The Temporary Graduate visa (Subclass 485) allows international students who have recently graduated from Australian institutions to live, study, and work in Australia temporarily. With the August 7, 2025 changes to English language requirements, graduates now have more testing options while navigating updated score requirements. This guide provides everything you need to know about meeting the English requirements for your 485 visa application.
Understanding the Subclass 485 Visa Streams
Before diving into English requirements, it’s important to understand which stream applies to you:
- Graduate Work stream: For graduates with qualifications relevant to occupations on the skilled occupation list
- Post-Study Work stream: For graduates with higher education degrees from Australian institutions
- Second Post-Study Work stream: For eligible regional graduates
- Hong Kong stream: Special pathway for Hong Kong and British National (Overseas) passport holders
For detailed information on all streams, visit our Temporary Graduate visa hub.
Each stream has the same English requirements, except for Hong Kong and BN(O) passport holders who have reduced requirements.
Key Changes Effective August 7, 2025
The major updates include:
- Seven approved test providers instead of five
- New test options: CELPIP General, LANGUAGECERT Academic, and MET
- Updated score requirements for various providers
- Special provisions for tests taken before August 7, 2025
Critical Test Validity Rules
Unlike Student visas, the 485 visa has strict validity requirements:
12-Month Validity Period
Your English test must be no more than 12 months old on the day you lodge your application. This is significantly shorter than the 24-month validity for Student visas or 36-month validity for many skilled visas.
Single Sitting Requirement
You must achieve all required scores in a single test attempt, with one exception:
- OET candidates may combine results from multiple sittings under specific conditions
- All other test providers require single-sitting achievement
Evidence at Application
You must provide your English test results when you lodge your application. Unlike some other visas, you cannot provide English evidence after lodgement.
Standard English Requirements
For Tests Taken BEFORE August 7, 2025
If you completed your test before the transition date, these requirements apply:
| Test Provider | Overall Score | Speaking | Listening | Reading | Writing |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| IELTS | 6.5 | 5.5 | 5.5 | 5.5 | 5.5 |
| TOEFL iBT | 83 | 16 | 7 | 8 | 18 |
| PTE Academic | 57 | 42 | 43 | 48 | 51 |
| Cambridge C1 Advanced | 176 | 162 | 162 | 162 | 162 |
| OET | - | B | B | B | B |
For Tests Taken ON OR AFTER August 7, 2025
The expanded list of providers and requirements:
| Test Provider | Overall Score | Speaking | Listening | Reading | Writing |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| IELTS | 6.5 | 5.5 | 5.5 | 5.5 | 5.5 |
| TOEFL iBT | 81 | 17 | 12 | 12 | 14 |
| PTE Academic | 55 | 39 | 40 | 42 | 41 |
| OET | 1310 | 310 | 260 | 280 | 260 |
| CELPIP General | 8 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 |
| LANGUAGECERT Academic | 67 | 62 | 49 | 54 | 56 |
| MET | 58 | 43 | 53 | 51 | 51 |
Hong Kong and BN(O) Passport Holders - Special Requirements
Hong Kong and British National (Overseas) passport holders have access to the Hong Kong stream with reduced English requirements:
For Tests Taken BEFORE August 7, 2025
| Test Provider | Overall Score | Speaking | Listening | Reading | Writing |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| IELTS | 6 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| TOEFL iBT | 64 | 14 | 4 | 4 | 14 |
| PTE Academic | 50 | 36 | 36 | 36 | 36 |
| Cambridge C1 Advanced | 169 | 154 | 154 | 154 | 154 |
| OET | - | B | B | B | B |
For Tests Taken ON OR AFTER August 7, 2025
| Test Provider | Overall Score | Speaking | Listening | Reading | Writing |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| IELTS | 6.0 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| TOEFL iBT | 67 | 14 | 8 | 8 | 9 |
| PTE Academic | 47 | 24 | 33 | 36 | 29 |
| OET | 1210 | 270 | 220 | 240 | 200 |
| CELPIP General | 7 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| LANGUAGECERT Academic | 61 | 54 | 41 | 44 | 45 |
| TOEFL Essentials | 6.0 | 5.0 | 5.0 | 5.0 | 5.0 |
Exemptions from English Requirements
You may be exempt from providing English test results if you are a citizen of:
- United Kingdom
- United States of America
- Canada
- New Zealand
- Republic of Ireland
Note: Unlike Student visas, education-based exemptions typically don’t apply to the 485 visa. You must meet the English requirements even if you’ve completed your entire degree in English in Australia.
Strategic Timing Considerations
When to Take Your Test
Given the 12-month validity period, timing is crucial:
- During final semester: Ideal for most students
- After graduation: Must be before your Student visa expires
- Consider processing times: Factor in both test results and visa processing
The 6-Month Rule
You must apply for your 485 visa within 6 months of completing your course. Combined with the 12-month English test validity, this creates a specific window for test-taking.
Optimal Timeline Example
- Month 1-3 of final semester: Prepare for English test
- Month 4 of final semester: Take English test
- Course completion: Receive results
- Within 6 months: Lodge 485 application with valid test
Choosing the Right Test for Your 485 Application
Quick Results Options
If you’re close to the 6-month deadline:
- PTE Academic: 2-5 business days
- LANGUAGECERT: 3-5 business days
- CELPIP: 4-5 business days
Cost-Effective Options
- MET: Approximately $155-175 USD
- CELPIP: $280-350 CAD
- LANGUAGECERT: £150-200 GBP
Familiarity Factor
If you used a specific test for your Student visa:
- Consider using the same provider
- Leverage your existing preparation materials
- Benefit from format familiarity
Common Challenges and Solutions
Challenge 1: Test Expired Before Application
Solution: Plan your test timing carefully. Take the test no earlier than 12 months before your intended application date.
Challenge 2: Failed to Meet Component Scores
Solution: Focus preparation on weak areas. Remember, you need minimum scores in ALL components, not just overall.
Challenge 3: Student Visa Expiring Soon
Solution: Book priority/express test options. Consider PTE Academic or LANGUAGECERT for faster results.
Challenge 4: Test Centers Fully Booked
Solution: Consider LANGUAGECERT’s online proctored option or book well in advance at traditional test centers.
Special Considerations for Different Applicant Groups
Recent Graduates
- Take your test during final semester while still in “study mode”
- Maintain English skills between graduation and test
- Consider university English support services
Hong Kong Stream Applicants
- Take advantage of lower English requirements
- Still aim higher for employment competitiveness
- Consider professional English courses for career advancement
Regional Graduates
- Access to Second Post-Study Work stream
- Same English requirements as standard stream
- May have limited test center access - consider online options
Partner/Dependent Applicants
Secondary applicants don’t need to meet English requirements unless applying independently later.
Preparation Strategies by Test Type
For Higher Score Requirements (Standard 485)
Focus on achieving strong component scores:
- Speaking: Practice presentations and discussions
- Writing: Academic and formal writing styles
- Listening: Varied accents and contexts
- Reading: Time management and comprehension strategies
For Hong Kong Stream (Lower Requirements)
While requirements are lower, consider:
- Aiming higher for employment prospects
- Building professional English skills
- Preparing for potential future PR applications
Impact on Future Visa Applications
Your 485 English test results may affect future applications:
Skilled Migration
- 485 English tests can sometimes be used for skilled visas if within validity
- Consider taking higher-level tests if planning skilled migration
- Superior English (IELTS 8.0) earns maximum points
Employer Sponsorship
- Many employers prefer higher English proficiency
- Strong English results enhance employment prospects
- Some positions require specific English levels
Application Process Tips
Document Preparation
- Obtain official test report (not screenshots)
- Include test reference number
- Ensure all component scores are visible
- Keep multiple copies
Online Application
- Upload clear, complete test reports
- Enter scores accurately in all fields
- Double-check test date validity
- Save application frequently
Common Errors to Avoid
- Don’t confuse overall and component requirements
- Don’t assume Student visa English evidence transfers
- Don’t wait until last minute to take test
- Don’t forget the single-sitting requirement
Cost Considerations
Test Costs Comparison
- Most Affordable: MET ($155-175 USD)
- Mid-Range: CELPIP ($280-350 CAD), LANGUAGECERT (£150-200)
- Premium: IELTS, TOEFL iBT, PTE Academic, OET ($300-400 AUD)
Hidden Costs
- Preparation materials and courses
- Travel to test centers
- Potential retake fees
- Express result fees
Quality Assurance Checklist
Before lodging your 485 application, verify:
✅ Test taken within 12 months of application date ✅ All component scores meet minimum requirements ✅ Overall score meets or exceeds requirement ✅ Scores achieved in single sitting (except OET) ✅ Official test report obtained ✅ Test provider is approved for your test date ✅ Correct requirements applied (standard vs Hong Kong stream)
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use my Student visa English test?
Only if it’s less than 12 months old when you lodge your 485 application.
What if I’m between the old and new requirements?
The requirements that apply depend on when you TAKE the test, not when you apply.
Can I combine scores from multiple tests?
No, except for OET under specific circumstances. All other providers require single-sitting achievement.
Do I need professional English for employment?
While visa requirements are minimum standards, many employers prefer higher proficiency levels.
Future Planning
Beyond the 485 Visa
Consider how your English proficiency affects:
- Career opportunities in Australia
- Permanent residency pathways
- Professional registration requirements
- Further study options
Continuous Improvement
- Maintain and improve English skills during 485 visa
- Consider professional English courses
- Engage in English-speaking work environments
- Prepare for future visa applications
Key Takeaways
- Strict timing requirements: 12-month test validity and 6-month application window
- More test options: Nine providers available from August 7, 2025
- Single sitting rule: Must achieve all scores in one attempt (except OET)
- Hong Kong advantage: Reduced requirements for eligible passport holders
- Strategic planning essential: Time your test carefully within the validity window
Official Resources
- Temporary Graduate Visa Guide
- Department of Home Affairs - Subclass 485
- English Language Requirements
- Hong Kong Stream Information
Conclusion
The Temporary Graduate visa represents a crucial stepping stone for international graduates in Australia. With the expanded English test options from August 2025, graduates have more flexibility in demonstrating their language proficiency. However, the strict validity requirements and single-sitting rule mean careful planning is essential.
Whether you’re aiming for the standard requirements or qualify for the Hong Kong stream’s reduced thresholds, understanding these requirements and planning your test timing strategically will help ensure a successful 485 visa application.
Last updated: September 2025. Immigration requirements can change. Always verify current requirements with official Department of Home Affairs sources before making decisions.
