New English Test Rules Announced for Subclass 485 (TR) Graduate Visa, Effective August 2025
moks313925
Have you recently completed your graduation from an Australian institution and are considering extending your stay in Australia through subclass 485? Then knowing about these new English language proficiency rules, which are effective from today, is very important. By understanding these new rules, you will be able to prepare and meet the English requirements more efficiently.
So, here are the key takeaways from the latest legislative instrument released by the Australian government.
Available Test Options: From today onwards, the following tests are accepted to prove your English proficiency for the Subclass 485 (TR) Graduate Visa with three newly added language tests.
Cambridge Advanced test (C1 Advanced)
International English Language Testing System Academic (IELTS Academic)
International English Language Testing System General Training (IELTS General Training)
Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program General (CELPIP General)
LANGUAGECERT Academic Test (LANGUAGECERT Academic)
Michigan English Test (MET)
Occupational English Test (OET)
Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE Academic)
Test of English as a Foreign Language internet-based test (TOEFL iBT).
Test Validity Period: The visa applicant must have achieved the required test score within 1 year before applying for the visa.
Applicants who have taken their English language test between 7 August 2024 and 6 August 2025 can still use their old test results to apply for Subclass 485 visa applications within right time period.
Required English Test Scores: Here are the new English language requirement scores for Subclass 485 (TR) Graduate Visa
For General Applicants:
| English Test | Old Score | New Score |
| C1 Advanced (CAE) | Not accepted | Not accepted |
| CELPIP General | Not available | Overall: 8; Listening: 6; Reading: 6; Writing: 6; Speaking: 6 |
| IELTS Academic | Average band: 6.5; Minimum 5.5 in each component | Average band: 6.5; Minimum 5.5 in each component |
| IELTS General Training | Average band: 6.5; Minimum 5.5 in each component | Average band: 6.5; Minimum 5.5 in each component |
| LANGUAGECERT Academic | Not available | Overall: 67; Listening: 49; Reading: 54; Writing: 56; Speaking: 62 |
| MET | Not available | Overall: 58; Listening: 53; Reading: 51; Writing: 51; Speaking: 43 |
| OET | Not specified | Total: 1310; Listening: 260; |
| PTE Academic | Overall: 57; Listening: 43; Reading: 48; Writing: 51; Speaking: 42 | Overall: 55; Listening: 40; Reading: 42; Writing: 41; Speaking: 39 |
| TOEFL iBT | Total: 83; Listening: 7; Reading: 8; Writing: 18; Speaking: 16 | Total: 81; Listening: 12; Reading: 12; Writing: 14; Speaking: 17 |
For Hong Kong & British National (Overseas) Passport Holders:
| English Test | Old Score | New Score |
| C1 Advanced (CAE) | Overall: 169; Listening: 154; Reading: 154; Writing: 154; Speaking: 154 | Not accepted |
| CELPIP General | Not available | Overall: 7; Listening: 5; Reading: 5; Writing: 5; Speaking: 5 |
| IELTS Academic | Average band: 6.0; Minimum 5 in each component | Average band: 6.0; Minimum 5.0 in each component |
| IELTS General Training | Average band: 6.0; Minimum 5 in each component | Average band: 6.0; Minimum 5.0 in each component |
| LANGUAGECERT Academic | Not available | Overall: 61; Listening: 41; Reading: 44; Writing: 45; Speaking: 54 |
| MET | Not available | Overall: 53; Listening: 49; Reading: 47; Writing: 45; Speaking: 38 |
| OET | Not specified | Total: 1210; Listening: 220; Reading: 240; Writing: 200; Speaking: 270 |
| PTE Academic | Overall: 50; Listening: 36; Reading: 36; Writing: 36; Speaking: 36 | Overall: 47; Listening: 33; Reading: 36; Writing: 29; Speaking: 24 |
| TOEFL iBT | Total: 64; Listening: 4; Reading: 4; Writing: 14; Speaking: 14 | Total: 67; Listening: 8; Reading: 8; Writing: 9; Speaking: 14 |
Exempt Passports: All these English language requirements do not apply to applicants who have a valid passport from one of these countries:
Canada
New Zealand
Republic of Ireland
United Kingdom
United States of America
In conclusion, these new English language proficiency requirements for the Subclass 485 (Temporary Graduate) Visa are a crucial update for anyone who is looking to extend their stay in Australia after graduation. So, understand these updated test options, new score requirements, and other specific key information to better prepare for a successful application.
If you need more information about this update, then contact us at +61 434202021 or info@growmore.one. At Growmore immigration, we always keep up with the latest Australian immigration updates and provide a complete visa processing service. Contact us now for any personalized assistance and join the Growmore community to stay informed.
Comments
Become a Growmore Community Member and Get Expert Support at Special Offer
Schedule Session With Our RMA