While many have been worrying about skyrocketing PTE scores and feeling that the “Aussie migration road” is getting tougher, the Australian Department of Home Affairs has finally acted on the last “stubborn” visa!
This time, the wait has been worth it!
The English requirements for the 482 visa have not only been lowered, but also come with extra surprises. Anyone planning to go through employer sponsorship shouldn’t miss this!
📅 Applies to 482 visa applications lodged on or after 13 September 2025.Your English test must also be taken on or after 13 September 2025.
Key Changes to English Requirements
1️⃣ IELTS unchanged: Still an overall 5.0 (with 5.0 in each band).
2️⃣ Big drop in PTE scores! (Highlight)
Old requirement: 36 in all four skills
New requirement: Listening 33 | Speaking 24 | Reading 36 | Writing 29
Takeaway: Especially in Speaking (S24) and Writing (W29), the bar has dropped dramatically — a game-changing reduction in difficulty for many test-takers!
3️⃣ Two new test options added:
CELPIP General
LanguageCert Academic
4️⃣ One test removed:
Cambridge C1 Advanced will no longer be accepted (any taken after 13 September will be invalid).
5️⃣ Biggest surprise: IELTS One Skill Retake now accepted! This was not mentioned before and is a major plus!
Important Notes
Transition rules: English test results obtained before 13 September 2025 will still follow the old requirements (e.g. PTE 36 in all four) and remain valid for 3 years.
Validity period: English test results are still valid for 3 years from the date of your first attempt. Even if you later retake a single skill, the validity period of the overall test does not reset — make sure you plan accordingly.
With lower PTE requirements, more test options, and the ability to retake a single IELTS skill, this policy change is truly a gift from the Department of Home Affairs.
It opens the door wider for talented people to meet the 482 visa English criteria and pursue employer-sponsored migration to Australia.
🚀 The opportunity is here — are you ready?
📞Ph: +61 (03) 8108 3678
🌐LINK: www.pandamigration.com/contact-us
📧E-mail: service@pandamigration.com