Australia Working Holiday Visa: 485 Visa English Requirements 2025 Guide
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Subclass 485 Visa English Requirements 2025: What Changed & What You Must Know

  • skylarkmigrationma
  • Oct 10
  • 3 min read
Woman in yellow shirt holds red folders, smiling outdoors. Text: "New Update: Subclass 485 Visa English Requirements 2025."
New Update: Changes to Subclass 485 Visa English Requirements for 2025 Highlighted.


If you’re planning to apply for an Australian Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485) in 2025, there’s a key update you can’t ignore: Subclass 485 visa English requirements 2025. From 7 August 2025, new language rules under Migration Instrument LIN 25/089 replace the 2024 requirements and will affect all fresh 485 visa applications.


Why the Subclass 485 Visa English Requirements 2025 Matter for Graduates

English proficiency is a core eligibility criterion for the Subclass 485 visa. If your test scores don’t meet the new Subclass 485 visa English requirements 2025, your visa application risks refusal. This change underscores how seriously the Department of Home Affairs views language capability.


Approved English Tests under the 2025 Subclass 485 Visa English Requirements

Starting 7 August 2025, the following tests are accepted for the 485 visa:

  • IELTS Academic or General Training

  • PTE Academic

  • TOEFL iBT

  • OET (Occupational English Test)

  • CELPIP General (newly added)

  • LANGUAGECERT Academic (newly added)

  • Michigan English Test (MET) (newly added)

  • Cambridge C1 Advanced (limited use only)



Minimum Scores Required under the 2025 English Requirements (Standard Applicants)

Here are the core thresholds for most applicants in the Post‑Vocational and Post‑Higher Education Work streams:

Test

Overall Score

Minimum per skill

IELTS

6.5

≥ 5.5 in each skill

PTE Academic

55

~40–42 in each component

TOEFL iBT

81

Reading 12, Listening 12, Writing 14, Speaking 17

OET

1310 (total)

Minimum in each skill

CELPIP

8

≥ 6 in each component

MET

58

43–53 depending on skill

LANGUAGECERT

67

Higher minimums for writing/speaking

These are your target scores if you want to satisfy the Subclass 485 visa English requirements 2025 as a regular applicant.


Special Score Arrangements for Hong Kong & BNO Passport Holders

If you hold a Hong Kong or British National (Overseas) passport, lower thresholds apply under specific routes:

  • IELTS: 6.0 (≥ 5.0 each skill)

  • PTE Academic: overall 47 with lower component minimums

  • TOEFL IBT: total 67

These tailored thresholds reflect Australia’s migration allowance for Hong Kong/BNO nationals as part of the Subclass 485 visa English requirements 2025 changes.


Exemptions: When You Don’t Need an English Test

You may be exempt from English test obligations if you hold a current passport from:

  • Canada

  • New Zealand

  • Ireland

  • the United Kingdom

  • the United States

Holders of these passports are automatically considered to have met the English requirement under the Subclass 485 visa English requirements 2025 system.


Timing Rules (When Your Test Must Be Done)

Your English test must be no older than 12 months before your visa application date. Under transitional rules:

  • Tests taken between 7 August 2024 and 6 August 2025 may still be accepted if they satisfy the 2024 criteria.

  • Tests older than that will not be valid under the Subclass 485 visa English requirements 2025.


Other Recent Changes to the Subclass 485 Visa

The English requirement update is part of broader shifts to the 485 visa regime:

  • Upper eligible age reduced from 50 to 35

  • Adjustments in post-study work rights

  • Ongoing negotiations about reliable PR (permanent residency) pathways

These broader changes (plus the new Subclass 485 visa English requirements 2025) have caused concern within the international student community.


Frequently Asked Questions on Subclass 485 Visa English Requirements 2025


1.Can I use IELTS General Training for the 485 visa?– Yes. Under the new rules, both IELTS Academic and General Training are accepted.


2.How long is my test valid?– 12 months, unless covered by transitional rules.

Do I need to retake the test if I already have PTE results?– Only if they’re more than 12 months old or below the required score.


3.Which test is easier?– It depends on your strengths (speaking vs typing, etc.). Some prefer IELTS (face-to-face speaking); others favor PTE (computer-based).


Final Thoughts: How to Approach the 2025 English Requirements

The Subclass 485 visa English requirements 2025 are stricter than before—but still within reach with good planning. Start your test early, aim for a buffer above the minimum, and ensure your results are valid on your application date.


If you’re uncertain whether your scores meet the new standards, or if it’s wiser to retake a test, get advice before lodging your application. At Skylark Migration, we guide graduates through every step of the 485 visa journey. For related topics, check out our guide on How to Choose the Right English Test for Your Visa on our blog.





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