Updated English Language Requirements for Temporary Graduate (Subclass 485) Visas

From 7 August 2025, the Migration (English Language Requirements for Subclass 485 (Temporary Graduate) Visas) Instrument 2025 (LIN 25/089) updates the English language proficiency requirements and test providers for the Post-Vocational Education Work and Post-Higher Education Work streams of the Subclass 485 visa, replacing the 2024 instrument (LIN 24/021).

The new instrument LIN 25/089 updates the English language proficiency requirements for the Subclass 485 (Temporary Graduate) visa. It applies specifically to applicants in the Post-Vocational Education Work stream and the Post-Higher Education Work stream.

The table sets out the test providers and score requirements under the new instrument (LIN 25/089).

Test	Overall Band Score	Listening	Reading	Writing	Speaking
IELTS General Training/ Academic	6.5	5.5	5.5	5.5	5.5
CELPIP General	8	6	6	6	6
PTE Academic	55	40	42	41	39
TOEFL iBT	81	12	12	14	17
C1 Advanced	176	162	162	162	162
LANGUAGECERT Academic	67	49	54	56	62
OET	1310	260	280	260	310
MET	58	53	51	51	43

English Language scores for Hong Kong and British National (Overseas) passport holders

Specific provisions apply to these applicants, with test scores and providers outlined in the instrument.

Test	Overall Score	Listening	Reading	Writing	Speaking
C1 Advanced	169	154	154	154	154
CELPIP General	7	5	5	5	5
IELTS (GT/Academic)	6.0	5.0	5.0	5.0	5.0
LANGUAGECERT Academic	61	41	44	45	54
MET	53	49	47	45	38
OET	1210	220	240	200	270
PTE Academic	47	33	36	29	24
TOEFL iBT	67	8	8	9	14

Test undertaken before commencement of this instrument

According to section 10 of LIN 25/089, an English language test taken before 7 August 2025 (the commencement date of the new instrument) may still be accepted for Subclass 485 applications lodged on or after 7 August 2025, provided the following conditions are met:

1. Evidence of the test result is submitted at the time of application.
2. The test result is less than 12 months old on the application lodgement date.
3. The applicant achieves the required score in a single sitting (except for OET).

Implementation of LIN 25/089

• Commencement: 7 August 2025.
• Scope: Applies to all applications lodged on or after that date.
• Saving provision: Test results obtained before commencement remain valid if they satisfy either:
  • the requirements of the previous instrument, or
  • the requirements in Schedules 3 and 4 of LIN 25/089.

Click here: Migration (English Language Requirements for Subclass 485 (Temporary Graduate) Visas) Instrument 2025 (LIN 25/089)