How to Meet the English Requirements for a 485 Visa (August Update)

Jasmeet Kaur
Aug 30
5 min read

Applying for the subclass 485 Temporary Graduate visa is one of the most important steps international students take after finishing their studies in Australia. This visa allows graduates to stay, work, and gain valuable experience in Australia after completing their degree.

However, before lodging your application, one of the key eligibility conditions is meeting the 485 visa English requirements. Many students feel confident about their studies but often underestimate how strict the English requirement rules can be. Failing to meet them can lead to unnecessary visa delays or even refusals.

In this updated August guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about the English requirements for a 485 visa, which tests are accepted, the minimum scores, exemptions, and practical tips to ensure your application goes smoothly.

Suggestions: Best Passport in the World

Why English Requirements Matter for a 485 Visa

The Department of Home Affairs wants to make sure all temporary graduate visa holders can function effectively in Australia’s work and community environments. Since the subclass 485 Temporary Graduate visa allows full-time work rights, English proficiency is essential for safety, communication, and integration.

This is why providing proof of English language ability is mandatory unless you hold a passport from certain English-speaking countries.

Who Needs to Prove English Proficiency?

You must meet the 485 visa English requirements unless you are a citizen of:

United Kingdom
United States of America
Canada
New Zealand
Republic of Ireland

Applicants from all other countries, including India, China, Nepal, Pakistan, and many more, must submit evidence of an approved English test.

Accepted English Tests for the 485 Visa

The Department of Home Affairs accepts a range of English language tests for the subclass 485 Temporary Graduate visa. You don’t need to take all of them — just one that suits your strengths and availability.

Here are the accepted tests:

IELTS (International English Language Testing System)
PTE Academic (Pearson Test of English Academic)
TOEFL iBT (Test of English as a Foreign Language Internet-Based Test)
Cambridge C1 Advanced Test
Occupational English Test (OET) – for healthcare professionals

Minimum Scores Required (August Update)

The good news is that the English requirement for the 485 visa is not as high as for skilled migration visas. You only need to demonstrate a “competent” level of English.

Here’s a table of the current requirements:

485 Visa English Test Score Requirements

Test Name	Overall Score Required	Minimum Score in Each Component
IELTS	6.0 overall	5.0 in each band (Listening, Reading, Writing, Speaking)
PTE Academic	50 overall	36 in each band
TOEFL iBT	64 total	Listening: 4, Reading: 4, Writing: 14, Speaking: 14
Cambridge C1 Advanced	169 overall	154 in each band
OET	N/A	At least ‘B’ in each component

When to Take the English Test

Timing is crucial. You must provide evidence of English proficiency either:

At the time you lodge your application, OR
Within the period requested by the Department of Home Affairs if they issue a request.

Important: Your test results must be less than 3 years old at the time of your application.

Suggestions: Apply For Australia Tourist Visa

Common Mistakes Students Make

Many graduates rush into the visa process and miss small details. Here are the most common mistakes seen by every immigration agent:

Submitting expired test results
Mixing scores from different tests (you can’t combine results)
Not booking the test early enough, which causes delays
Assuming university studies in Australia exempt them from the English requirement (they don’t, unless you’re from an exempt country)

To make it clearer, here’s a quick Before & After comparison:

Meeting the 485 Visa English Requirements: Before & After

Before (Common Issues)	After (Correct Approach)
Submitted expired English test results	Checked test date — results less than 3 years old
Tried to combine scores from two different tests	Used one valid test with the required overall + minimum band scores
Waited until last minute to book exam	Booked early, secured test date in advance
Thought Australian study meant automatic exemption	Understood exemptions apply only to certain passport holders
Chose IELTS without preparation, struggled in Writing	Selected PTE Academic, practiced with mock tests, and achieved required score

Tips to Meet the 485 Visa English Requirements

If English testing makes you nervous, here are some strategies:

Choose the Right Test for You: Some students find IELTS writing tough, while others perform better in PTE Academic with its computer-based format. Pick the test where you are most confident.
Practice with Mock Tests: Each test has its own structure. Practicing under exam conditions helps reduce stress and improve timing.
Book Early: Testing centers can get booked out, especially in major Australian cities. Don’t wait until the last moment.
Keep Results Valid: Make sure your test result is less than 3 years old at the time of lodging your subclass 485 Temporary Graduate visa application.
Seek Guidance: An experienced immigration agent can check your
documents, confirm whether your test scores are acceptable, and help avoid costly delays.

Can You Get an Exemption?

Yes, but exemptions are limited. If you hold a valid passport from the UK, USA, Canada, New Zealand, or Ireland, you don’t need to sit for an English test.

For everyone else, proof of English is mandatory. Studying in Australia doesn’t automatically exempt you.

Why Work With an Immigration Agent

The subclass 485 Temporary Graduate visa has multiple streams, strict deadlines, and document requirements. Even if you meet the English test scores, mistakes in timing or paperwork can cause delays.

By working with a registered immigration agent, you can:

Confirm which English test best suits your situation
Get advice on preparing strong supporting documents
Lodge your application on time to avoid refusal
Understand your visa conditions and post-grant options

Suggestions: Why Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) is Essential in Australia

Final Thoughts

Meeting the 485 visa English requirements is not as difficult as it may seem, but it requires careful planning. Whether you choose IELTS, PTE, TOEFL, Cambridge, or OET, the key is to meet the minimum scores and ensure your test results are valid at the time of application.

If you’re unsure about which test to take or how to prepare, consulting with a qualified immigration agent can make the process much smoother. This way, you can focus on what matters most — building your career in Australia under the subclass 485 Temporary Graduate visa.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Is IELTS mandatory for the 485 visa?

No. IELTS is not the only option. You can take IELTS, PTE Academic, TOEFL iBT, Cambridge C1 Advanced, or OET (for healthcare professionals).

2. What is the minimum IELTS score for the subclass 485 Temporary Graduate visa?

You need an overall 6.0 with at least 5.0 in each band (Listening, Reading, Writing, Speaking).

3. Can I use PTE Academic for the 485 visa?

Yes. The minimum PTE Academic score is 50 overall, with at least 36 in each band.

4. How long are English test results valid for the 485 visa?

Your test result must be less than 3 years old at the time of application.

5. Do I need an English test if I studied in Australia?

Yes, unless you hold a passport from the UK, USA, Canada, New Zealand, or Ireland. Australian study alone doesn’t exempt you.

6. What happens if I don’t meet the 485 visa English requirements?

If you don’t provide valid English test results, your visa may be refused. It’s best to plan early and, if needed, get help from an experienced immigration agent.