- The 485 visa English requirement has updated the minimum score criteria.
- The Department of Home Affairs now accepts a range of English language tests.
- Test results from 7 August 2025 onwards will follow new score requirements.
- Preparing early and knowing the required scores is important to avoid any delays in your visa application.
- Be sure to take your test at a secure testing centre to meet the visa standards.
Are you planning to apply for the 485 visa after completing your studies in Australia? If so, understanding the new English requirements for this visa is essential to ensure your application goes smoothly. Whether you’re applying under the Post-Vocational Education Work or Post-Higher Education Work stream, English language proficiency is a critical part of the process.
The rules around English tests for Australian visas have recently changed, and it’s crucial to know the latest requirements for your 485 visa application. In this article, we’ll break down the updated PTE requirements, the tests accepted, and how you can meet the English proficiency criteria to ensure your visa application is successful.
Please note: This article serves as a general guide to help you understand the topic, with information accurate as of the publication date. We recommend consulting a registered migration agent or The Department of Home Affairs for precise, up-to-date guidance tailored to your specific circumstances.
What is the Temporary Graduate Visa Subclass 485?
The Temporary Graduate Visa Subclass 485 allows international students who have completed their studies in Australia to stay temporarily to gain work experience or further their studies. It’s a valuable visa for those who want to build their careers in Australia before potentially transitioning to permanent residency.
Key details about the 485 visa:
Streams available:
- Post-Vocational Education Work stream: For those with a diploma, trade qualification, or associate degree.
- Post-Higher Education Work stream: For those with a bachelor’s degree, master’s degree, or doctorate.
- Second Post-Higher Education Work stream: For graduates who studied at a regional Australian institution and already hold a Temporary Graduate visa in the Post-Higher Education Work, Post-Study Work, or Replacement stream.
Depending on your qualification and stream, you can live in Australia for 1–4 years.
As part of your application, you’ll also need to meet specific English proficiency criteria to ensure you can participate fully in the Australian community. Let’s understand these new English language requirements in detail.
New English Requirements for the 485 Visa – What You Need to Know
As of 7 August 2025, the Department of Home Affairs has updated the English language test requirements for the 485 visa. Understanding these changes is important for a smooth application process.
Key updates include:
Accepted English Tests
The Department of Home Affairs now accepts scores from the following tests, but only if they are taken at a secure test centre:
For tests taken on or after 7 August 2025:
- Cambridge C1 Advanced Test (C1 Advanced)
- Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program General (CELPIP General)
- International English Language Testing System Academic (IELTS Academic) – including One Skill Retake (OSR)
- International English Language Testing System General Training (IELTS General Training) – including One Skill Retake (OSR)
- LANGUAGECERT Academic Test (LANGUAGECERT Academic)
- Michigan English Test (MET) – including Single Section Retake (SSR)
- Occupational English Test (OET)
- Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE Academic)
- Test of English as a Foreign Language internet-Based Test (TOEFL iBT)
For tests taken on or before 6 August 2025:
- Cambridge English (CAE) (C1 Advanced)
- International English Language Testing System (IELTS) – including One Skill Retake (OSR)
- Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE Academic)
- Occupational English Test (OET) (Note: This is designed for health professionals)
- Test of English as a Foreign Language internet-Based Test (TOEFL iBT)
New minimum score requirements:
| Test | Overall | Listening | Reading | Writing | Speaking |
| C1 Advanced | Not accepted | Not accepted | Not accepted | Not accepted | Not accepted |
| CELPIP General | 8 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 |
| IELTS Academic | 6.5 | 5.5 | 5.5 | 5.5 | 6 |
| IELTS General Training | 6.5 | 5.5 | 5.5 | 5.5 | 5.5 |
| LANGUAGECERT Academic | 67 | 49 | 54 | 56 | 62 |
| MET | 58 | 53 | 51 | 51 | 43 |
| OET | 1310 | 260 | 280 | 260 | 310 |
| PTE Academic | 55 | 40 | 42 | 41 | 39 |
| TOEFL iBT | 81 | 12 | 12 | 14 | 17 |
Test result validity:
- For the 485 visa, English test scores are valid for 1 year, regardless of the test date. The eligible score requirements differ, but validity is not affected.
Now that we’ve covered the basic requirements, let’s look at how you can prepare for the test and meet the English requirements for your 485 visa application.
How to Meet the English Requirements for the 485 Visa
Meeting the English requirements for your 485 visa application doesn’t have to be stressful if you prepare well. Here are some tips to ensure you meet the English proficiency criteria:
1. Choose the right test
PTE Academic is a popular choice for many applicants, but you may also want to consider other tests like IELTS or TOEFL iBT. Select the test that suits your strengths and preferences.
2. Prepare in advance
Start studying early by taking practice tests and enrolling in preparation courses. Familiarising yourself with the test format and types of questions will help you feel more confident on test day. There are many online resources available for PTE preparation, including free and paid options.
3. Take the test early
Plan to take your test at least 3–6 months before applying for your visa. This ensures your results are valid and gives you time to retake the test if needed.
4. Retake the test if necessary
If you don’t meet the required score, you can retake the test. Just make sure to allow enough time between attempts and your visa application submission.
By preparing for the test early and choosing the right English exam, you’ll set yourself up for success. Next, let’s look at common mistakes that applicants make when submitting their English test results.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Submitting English Test Results
While the process for submitting English test results seems straightforward, many applicants make common mistakes that can delay or even ruin their visa application. Here are some key things to avoid:
- Expired test results: Ensure your PTE Academic or other test results are still valid (1 year for the subclass 485 visa) when you submit your visa application.
- Incorrect test format: Be careful not to submit remote-proctored or online test results (e.g., PTE Online). Only secure centre-based tests are accepted for the 485 visa.
- Not meeting sub-skill requirements: Even if you achieve the required overall score, you must also meet the minimum sub-scores in each section (e.g., Listening, Reading, Writing, Speaking). Make sure you review these before submitting your application.
By avoiding these common mistakes, you’ll be in a better position to successfully meet the 485 visa English requirements. Let’s wrap up with some final thoughts on how to prepare and meet the English criteria.
Final Thoughts
Meeting the English language requirements for your 485 visa is one of the most important steps in the application process. With the updated PTE Academic scores, it’s crucial to know the specific sub-skill scores and overall requirements to avoid delays.
To ensure a successful application:
- Plan early, choose the right test for you, and prepare thoroughly.
- Avoid common mistakes like submitting expired test results or taking an unapproved online test.
- Remember, PTE Academic is just one option – choose the test that you feel most comfortable with and that best suits your strengths.
If you’re still unsure or need assistance with the English language requirements or your 485 visa application, Knowbal Migration & Education is here to guide you. Our experts will help you understand the latest requirements and ensure your visa application process runs smoothly.
Book a consultation with Knowbal today and take the next step toward securing your future in Australia!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I submit IELTS instead of PTE for my 485 visa?
Yes, you can submit IELTS instead of PTE for your 485 visa. Both are accepted as long as you meet the required score. You can choose the test that suits you best.
2. How long are PTE scores valid for the 485 visa?
PTE scores are valid for 1 year from the date of the test. Make sure your results are still within the validity period when you apply for your visa.
3. What happens if I don’t meet the required PTE score for my 485 visa?
If you don’t meet the required PTE score, you can retake the test. Be sure to plan ahead and reapply with your new scores before submitting your visa application.
4. Can I use my PTE score from an online test?
No, PTE Online (remote-proctored tests) are not accepted for the 485 visa. Only scores from secure, in-person testing centres are valid.
5. What are the score requirements for Hong Kong and British National Overseas (BNO) passport holders?
For Hong Kong and BNO passport holders, the required PTE score is slightly lower than for other applicants. Check the latest official guidelines for the exact score, but generally, it is 47 in PTE and 6 in IELTS overall with some variation in sub-scores.
Have more questions? Contact Knowbal!