New English Requirements for SC 482 Visa Confirmed

Starting 13 September 2025, applicants for the SC 482 visa, who are not exempted, will be required to demonstrate vocational English proficiency. This is a crucial part of the eligibility criteria, and it’s essential to understand what this means for your application.

Under the updated rules, the IELTS requirements remain the same — you must achieve a minimum score of 5.0 in each of the four test components (listening, reading, writing, and speaking).

For the PTE Academic test, the required scores have been slightly lowered, which is welcome news for many applicants. You will now need:

Listening: 33

Reading: 36

Writing: 29

Speaking: 24

TOEFL iBT test scores have also been updated and the new required scores are:

Listening: 8

Reading: 8

Writing: 9

Speaking: 14

In addition to these changes, the Department of Home Affairs has expanded the list of accepted English tests. This gives applicants more flexibility and more options to meet the English requirement, especially if one particular test format suits them better than others.

The new tests which are accepted for the SC 482 visa are following:

• Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program General (CELPIP General)

• LANGUAGECERT Academic Test (LANGUAGECERT Academic)

• Michigan English Test (MET), including Single Section Retake (SSR)

Cambridge Advanced test of English will no longer be accepted.

IMPORTANT: The new lower PTE scores and new TOEFL iBT scores only apply to tests taken on or after 13 September 2025. If you took your test before this date, the old score requirements will still apply to your application.

If you are planning to apply for a 482 visa, it’s important to plan ahead and make sure you choose the right English test and achieve the required scores.

Because every applicant’s situation is different — depending on your occupation, country of passport, and previous studies — it’s a good idea to get professional advice before booking your test or lodging your application.

Our experienced migration agents can assess your circumstances and guide you through the entire visa application process.

Contact us today: info@onboardmigration.com