Starting from August 7, 2025, the Australian Immigration Department has made significant updates to English proficiency requirements, particularly affecting PTE Academic scores.

To help you quickly understand these changes and determine whether your score meets the new standards, we’ve created a comparison table between the old and new scores.

Important Reminder:

If you took the PTE exam on or before August 6, 2025, the old standards will apply for your immigration points or 485 visa application, regardless of when you submit your application. The new standards will only apply to exams taken on or after August 7, 2025.

PTE Academic Language Requirements Comparison Table

485 Temporary Graduate Visa Requirements

The English language requirements for the 485 visa fall between the "Competent" and "Proficient" categories.

Frequently Asked Questions (Q&A)

Q: If my PTE result is released in July 2025, can I still use it for immigration or a 485 visa application?

A: Yes! As long as the exam was taken on or before August 6, 2025, the old standards will still apply for immigration points, visa applications, etc.

Q: I heard that there will be minimum scores required for each individual section. Is that true?

A: Yes, the immigration system evaluates language proficiency based on the lowest score across all four sections, not the average or highest score.

Q: What is "Functional English" used for?

A: "Functional English" is generally required for dependent applicants, such as spouses or parents. Only the overall score needs to meet the required standard; there’s no need to meet the individual section requirements.

This update is crucial for those planning to apply for visas, particularly for the 485 or Skilled Migration streams. Make sure your PTE exam results are within the correct standards to avoid any issues with your visa application!