482 Visa English Requirements
Scores, Tests & Exemptions
Last updated: 16 Sep 2026 · RACC Migration & Education Services
The Skills in Demand visa (subclass 482) requires primary applicants to prove English proficiency through an approved test, unless they qualify for an exemption.
For tests taken on or after 13 September 2025, the minimum scores are IELTS 5.0 in each band, PTE Academic 33/36/29/24 (Listening/Reading/Writing/Speaking), and TOEFL iBT 8/8/9/14. OET, CELPIP General, LanguageCert Academic, and the Michigan English Test are also accepted, each with its own minimum score set out below. Test results must be no more than 3 years old, and the Department doesn't accept online or at-home test versions.
Passport holders from Canada, New Zealand, Ireland, the UK, and the USA don't need to test at all, and neither do applicants with at least 5 years of English-medium education. Full detail sits on the Department's own English proficiency page.
Who Needs to Meet This Requirement?
The English requirement applies only to the primary applicant on a 482 visa. Your spouse, de facto partner, or dependent children don't need to sit an English test or provide evidence of English proficiency, whether they're included in your original application or joining you later as a subsequent entrant.
The requirement doesn't vary by nominated occupation. Nurses, chefs, engineers, and every other occupation on the Skills in Demand occupation lists face the same minimum test scores — there's no separate scale for specific roles.
Related: 482 Visa Australia Complete Guide · 482 Visa Requirements
Who Is Exempt From the English Requirement?
You do not need to provide English test results if any of the following apply.
1. Passport holders from exempt countries
You hold a passport from one of these countries:
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Canada
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New Zealand
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Republic of Ireland
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United Kingdom
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United States of America
If you hold one of these passports, your citizenship alone satisfies the English requirement. No test results needed.
2. Five years of full-time study in English
You completed at least 5 years of full-time study at secondary level or above where most classes were conducted in English.
You must provide:
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Name and location of the institution/s
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Level of qualification/s
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Official transcript from the secondary and/or tertiary institution
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Number of contact hours per week in English
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Number of years of study
3. Diplomatic or consular occupation
Your nominated occupation in Australia will be performed at a diplomatic or consular mission of another country, or an Office of the Authorities of Taiwan.
4. Licence or registration requiring equivalent English
Your nominated occupation requires you to hold a licence, registration or membership, and you had to prove English proficiency at least equivalent to the 482 visa standard to obtain it.
All three conditions must apply:
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Your occupation requires a licence, registration or membership
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You were granted it
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You had to demonstrate English at an equivalent or higher level to be granted it
5. Overseas business employee earning AUD 96,400+
You are an employee of an overseas business, that business or its associated entity has nominated you to work in Australia, and you will receive guaranteed annual earnings of at least AUD 96,400.
Frequently Asked Questions — 482 Visa English Requirements
What is the English requirement for a 482 visa?
For tests taken on or after 13 September 2025: IELTS 5.0 in each band, PTE Academic Listening 33 / Reading 36 / Writing 29 / Speaking 24, TOEFL iBT Listening 8 / Reading 8 / Writing 9 / Speaking 14. OET, CELPIP, LANGUAGECERT and MET are also accepted at equivalent levels. Results must be no more than 3 years old.
Can I get a 482 visa without IELTS?
Yes. You don't need IELTS specifically — the Department accepts PTE Academic, TOEFL iBT, OET, CELPIP, LanguageCert, and MET as alternatives. You can also skip testing altogether if you qualify for an exemption, such as holding a passport from Canada, New Zealand, Ireland, the UK, or the USA, or completing at least 5 years of full-time education taught in English. Full detail on accepted tests and exemptions sits on the Department's own English proficiency page.
Add this one right after the existing "Who is exempt?" question:
What PTE score do I need for a 482 visa?
For tests taken on or after 13 September 2025, you need PTE Academic scores of at least 33 in Listening, 36 in Reading, 29 in Writing, and 24 in Speaking. For tests taken before that date, you need an overall score of at least 36, with 36 in every component, achieved in a single sitting.
Who is exempt from the 482 visa English requirement?
Passport holders from Canada, New Zealand, Ireland, the UK or the USA are automatically exempt. You may also be exempt if you completed 5 years of full-time study in English, your occupation is at a diplomatic mission, your professional licence required equivalent English, or you are an overseas business employee earning at least AUD 96,400.
What changed on 13 September 2025?
The minimum scores changed for several tests — particularly PTE Academic and TOEFL iBT, which moved to per-component minimums rather than an overall score. Single skill retake results are now accepted for tests taken on or after this date. Tests taken before 13 September 2025 are assessed under the old requirements. See the full breakdown of the changes.
Are online English tests accepted for the 482 visa?
No. The Department does not accept tests delivered entirely online (remote-proctored or at-home). This includes IELTS Online, TOEFL iBT Home Edition, OET@Home, CELPIP Online, LANGUAGECERT Academic Online, and MET Digital. Tests must be taken at an approved in-person centre.
How long are English test results valid?
Results must be no more than 3 years old at the time you apply for the 482 visa.
What English score do I need for PTE Academic?
For tests taken on or after 13 September 2025: Listening 33, Reading 36, Writing 29, Speaking 24. For tests taken before 13 September 2025: overall score of at least 36 with 36 in each component, achieved in one sitting.
What English score do I need for IELTS?
For tests taken on or after 13 September 2025: 5.0 in each band (Listening, Reading, Writing, Speaking). For tests taken before 13 September 2025: overall band score of at least 5.0 with 5.0 in each component, achieved in one sitting.
Does the TOEFL iBT Home Edition count?
No. The TOEFL iBT Home Edition is an online test and is not accepted for Australian visa purposes. You must take the TOEFL iBT at an approved test centre. For tests taken on or after 21 January 2026, you must also select "Taking TOEFL for Australia" during registration.
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