{"id":"F2025L00907","name":"Migration (English Language Requirements for Subclass 485 (Temporary Graduate) Visas) Instrument 2025","slug":"migration-english-language-requirements-for-subclass-485-temporary-graduate-visas-instrument-2025","collection":"legislative_instrument","jurisdiction":"commonwealth","status":"in_force","isInForce":true,"actNumber":null,"makingDate":null,"administeringDepartment":null,"currentVersion":{"id":442914,"registerId":"F2025L00907-fast-fetch-1775957826809","compilationNumber":null,"startDate":"2026-04-12","status":"InForce","reasons":null,"registeredAt":null},"sections":[{"sectionNumber":"1","sectionType":"section","heading":"Migration (English Language Requirements for Subclass 485 (Temporary Graduate) Visas) Instrument 2025","content":"---\nmeta-content-style-type: text/css\nmeta-content-type: application/xhtml+xml; charset=utf-8\n---\n\n![Commonwealth Coat of Arms of Australia](image.001.jpeg)\n\n \n\nLIN 25/089\n\n \n\nMigration (English Language Requirements for Subclass 485 (Temporary Graduate) Visas) Instrument 2025\n\nI, Matt Thistlethwaite, Assistant Minister for Immigration, make the following instrument.\n\nDated 5 August 2025\n\nMatt Thistlethwaite\n\nAssistant Minister for Immigration\n\n \n\nContents\n\nPart 1—Preliminary\n\n1  Name\n\n2  Commencement\n\n3  Authority\n\n4  Definitions\n\n5  Schedules\n\nPart 2—Specified English language requirements\n\n6  Specified English language tests\n\n7  Specified required test scores to be achieved\n\n8  Specified period and requirements\n\n9  Specified passports in relation to which English language proficiency requirements do not apply\n\n10  Specified evidence of English language proficiency—tests undertaken before commencement of this instrument\n\nPart 3—Application provisions\n\n11  Application of this instrument\n\nSchedule 1–Specified English Language test scores\n\nSchedule 2–Required English language test scores for Hong Kong and British National (Overseas) passport holders\n\nSchedule 3–Specified Language test scores\n\nSchedule 4–Required language test scores for Hong Kong and British National (Overseas) passport holders\n\nSchedule 5—Repeals\n\nMigration (English Language Requirements for Subclass 485 (Temporary Graduate) Visas) Instrument (LIN 24/021) 2024\n\n \n\n \n\nPart 1—Preliminary\n\n1  Name\n\n  This instrument is the Migration (English Language Requirements for Subclass 485 (Temporary Graduate) Visas) Instrument 2025.\n\n2  Commencement\n\n  This instrument commences on 7 August 2025.\n\n3  Authority\n\n  This instrument is made under clause 485.212 of Schedule 2 to the Migration Regulations 1994.\n\n4  Definitions\n\n  In this instrument:\n\naverage band score means a test score calculated from the makeup of the scores received for each of the English test components.\n\nEnglish test component means each of the following in relation to an English language test:\n\n (a) listening;\n\n (b) reading;\n\n (c) writing; and\n\n (d) speaking.\n\noverall band score means a test score calculated from the makeup of the scores received for each of the English test components.\n\nRegulations means the Migration Regulations 1994.\n\ntotal band score means a test score calculated form the makeup of the scores received for each of the English test components.\n\nvisa applicant means an applicant for a Skilled (Provisional) (Class VC) visa in one of the following streams within the Subclass 485 (Temporary Graduate) visa:\n\n (a) Post-Vocational Education Work stream; or\n\n (b) Post-Higher Education Work stream.\n\n5  Schedules\n\n  Each instrument that is specified in a Schedule to this instrument is amended or repealed as set out in the applicable items in the Schedule concerned, and any other item in a Schedule to this instrument has effect according to its terms.\n\n\n\n\nPart 2—Specified English language requirements\n\n6  Specified English language tests\n\n  For subparagraph 485.212(1)(a)(i) of Schedule 2 to the Regulations, the following English language tests are specified:\n\n (a) Cambridge Advanced test (C1 Advanced);\n\n (b) Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program General (CELPIP General);\n\n (c) International English Language Testing System Academic (IELTS Academic);\n\n (d) International English Language Testing System General Training (IELTS General Training);\n\n (e) LANGUAGECERT Academic Test (LANGUAGECERT Academic);\n\n (f) Michigan English Test (MET);\n\n (g) Occupational English Test (OET);\n\n (h) Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE Academic);\n\n (i) Test of English as a Foreign Language internet based test (TOEFL iBT).\n\n7  Specified required test scores to be achieved\n\n  For subparagraph 485.212(1)(a)(ii) of Schedule 2 to the Regulations, the required test scores to be achieved, in one of the English language tests, specified in section 6, unless the test was a C1 Advanced, are specified:\n\n (a) in Schedule 1; or\n\n (b) if the visa applicant is a Hong Kong passport holder or British National (Overseas) passport holder—in Schedule 2.\n\n8  Specified period and requirements\n\n  For subparagraph 485.212(1)(a)(ii) of Schedule 2 to the Regulations, the following period and requirements are specified:\n\n (a) the visa applicant achieved the required test score specified under section 7 within the period of 1 year before the day on which the applicant made the application for the relevant visa.\n\n9  Specified passports in relation to which English language proficiency requirements do not apply\n\n  For paragraph 485.212(1)(b) of Schedule 2 to the Regulations, a valid passport issued by one of the following countries to a citizen of that country is specified:\n\n (a) Canada;\n\n (b) New Zealand;\n\n (c) the Republic of Ireland;\n\n (d) the United Kingdom;\n\n (e) the United States of America.\n\n10  Specified evidence of English language proficiency—tests undertaken before commencement of this instrument\n\n (1) For the purposes of subparagraphs 485.212(1)(a)(i) and (ii) of Schedule 2 to the Regulations, the requirements under subsection (2) are specified:\n\n (a) for a person who makes a valid application for a Subclass 485 (Temporary Graduate) visa in either the Post-Vocational Education Work stream or the Post-Higher Education Work stream (the visa applicant) on or after the day this instrument commences; and\n\n (b) where the visa application made by the visa applicant is accompanied by evidence that:\n\n (i) the visa applicant has undertaken a language test specified in paragraph (2)(a) or (b); and\n\n (ii) the visa applicant has achieved the required language test scores specified in paragraph (2)(a) or (b) for the relevant specified language test; and\n\n (iii) the specified required language test score was:\n\n (A) achieved within the period of 1 year immediately before the day on which the relevant visa application was made; and\n\n (B) in a test that was undertaken before the day on which this instrument commences;\n\n  unless the specified language test was an OET, the specified required language test score was achieved in a single sitting.\n\n (2) For the purposes of this section, the following language tests and required language test scores are specified:\n\n (a) in Schedule 3; or\n\n (b) if the visa applicant is a Hong Kong passport holder or British National (Overseas) passport holder—in Schedule 4.\n\n\n\n\nPart 3—Application provisions\n\n11  Application of this instrument\n\n  This instrument applies in relation to a visa application that is made on or after the commencement of this instrument.\n\n\n\n\nSchedule 1–Specified English Language test scores\n\n \n\n- Required test scores\n- Item If the English language test is … the required test scores for that test are …\n- 1 C1 Advanced (a) not accepted for the purpose of subparagraph 485.212(1)(a)(ii) of Schedule 2 to the Regulations.\n- 2 CELPIP General 1. an overall score of at least 8; and\n2. a score of at least 6 for the listening English test component; and\n3. a score of at least 6 for the reading English test component; and\n4. a score of at least 6 for the writing English test component; and\n5. a score of at least 6 for the speaking English test component.\n- 3 IELTS Academic 1. an average band score of at least 6.5; and\n2. a score of at least 5.5 for each of the English test components.\n- 4 IELTS General Training 1. an average band score of at least 6.5; and\n2. a score of at least 5.5 for each of the English test components.\n- 5 LANGUAGECERT Academic 1. an overall band score of at least 67; and\n2. a score of at least 49 for the listening English test component; and\n3. a score of at least 54 for the reading English test component; and\n4. a score of at least 56 for the writing English test component; and\n5. a score of at least 62 for the speaking English test component.\n- 6 MET 1. an overall band score of at least 58; and\n2. a score of at least 53 for the listening English test component; and\n3. a score of at least 51 for the reading English test component; and\n4. a score of at least 51 for the writing English test component; and\n5. a score of at least 43 for the speaking English test component.\n- 7 OET 1. an overall band score of at least 1310; and\n2. a score of at least 260 for the listening English test component; and\n3. a score of at least 280 for the reading English test component; and\n4. a score of at least 260 for the writing English test component; and\n5. a score of at least 310 for the speaking English test component.\n- 8 PTE Academic 1. an overall band score of at least 55; and\n2. a score of at least 40 for the listening English test component; and\n3. a score of at least 42 for the reading English test component; and\n4. a score of at least 41 for the writing English test component; and\n5. a score of at least 39 for the speaking English test component.\n- 9 TOEFL iBT 1. a total score of at least 81; and\n2. a score of at least 12 for the listening English test component; and\n3. a score of at least 12 for the reading English test component; and\n4. a score of at least 14 for the writing English test component; and\n5. a score of at least 17 for the speaking English test component.\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\nSchedule 2–Required English language test scores for Hong Kong and British National (Overseas) passport holders\n\n \n\n- Required test scores\n- Item If the English language test is … and the applicant is the holder of a Hong Kong or British National (Overseas) passport, the required test scores for that test are …\n- 1 C1 Advanced (a) not accepted for the purposes of subparagraph 485.212(1)(a)(ii) of Schedule 2 to the Regulations.\n- 2 CELPIP General 1. an overall band score of at least 7; and\n2. a score of at least 5 for each English test component.\n- 3 IELTS Academic 1. an average band score of at least 6.0; and\n2. a score of at least 5.0 for each English test component.\n- 4 IELTS General Training 1. an average band score of at least 6.0; and\n2. a score of at least 5.0 for each English test component.\n- 5 LANGUAGECERT Academic 1. an overall band score of at least 61; and\n2. a score of at least 41 for the listening English test component; and\n3. a score of at least 44 for the reading English test component; and\n4. a score of at least 45 for the writing English test component; and\n5. a score of at least 54 for the speaking English test component.\n- 6 MET 1. an overall band score of at least 53; and\n2. a score of at least 49 for the listening English test component; and\n3. a score of at least 47 for the reading English test component; and\n4. a score of at least 45 for the writing English test component; and\n5. a score of at least 38 for the speaking English test component.\n- 7 OET 1. an overall band score of at least 1210: and\n2. a score of at least 220 for the listening English test component; and\n3. a score of at least 240 for the reading English test component; and\n4. a score of at least 200 for the writing English test component; and\n5. a score of at least 270 for the speaking English test component.\n- 8 PTE Academic 1. an overall band score of at least 47; and\n2. a score of at least 33 for the listening English test component; and\n3. a score of at least 36 for the reading English test component; and\n4. a score of at least 29 for the writing English test component; and\n5. a score of at least 24 for the speaking English test component.\n- 9 TOEFL iBT 1. an total band score of at least 67; and\n2. a score of at least 8 for the listening English test component; and\n3. a score of at least 8 for the reading English test component; and\n4. a score of at least 9 for the writing English test component; and\n5. a score of at least 14 for the speaking English test component.\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\nSchedule 3–Specified Language test scores\n\n \n\n- Required test scores\n- Item If the language test is … the required language test scores for that test are …\n- 1 the Cambridge English: Advanced test (CAE) 1. an overall band score of at least 176; and\n2. a score of at least 162 for each English test component of the CAE.\n- 2 the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) 1. an overall band score of at least 6.5; and\n2. a score of at least 5.5 for each English test component of the IELTS.\n- 3 the Occupational English Test (OET) (a) a score of at least B for each English test component of the OET.\n- 4 the Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE) 1. an overall band score of at least 57; and\n2. for the listening English test component of the PTE—a score of at least 43; and\n3. for the reading English test component of the PTE —a score of at least 48; and\n4. for the writing English test component of the PTE —a score of at least 51; and\n5. for the speaking English test component of the PTE —a score of at least 42.\n- 5 the Test of English as a Foreign Language internet based test (TOEFL iBT) 1. a total overall score of at least 83; and\n2. for the listening English test component of the TOEFL iBT—a score of at least 7; and\n3. for the reading English test component of the TOEFL iBT—a score of at least 8; and\n4. for the writing English test component of the TOEFL iBT—a score of at least 18 and\n5. for the speaking English test component of the TOEFL iBT—a score of at least 16.\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\nSchedule 4–Required language test scores for Hong Kong and British National (Overseas) passport holders\n\n \n\n- Required test scores\n- Item If the language test is … and the applicant is the holder of a Hong Kong or British National (Overseas) passport, the required language test scores for that test are …\n- 1 the Cambridge English: Advanced test (CAE) 1. an overall band score of at least 169; and\n2. a score of at least 154 for each English test component of the CAE.\n- 2 the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) 1. an overall band score of at least 6; and\n2. a score of at least 5 for each English test component of the IELTS.\n- 3 the Occupational English Test (OET) (a) a score of at least B for each English test component of the OET.\n- 4 the Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE) 1. an overall band score of at least 50; and\n2. a score of at least 36 for each English test component of the PTE.\n- 5 the Test of English as a Foreign Language internet based test (TOEFL iBT) 1. a total overall score of at least 64; and\n2. for the listening and reading English test components of the TOEFL iBT—a score of at least 4; and\n3. for the writing and speaking English test components of the TOEFL iBT—a score of at least 14.\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\nSchedule 5—Repeals\n\nMigration (English Language Requirements for Subclass 485 (Temporary Graduate) Visas) Instrument (LIN 24/021) 2024\n\n1  The whole of the instrument\n\nRepeal the instrument.\n","sortOrder":0}],"analysis":{"kimi_summary":{"content_quality":"ok","complexity_score":6,"scope_assessment":{"changed":false,"description":"The legislation remains tightly focused on its original purpose: specifying English language testing requirements for Subclass 485 visa applicants. While it introduces new score thresholds and removes acceptance of the C1 Advanced test, it does not expand beyond the visa class or policy area originally intended. The inclusion of grandfathering provisions for pre-commencement tests and differential treatment for Hong Kong/BNO passport holders are standard regulatory mechanisms rather than scope creep."},"complexity_factors":["Four separate schedules containing detailed tabular score requirements for different test types and applicant categories (standard vs Hong Kong/BNO passport holders)","Dual regime for tests taken before vs after commencement (section 10 and Schedules 3-4 vs Schedules 1-2)","Inconsistent terminology between sections: 'average band score', 'overall band score', and 'total band score' are defined identically but used differently across schedules","Cross-references to Migration Regulations 1994 (clause 485.212) without reproducing the parent provision","Specific component-level minimums for each of 4 skills (listening, reading, writing, speaking) across 9 different test types, creating 36+ individual score thresholds","Exception for OET regarding 'single sitting' requirement in section 10(1)(b)(iii)(B)","Typographical errors in legislative text (e.g., 'form' instead of 'from' in definition of 'total band score', inconsistent punctuation)"],"plain_english_summary":"This instrument sets the English-language rules for Subclass 485 (Temporary Graduate) visa applicants: it specifies which English tests are accepted, the minimum scores required, time limits for test validity, and limited exemptions for certain passport holders. It also allows some applicants to rely on older test results in specific cases.\n\nIt affects international students applying under the Post‑VET and Post‑Higher Education work streams and matters because it raises and tightens English requirements (including excluding C1 Advanced for new tests), making qualification harder for some graduates."},"flash_summary":{"complexity_score":7,"scope_assessment":{"changed":true,"description":"Yes. Schedule 5 repeals the Migration (English Language Requirements for Subclass 485) Instrument (LIN 24/021) 2024, replacing the previously specified test list and score thresholds with the new set of accepted tests, per‑component and overall scores, passport exemptions, and transitional rules for tests taken before commencement (Schedule 5; sections 6–10). The instrument applies to applications made on or after 7 August 2025 (sections 2 and 11), so the operational scope for eligible Subclass 485 Post‑Vocational and Post‑Higher Education Work stream applicants is changed to the criteria stated in this instrument (definitions; section 6; Schedules 1–4)."},"complexity_factors":["Multiple different English tests specified with differing score systems and metrics (section 6; Schedules 1–4).","Per‑component and overall/average/total score requirements increase verification complexity (definitions; Schedules 1–4).","Separate, lower score tables for Hong Kong and British National (Overseas) passport holders create bifurcated thresholds (section 7; Schedules 2 and 4).","Explicit non‑acceptance of C1 Advanced/CAE in some contexts and inconsistent naming between sections (section 6; Schedule 1 item 1; Schedule 3 item 1) adds interpretive friction.","Single‑sitting requirement for tests undertaken before commencement except for OET requires administrative checks on test sittings and dates (section 10(1)(b)(iii); section 10(1) final sentence).","Passport‑based exemption list (Canada, New Zealand, Republic of Ireland, UK, USA) requires reliable passport verification (section 9).","Cross‑references to the Migration Regulations (clause 485.212) add legal layering that requires comparing instrument provisions with the Regulations (section 3).","Commencement and application timing rules (commences 7 August 2025; applies to applications made on or after commencement) create transitional verification tasks (section 2; section 11).","Repeal of the 2024 instrument replaces prior rules wholesale, requiring administrators and applicants to compare old and new criteria (Schedule 5)."],"plain_english_summary":"This instrument lists the English tests and exact minimum scores needed for Subclass 485 (Temporary Graduate) visa applicants in the Post‑Vocational Education Work and Post‑Higher Education Work streams. It names accepted tests (e.g. IELTS, PTE, TOEFL), sets per‑component and overall thresholds, provides lower thresholds for Hong Kong/BNO passport holders, lists passport exemptions, and sets rules for tests taken before commencement. It applies to applications made on or after 7 August 2025, so applicants must meet these specific scores and provide supporting test evidence."},"flash_summary_failed":{"failed":true,"reason":"A positive credit balance is required for all requests, including BYOK, so fallback providers remain available. Add credits at https://vercel.com/d?to=%2F%5Bteam%5D%2F%7E%2Fai%3Fmodal%3Dtop-up to continue.","source":"analysis-cron"}},"importantCases":[],"_links":{"self":"/api/acts/migration-english-language-requirements-for-subclass-485-temporary-graduate-visas-instrument-2025","history":"/api/acts/migration-english-language-requirements-for-subclass-485-temporary-graduate-visas-instrument-2025/history","analysis":"/api/acts/migration-english-language-requirements-for-subclass-485-temporary-graduate-visas-instrument-2025/analysis","conflicts":"/api/acts/migration-english-language-requirements-for-subclass-485-temporary-graduate-visas-instrument-2025/conflicts","importantCases":"/api/acts/migration-english-language-requirements-for-subclass-485-temporary-graduate-visas-instrument-2025/important-cases","documents":"/api/acts/migration-english-language-requirements-for-subclass-485-temporary-graduate-visas-instrument-2025/documents"}}