Australia: English Language Test Restrictions for Visa Applications

The testing center called ‘Test of English as a Foreign Language’ (TOEFL iBT) has ceased offering English language tests for Australian visa purposes until further notice. This decision was made after the Department of Home Affairs evaluated the TOEFL iBT test as part of a Request for Expression of Interest process to assess its suitability. In line with this, visa applicants who had scheduled a TOEFL iBT test previously should consult their immigration professional for alternative options. Furthermore, the Department of Home Affairs advised that it no longer accepts scores from alternative versions of English tests that can be taken at home or online for Australian visa purposes. Additionally, the One Skill Retake option provided by the International English Language Testing System is no longer accepted for certain visa applications, including Temporary Skill Shortage (subclass 482), Skilled-Recognised Graduate (subclass 476) and Temporary Graduate (subclass 485) visas. For these visa subclasses, applicants must complete an approved English language test and achieve the required scores in a single sitting.