Introduction
The Temporary Graduate Visa (subclass 485) allows overseas students who have recently graduated from Australian universities and/or colleges to stay, work or study further in Australia. To apply for this visa, you need to meet the English requirement issued by the Department of Home Affairs.
Before 21 March 2024, the 485 visa English requirement is IELTS 6.0 overall, with no band score under 5.0 (or equivalent). As part of the migration strategy unveiled by the Australian Government on December 11, 2023 (485 Visa Updates), however, on 21 March 2024, the Australian Government released a new English requirement for 485 and 476 visas, which is in effect from 23 March 2024.
New English requirements for 485 Temporary Graduate Visa
- The minimum English score required for 485 visas increases from IELTS 6.0 to 6.5 (or equivalent), and the score for each skill (listening, reading, writing and speaking) can’t be under 5.5.
- The test validity window is reduced from 3 years to 1 year only. This means that you must achieve the required test scores within 1 year prior to the day you lodge your 485 visa application.
- The new rule for 485 English requirements doesn’t apply to Hong Kong and British National Overseas passport holders. This means that the applicants from these regions only need to obtain an IELTS overall of 6.0, with no band score under 5.0, to be eligible for a 485 visa.
What English language tests are accepted for the 485 visa application?
The Department of Home Affair only accepts the following language tests:
- International English Language Testing System (IELTS)
- Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE)
- Test of English as a Foreign Language internet-based test (TOEFL iBT)
- Cambridge English: Advanced test (CAE)
- Occupational English Test (OET)
What is specific score required for each English test?
Below is the minimum test score required for each component of the English test.
|
Overall |
Listening |
Reading |
Speaking |
Writing |
|
|
IELTS |
6.5 |
5.5 |
5.5 |
5.5 |
5.5 |
|
PTE |
57 |
43 |
48 |
42 |
51 |
|
CAE |
176 |
162 |
162 |
162 |
162 |
|
OET |
B |
B |
B |
B |
B |
|
TOEFL iBT |
83 |
7 |
8 |
16 |
18 |
English Requirements for 485 Visa for Hong Kong and British National (Overseas) Passport Holders
|
Overall |
Listening |
Reading |
Speaking |
Writing |
|
|
IELTS |
6 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
|
PTE |
50 |
36 |
36 |
36 |
36 |
|
CAE |
169 |
154 |
154 |
154 |
154 |
|
OET |
B |
B |
B |
B |
B |
|
TOEFL iBT |
64 |
4 |
4 |
14 |
14 |
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
How much PTE score required for a 485 visa?
To apply for a 485 visa, you need to achieve at least PTE overall score 57, in which you must get at least 43 for listening, 48 for reading, 42 for speaking and 51 for writing.
Which IELTS is required for a 485 visa?
You can either take a General IELTS test or Academic IELTS test to apply for a 485 visa as long as you meet the score requirements. What you need to achieve is a IELTS 6.5 overall and 5.5 for each component skill.
Can I apply for a 485 visa without English test?
Yes, you can if you are holding a passport of one of the following countries:
- United States of America
- Republic of Ireland
- United Kingdom
- Canada
- New Zealand
What is the new rule about 485 visa Australia?
The Department of Home Affairs has released a new rule about the English requirement for a 485 visa. You must achieve at least 6.5 IELTS overall (or equivalent) and no band score under 5.5 in order to apply for this visa.
The Australian Government is also proposing other rules, which are under processing. The new rules are expected to be released in mid-2024.
- The maximum age to apply for a 485 visa may be reduced from 50 to 35 years old
- The 485 visa duration may be changed as follows:
- 2 years for a Bachelor graduate
- 2 years for a Master by coursework graduate
- 3 years for a Master by research graduate
- 3 years for a PhD graduate
- Additional 1-2 years if the graduates live and study in a regional area
Need any help with 485 visa application? Contact our experienced registered Migration Agent on 07 3003 1899 or hello@solmigration.com.