English tests accepted for Australian visas

Yes, CELPIP General is on the Home Affairs list for tests taken on or after 7 August 2025. CELPIP Online is not accepted.

PTE Core is not on the Home Affairs list. The Pearson test on the list is PTE Academic.

The department does not accept evidence from English language tests that are delivered completely online (also known as 'remote-proctored' or 'at-home').

Test of English as a Foreign Language internet-Based Test (TOEFL iBT) - To ensure your TOEFL iBT result is valid for Australian visa purposes, you must select 'Taking TOEFL for Australia' when registering for your test. Results not registered under this pathway may not be accepted for Australian visa purposes.

Home Affairs accepts IELTS (Academic and General Training) results that include One Skill Retake and MET results that include Single Section Retake, for eligible visas. Check the visa page to see whether yours is eligible. For the 482 it adds: If your test offers a single skill retake option, we may accept your result for that skill.

Home Affairs sets the minimum score for each visa, and the table above shows which tests it accepts. Pearson says PTE Academic is: “Accepted by the Department of Home Affairs (DHA) for all visa categories that require a proof of English language proficiency.” Home Affairs words the test-score rule this way: “You achieved one of the test scores in Table 1 or Table 2, in the 3 years before your visa application, depending on the visa subclass.” The scores for each permanent visa are on the 189, 190, 491 and 186 pages.

Yes, some of them. Pearson's scoring page says: “DHA score requirements have recently changed.” Our PTE requirement changes page lists every dated change with the PTE minimum before and after it.

Home Affairs sets an English level for each visa, then lists the tests and scores that reach it. For the Skilled Independent 189 it says: “At the time of invitation, you must have at least competent English.” For the Employer Nomination 186 it says: “You must have at least competent English to be granted this stream of the visa.” and for the Skilled Work Regional 491: “At the time of invitation, you must have at least Competent English.” Home Affairs also says: “We get evidence from several English language tests approved for Australian visa applications. Tests may be available in either computer-based or paper-based formats. The test must take place in a secure testing centre.” The table above shows the accepted tests. Pick one you can book near you, then check its score against your visa's level. For PTE see the PTE score chart.

The points come from your English level, not from the test name. Home Affairs gives Competent English 0 points, Proficient English 10 points and Superior English 20 points. The IELTS score each level needs is on the Proficient English and Superior English pages, which show every accepted test. For the full points picture see English points for Australian PR.

Home Affairs sets the window visa by visa. For the Competent English rule it says: “You achieved one of the test scores in Table 1 or Table 2, in the 3 years before your visa application, depending on the visa subclass.” For the Employer Nomination 186 it says: “Your English test results cannot have been issued more than three years before you make your application.” and for the Student visa 500: “You must have completed the English language test: within the 2 years before you lodged your visa application, if you are Regular Evidence level; or within the 2 years before a decision is made on your visa application, if you are Streamlined Evidence level and the Department has requested evidence.” Pearson sets its own limit on PTE Academic: “A PTE Academic score is valid for two years from the test date. After this period, the score expires and can no longer be used for study or visa applications.” Our reading: plan around the shorter of the two limits. The full table is on PTE results and validity.