Are you planning to stay and work in Australia after completing your studies? The Subclass 485 Temporary Graduate Visa offers a great opportunity, but you must meet the updated English language requirements for 2025 to be eligible.
Since early 2025, the Australian government has introduced higher English test score requirements for Subclass 485 applicants to align with growing industry expectations and improve workforce readiness.
Updated English Test Requirements for Subclass 485 in 2025
Applicants must prove their English proficiency by taking an approved English test. These changes apply to all streams of the 485 visa, Graduate Work, Post-Study Work, and Replacement.
Accepted English Language Tests and Scores
You can meet the English requirement for Subclass 485 by achieving the following minimum scores in any of these accepted tests:
IELTS Requirement for subclass 485:
Atleast 6.5 bands, with no band less than 5.5
TOEFL Requirement for subclass 485:
Overall score of 83, with at least 8 in reading, 18 in writing, 7 in listening, and 16 in speaking
PTE Academic Requirement for subclass 485:
Overall score of 57, with at least 48 in reading, 51 in writing, 43 in listening, and 42 in speaking
Advanced (CAE) Requirement for subclass 485:
Overall score of 176, with at least 162 in each skill
OET Requirement for subclass 485:
Minimum ‘B’ grade in each component (Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking)
Validity of English Test Results
To be eligible for a 485 visa, your English test must have been taken within the last 1 year before you lodge your visa application. This is a change from previous years, where tests were valid for up to 3 years, so timing is crucial in 2025.
Are There Any Exemptions?
You may be exempt from providing an English test score if you hold a passport from an eligible English-speaking country, such as:
- United Kingdom
- United States
- Canada
- New Zealand
- Republic of Ireland
Applicants not from these countries must meet the test requirements; no exceptions apply for study background under the 485 visa.
How Oracle Immigration Can Help
At Oracle Immigration, we help international graduates secure their Subclass 485 visas with confidence. We provide expert guidance on preparing for the English test, choosing the right stream, and lodging a compliant application in line with the 2025 updates.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: What is the minimum IELTS score for the 485 visa 2025?
You need a 6.5 band, with no band lower than 5.5.
Q2: Is PTE still accepted for the 485 visa in 2025?
Yes, PTE Academic is accepted. You need a minimum overall score of 57.
Q3: How recent should my English test be for the 485 visa?
Your English test must be taken within 12 months of visa application submission.
Q4: Do I need to take an English test if I studied in Australia?
Yes, unless you’re a passport holder from an exempt country. Studying in Australia does not automatically exempt you from the English requirement.
Disclaimer: The above information is not tailored to personal circumstances.
For information relevant to personal circumstances, please book an
appointment with Oracle Immigration Consultant’s expert migration agents in
Australia.
For any inquiries, please contact us at +61 430812158. We are premier Immigration agency and consultancy in Melbourne (Bundoora and Geelong).
