The Australian government has expanded its list of approved English language proficiency tests for visa applicants, offering new and flexible options to streamline the visa application process.
From August 7, 2025, applicants can now submit results from the Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program (CELPIP) General, LanguageCert Academic, and the Michigan English Test (MET) alongside the traditional options of IELTS, TOEFL, and others.
This expansion aligns with Australia’s ongoing efforts to enhance its immigration system and better accommodate applicants from diverse backgrounds.
The move aims to simplify the visa process while ensuring that applicants meet the English proficiency standards required for work, study, and living in Australia.
Newly Approved Tests
The three new tests – CELPIP General, LanguageCert Academic, and MET – are designed to provide visa applicants with greater flexibility in demonstrating their English language skills.
Each of these tests offers a unique format and processing time, catering to different needs and preferences:
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CELPIP General: Widely used in Canada, the CELPIP test is a fully computer-based assessment of real-life English used in workplace and social settings. It tests all four language skills—Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking—in a single sitting. The results are available within 4–5 business days, offering quick feedback for applicants.
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LanguageCert Academic: This test is designed for academic and professional settings, focusing on practical English skills. It can be taken online or at designated test centers and delivers results in about three days. LanguageCert Academic is ideal for those seeking to demonstrate their English proficiency for educational and professional purposes.
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Michigan English Test (MET): Known for its widespread use in the U.S. and Latin America, the MET is a comprehensive English test that measures all four skills and is suitable for work and study applicants. Available in both online and in-center formats, the MET provides an accessible and flexible testing option for global applicants.
Revised Minimum Score Requirements
In addition to the new tests, the Australian government has revised the minimum score requirements for existing English proficiency tests such as IELTS, TOEFL iBT, PTE Academic, and Cambridge English (CAE). These revisions aim to better align the scores with actual English proficiency levels across various testing formats.
For instance, applicants must now meet updated score thresholds for IELTS, PTE Academic, TOEFL iBT, and the newly accepted tests like CELPIP, LanguageCert, and MET. Below are the updated minimum scores for the most widely used tests:
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IELTS (International English Language Testing System): Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking must each score a minimum of 6.0.
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PTE Academic: Listening must score 47, Reading 48, Writing 51, and Speaking 54.
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TOEFL iBT: Minimum scores include Listening 16, Reading 16, Writing 19, and Speaking 19.
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CELPIP: Applicants must score at least 7 in each section (Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking).
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LanguageCert Academic: The minimum requirements include Listening 57, Reading 60, Writing 64, and Speaking 70.
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MET: Listening 56, Reading 55, Writing 57, and Speaking 48.
Impact on Visa Applicants
This expansion and revision are expected to simplify the visa application process for many candidates. By introducing new test options and aligning the scores more closely with actual language proficiency, Australia is offering a more streamlined pathway for international applicants.
Visa applicants can now choose the test format that best suits their needs, whether it’s the flexibility of online tests or the faster processing times offered by certain tests. Furthermore, the inclusion of CELPIP, LanguageCert, and MET opens doors for applicants who may have found it difficult to meet the previous testing options or score requirements.
For applicants with existing test results, the revised score thresholds will provide clarity and a clear roadmap for meeting Australia’s language proficiency standards.
Conclusion
With these changes, Australia continues to lead by adopting more inclusive and efficient measures to support international applicants. By expanding the list of accepted English language proficiency tests, the government is paving the way for a more accessible and efficient visa application process for thousands of applicants around the world.
For those interested in applying for an Australian visa, these updates provide new opportunities to demonstrate language proficiency and secure a visa more efficiently.
For more information on the latest visa updates and application requirements, visit the Australian Government’s Department of Home Affairs website.