What is the new English Language Requirement for a 482 visa?
Skills in Demand 482 English language requirements from 13 September 2025.
Understanding the 482 english language requirements is crucial for applicants.
Announced by the Department of Immigration on Thursday 7 August 2025, the English requirements for the 482 Skills in Demand visa has been updated, specifically under the Specialist Skills Stream and Core Skills Stream.
Understanding the 482 English Language Requirements for Visa Applicants
Meeting the 482 english language requirements ensures your visa application is processed smoothly.
For tests taken on or after 13 September, the minimum scores are as follows:
The following three new test providers have been added to the list of those accepted for visa purpose:
- Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program General (CELPIP General)
- LANGUAGECERT Academic Test (LANGUAGECERT Academic);
- Michigan English Test (MET)
- Cambridge English Advanced test (CAE) is now Cambridge Advanced Test (C1 Advanced).
Single attempt and re-sitting test components
The previous requirements stated that the applicant had to take the test in a single attempt.
The new requirements allow an applicant to re-sit a test component therefore, based on this information, applicants should be able to use IELTS One Skill Retake (OSR) and MET SSR for English test conducted on or after 13 September 2025.
Those who fulfill the 482 english language requirements can enhance their chances of success.
English tests that were conducted before 13 September 2025 still need to achieve the required English test score in a single attempt therefore, applicants who conducted English before 13 September 2025 cannot use IELTS OSR or MET SSR.
Validity of English test for 482 visa application
Applicants should be aware of the 482 english language requirements to avoid complications.
The test is valid for 3 years from the first test sitting (original test day).
If the applicant is required to re-sit a test component after the test day the 3-year validity is still counted from the original test day.
Exemptions from the 482 english language requirements apply to certain applicants.
- Primary applicants who are a citizen of, and hold a valid passport issued by, one of the following countries: United Kingdom, United States of America, Canada, New Zealand, Republic of Ireland.
- Primary applicants who have completed at least five years of full-time study in a secondary and/or higher education institution where the instruction was delivered in English. Note: Vocational Education and Training (VET) courses are considered part of higher education for the purposes of the SID program.
- Applicants who are an employee of an overseas business who is coming to Australia to work for that company or their associated entity; and have a nominated annual earnings of at least AUD$96,400.
- Primary applicants who (1) are nominated in an occupation that requires them to hold registration, licence or membership; (2) have been granted the required registration, licence or membership; and (3) were required to demonstrate a level of English language competency equivalent to, or better than, the level of English language proficiency that is required under the SID program, in order to be granted the required registration, licence or membership.
I sat an English test before 13 September, can I still use the results?
Yes. Immigration will continue to accept English tests undertaken before 13 September 2025:
- Overall IELTS band score score of at least 5.0, with no less than 5 in each component in each of the four test components. IELTS One Skill Retake (OSR) is not accepted
- Overall PTE Academic test band score of at least 36, with at least a score of 36 in each of the four test components
- OET test score of at least B in each of the four test components
- Total overall score on TOEFL iBT test of at least 35, with at least the following scores in the four test components: 4 for listening, 4 for reading, 14 for writing and 14 for speaking
- Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE) overall test score of at least 154, with a score of at least 154 in each of the four test components.
Planning to apply for a Skills in Demand 482 Visa?
Ensure you meet the 482 english language requirements before applying.
VISA LOUNGE’s team of corporate immigration experts can assist with all the steps of the 482 visa process, including checking if you meet the new 482 English language requirements. Click here to contact us.
Link to the offical legislative instrument The Migration (English Language Test Requirements for Subclass 482 Visas) Instrument 2025 (LIN 25/082).