Key Policy Changes Effective from 7 August 2025

• The Department of Home affairs introduced major changes in the English test score for different visa subclasses

• New English tests are recognized for visa applications.
  To improve a single skill score without retaking the entire test, they introduced Flexibility with IELTS One Skill Retake (OSR) policy

• Certain exemptions for applicants are introduced who have prior work experience or educational background from an English-speaking country

• Streamlined exemption categories for applicants with prior education or work experience in English-speaking countries.

Introduction

The Healthcare sector is growing faster worldwide after the pandemic. Australia is one among the countries, which is always one of the most popular destinations for healthcare professionals seeking career opportunities abroad.

International graduates who wish to work or study in Australia have to meet the English language requirement is a crucial step in the visa process. In August 7,2025, the Department of Home Affairs introduced major changes to English proficiency requirements.

This article will guide healthcare professionals to understand the latest policy changes, new test introduced, revised test scores and what changes it brings to visa process and career goals

New English Proficiency Test Options

Before there were basic tests which were accepted by the home affairs. But after August 7, In addition to IELTS, OET, TOEFL iBT, and PTE Academic, applicants can now also use:

• Linguaskill (Cambridge English) is accepted for selected visas.

• IELTS One Skill Retake (OSR) policy is applicable, if an applicant misses the required score in one band, they can only retake the particular module rather than the whole test.

C1 Advanced: No Longer a Strict Requirement

Especially for healthcare professionals, Cambridge C1 Advanced test was encouraged to attempt as a part of visa procedure. After the updates happened in August 2025, C1 Advanced is no longer mandatory and now it's completely optional. Applicants can choose from several test options which will suit or enhance their skillset

What is the revised score threshold for different visa applications?

Which tests are exempted : Particular Online test restrictions

The Department of Home affairs has exempted some of the English language tests that are delivered completely online. These are known as remote-proctored or at-home tests

Examples of online tests that we do not accept for Australian visa purposes include:

• CELPIP Online

• IELTS Online

• LANGUAGECERT Academic Online

• MET Digital (taken at-home)

• OET@Home

• TOEFL iBT – Home Edition

Who Does Not Need to Sit for English Tests?

Applicants are exempted if:

• They hold a passport from the UK, USA, Canada, New Zealand, or Ireland.
  
  

• They have completed at least 5 years of study in an English-speaking country.
  
  

• Before August 2025, if they attempted any of the accepted tests and previously submitted valid scores for a visa lodged within the last 3 years (if still valid).

Will Applicants with Existing Test Scores Still Qualify for the current visa process?

Certainly Yes .if your scores are still within the validity period, generally 2–3 years, depending on the visa type. If your score expires after August 2025, you may still use it for your application.

Levels of English Explained for Healthcare Applicant

IELTS One Skill Retake (OSR) – A Game Changer

IELTS One Skill Retake (OSR) policy is applicable, if an applicant misses the required score in one band, they can only retake the particular module rather than the whole test.

After clearing the English test, what are the Next Steps in the Visa and Career Pathway?

1. Check your visa subclass requirements before booking a test.

2. Choose the right English test based on your strengths and target score.

3. Prepare strategically – use practice tests, mock exams, and coaching.

4. Plan for OSR if needed – save time and money by improving only the weak area.

5. Keep track of validity – ensure your scores remain valid at the time of visa lodgment

Conclusion:

There are several changes or updates to the requirements of English proficiency test score from August 2025. These updates made the English testing more flexible and applicant-friendly. For the healthcare professionals these changes are very crucial as it directly affects the visa processing. Understanding the new rules and preparing strategically will help you avoid delays and secure your visa on time.

About the Author

Krupa Karamchand

Content Writer | Elite Expertise

Krupa Karamchand is a B. Pharm graduate and KAPS-qualified pharmacist with over 7 years of experience in the pharmaceutical field. As an experienced SEO content writer, she combines her in-depth healthcare knowledge with proven digital strategies to create informative, engaging, and search engine–optimized blogs. Krupa is passionate about making complex medical topics easy to understand and accessible to all readers.

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