Written by Immigrad · Registered Migration Agent · MARN 1805710 · Last updated October 2026
Most primary Skills in Demand (subclass 482) applicants in the Core Skills or Specialist Skills stream must pass an approved English test taken within three years before applying, unless an exemption applies. For an IELTS test taken on or after 13 September 2025, the minimum is 5.0 in each of listening, reading, writing and speaking.
How the 482 English requirement works
The Department of Home Affairs requires primary applicants for the Skills in Demand visa to show minimum English language proficiency by achieving a specific result in an approved test, unless an exemption applies. The required scores are set per skill, so a strong result in one component does not offset a low result in another.
The minimums differ by test. For tests taken on or after 13 September 2025, the Department lists 5 in each component for CELPIP General, 5.0 in each component for IELTS Academic and IELTS General Training, and PTE Academic scores of 33 for listening, 36 for reading, 29 for writing and 24 for speaking. Other tests have their own score tables on the Department page.
For employers, the practical point is timing. A candidate without a valid result may need to sit a test before the visa application can be lodged, and that can sit alongside your nomination planning. See our guides on 482 costs for employers and the step-by-step sponsorship process.
Which English tests does the Department accept for the 482?
For the Core Skills and Specialist Skills streams, the Department lists CELPIP General, IELTS Academic or General Training, LANGUAGECERT Academic, the Michigan English Test, the Occupational English Test, PTE Academic and TOEFL iBT. Online tests are not approved for Australian visa purposes. For TOEFL tests taken on or after 21 January 2026, the applicant must select the Taking TOEFL for Australia option at registration.
Who is exempt from the English test?
The Department lists exemptions for passport holders from Canada, New Zealand, the Republic of Ireland, the United Kingdom and the United States, and for applicants with five years of full-time study at secondary level or above taught mostly in English. An employee of an overseas business nominated to work in Australia with guaranteed annual earnings of at least AUD96,400 is also exempt. Further exemptions are listed on the Department page.
How long does a test result stay valid for a 482 application?
The applicant must take the test within three years before applying for the visa. Tests taken before 13 September 2025 are assessed against a separate table of minimum scores and must be achieved in one sitting. If a test offers a single-skill retake, the Department may accept the result for that skill.
Does the English requirement apply to the employer or the worker?
It applies to the primary visa applicant, not to the sponsoring business. Even so, an employer planning a nomination should ask the candidate about English test status early, because booking and sitting a test can affect when the visa application is ready to lodge.
For the path from a 482 to permanent residence, read our 482 to PR roadmap, or browse our employer sponsored visa services.
This is general information only, not migration advice, and does not guarantee any visa outcome. Complex cases need personal advice from a registered migration agent.
Source: Department of Home Affairs, English proficiency (subclass 482), checked 23 October 2026. Always confirm the current requirement with the Department before relying on it.
Book a consultation with Immigrad to discuss English requirements for your sponsored worker.