English Language Test Changes for Employer Sponsored Subclass 482 Visa (Effective 13 September 2025)

Introduction

The Australian Government has announced important updates to the English language requirements for the Employer sponsored Subclass 482 (Skills in Demand) visa, commencing 13 September 2025. These changes expand the list of approved English test providers and adjust the rules on scoring and test attempts.

If you are planning to apply for a Subclass 482 visa, it is important to understand these updates to ensure your application meets the new requirements.

Key Updates to the Subclass 482 English Language Test

1. New test providers accepted:

   • CELPIP General (Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program)

   • LANGUAGECERT Academic

   • Michigan English Test (MET)

     
     

2. Clarification on IELTS: Both IELTS General Training and IELTS Academic are now explicitly accepted.

   
   

3. Cambridge Test renamed: Cambridge English Advanced (CAE) is now referred to as the C1 Advanced test.

   
   

4. Single attempt vs re-sit policy:

   • For tests conducted before 13 September 2025, all sections of test must have been completed in a single attempt.

   • For tests conducted on or after 13 September 2025, applicants may re-sit individual test components. This means IELTS One Skill Retake (OSR) and MET SSR are now permitted (so you can re-take the section you didn’t meet the requirements in)

     
     

5. Validity of tests: English test results remain valid for three years from the date of the original test sitting, even if a component is re-sat later.

When the New Rules Apply

• These changes apply to any Subclass 482 visa application lodged on or after 13 September 2025.

• If your test was taken before 13 September 2025, the old rules apply.

• If your test was taken on or after 13 September 2025, the new rules and scores below apply.

Required English Language Test Scores

The table below shows the required scores for different tests, depending on whether the test was taken before 13 September 2025 (Old) or on/after 13 September 2025 (New)

		C1 Advanced
Section	Old	New
Overall Score	154	–
Listening	154	–
Reading	154	–
Writing	154	–
Speaking	154	–

		CELPIP General
Section	Old	New
Overall Score	—	N/A
Listening	—	5
Reading	—	5
Writing	—	5
Speaking	—	5

		IELTS Academic/General
Section	Old	New
Overall Score	5.0	N/A
Listening	5.0	5.0
Reading	5.0	5.0
Writing	5.0	5.0
Speaking	5.0	5.0

		LANGUAGECERT Academic
Section	Old	New
Overall Score	—	N/A
Listening	—	41
Reading	—	44
Writing	—	45
Speaking	—	54

		MET
Section	Old	New
Overall Score	—	N/A
Listening	—	49
Reading	—	47
Writing	—	45
Speaking	—	38

		OET
Section	Old	New
Overall Score	N/A	N/A
Listening	B	220
Reading	B	240
Writing	B	200
Speaking	B	270

		PTE Academic
Section	Old	New
Overall Score	36	N/A
Listening	36	33
Reading	36	36
Writing	36	29
Speaking	36	24

		TOEFL iBT
Section	Old	New
Overall Score	35	N/A
Listening	4	8
Reading	4	8
Writing	14	9
Speaking	14	14

What This Means for Applicants

If you plan to apply for the Employer sponsored Subclass 482 visa after 13 September 2025, you now have more flexibility with test providers and re-sit options. This is a significant change for applicants who previously struggled with achieving minimum scores in a single sitting.

However, if your test was completed before 13 September 2025, you must still meet the single attempt requirement.

How RACC Can Help

At RACC Australia, we provide professional advice and support for your Subclass 482 visa and all other Australian visas. Our team of registered migration agents and consultants can guide you through:

• Checking if your English test meets the new requirements

• Understanding which visa stream applies to your situation

• We consult with your employer and guide them through every step of the application process to make it as smooth and hassle-free as possible.

• Planning your application to avoid unnecessary delays

  
  

Book a consultation below and let us guide you step by step through your 482 visa application.

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