English Test Updates for Subclass 482 Visas — What Employers & Applicants Need to Know
Important changes to the English language test rules for the Subclass 482 (TSS / Skills in Demand) visa take effect from 13 September 2025. The new legislative instrument updates the approved tests, sets revised component scores and — for tests taken on or after the commencement date — allows applicants to re-sit a single test component instead of re-doing the entire exam. These changes may affect both sponsored workers and employers using the 482 program.
Key takeaways
- The Migration (English Language Test Requirements for Subclass 482 Visas) Instrument 2025 (LIN 25/082) commenced on 13 September 2025.
- The instrument lists the approved English tests (including IELTS, PTE, TOEFL iBT, OET, plus CELPIP, LANGUAGECERT and MET) and sets the required scores for each.
- For tests taken on or after 13 September 2025, applicants can combine a main test sitting with a later re-sit of a single component (so long as the provider supports single-skill retakes). This removes the prior “single-sitting” requirement for those tests.
- English test results remain valid for 3 years from the test day used as evidence.
- The instrument applies to 482 visa applications lodged on or after the commencement date — applications lodged earlier remain subject to the earlier instrument.
What changed — short explainer
The new legislative instrument replaces the 2024 rules and does three practical things that matter to applicants and sponsors:
- It confirms which English tests are approved for Subclass 482 and specifies the minimum component scores required for each test.
- It clarifies transition rules for tests taken before the commencement date (those tests must meet the “single-sitting” requirements in force at their test day).
- For tests taken on/after 13 Sept 2025, it permits using results from a test day plus the results from a later re-sit day for any component that needed improvement — provided the test provider offers single-skill retakes.
Approved tests & required component scores (summary)
Below is a concise summary of the approved tests and the component-level scores set in the instrument (applicable for tests taken on or after the commencement date unless otherwise noted)
| Test | Required component scores (summary) |
|---|---|
| CELPIP General | 5 (listening), 5 (reading), 5 (writing), 5 (speaking). |
| IELTS (Academic or General) | 5.0 in each component (listening, reading, writing, speaking). |
| LANGUAGECERT Academic | Listening 41 / Reading 44 / Writing 45 / Speaking 54. |
| MET (Michigan English Test) | Listening 49 / Reading 47 / Writing 45 / Speaking 38. |
| PTE Academic | Listening 33 / Reading 36 / Writing 29 / Speaking 24. |
| TOEFL iBT | Listening 8 / Reading 8 / Writing 9 / Speaking 14. |
| OET | Score B in each component (where OET applies). |
Note: the full instrument contains a complete table and transitional provisions for tests taken before commencement — consult the legislative instrument for detailed legal drafting.
Single-skill re-sit — how it works in practice
For eligible tests taken on or after 13 September 2025, if you meet the required scores in three components but fall short in one, you may re-sit just that component with a provider that offers single-skill retakes (for example IELTS One Skill Retake or equivalent MET single-skill retake). When you provide evidence, the Department will treat the test day and the re-sit day together for the purpose of meeting the component requirements. This flexibility does not apply to tests taken before 13 September 2025.
Validity & transition rules
- Tests used as evidence must not be more than 3 years old from the test day to the day evidence is given. (The 3-year period begins on the original test day even if a single-skill re-sit is later used.)
- If your test was taken before 13 Sept 2025, you must meet the earlier instrument’s “single-sitting” rules (unless expressly covered by transitional clauses).
- The new instrument applies only to 482 applications lodged on or after 13 Sept 2025. Applications lodged earlier follow the previous instrument.
Practical implications & sponsor checklist
- Check the test date. If the applicant’s test is on/after 13-Sep-2025, confirm whether a single-skill re-sit is available and acceptable for combined evidence.
- Verify provider & score format. Confirm the provider you rely on (CELPIP, IELTS, LANGUAGECERT, MET, PTE, TOEFL, OET) and the exact component thresholds in the instrument.
- Plan re-sits strategically. If one component is short, a single-skill re-sit may save time and cost compared with retaking a full test.
- Keep originals & test transcripts. Maintain certified evidence and clear dates to show the test day and any re-sit day used for combined results.
Frequently asked questions
- Q: Which applications are affected by LIN 25/082?
- A: Subclass 482 (Skills in Demand) applications lodged on or after 13 September 2025 are subject to LIN 25/082; earlier lodgements remain subject to the previous instrument.
- Q: Can a single-skill retake extend the 3-year validity?
- A: No — the 3-year validity is measured from the original test day used as evidence. Re-sitting a component does not reset the 3-year clock.
- Q: Is IELTS One Skill Retake accepted?
- A: Yes for tests conducted on or after the commencement date where the provider’s OSR (or equivalent) is available; ensure your test day and re-sit dates fall within the 3-year window and meet the thresholds.
Need help assessing an applicant’s English evidence?
Skyline Migration Lawyers can review test results, advise whether a single-skill re-sit will be accepted, and confirm the best evidence to support a Subclass 482 nomination or visa application.
