The Department of Home Affairs has released an important update through the Migration (Language Test Requirements for Subclass 482 Visa) Instrument 2024.

The instrument starts on 6 December 2024 and introduces updated English language requirements for the 482 visa Australia (commonly known as Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) visa). Both overseas workers and employers in Australia should be aware of these changes to ensure that they do not delay or refuse applications.

What is the 482 Visa Australia?

The 482 visa Australia allows approved employers to sponsor overseas workers that are skilled for a position, when a suitably qualified worker cannot be found in Australia. It is designed to fill genuine labour shortages and has three pathways:

• Short Term Stream – to nominate a nominated occupation on the Short-Term Skilled Occupation List (STSOL)
• Medium-Term Stream – for roles on the Medium and Long-Term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL).
• Labour Agreement Stream – for workers employed under a negotiated labour agreement.

Because visa holders work in a wide range of industries—from healthcare to engineering—strong English skills are essential for safety, productivity, and effective workplace communication.

Objective of 2024 Instrument

The 2024 instrument will replace the existing IMMI 18/032 rules.
It aims to:

• Standardise recognised English tests and minimum scores.
• Provide clarity on exemptions and transitional arrangements.
• Ensure that migrants entering Australia on the 482 visa can participate to the fullest, in the workplace and in the community.

The Department of Home Affairs goes on to state that good proficiency in English leads to improved integration, minimises misunderstandings on the job site, and provides protections for employees and employers.

Approved English Language Tests

Applicants must demonstrate English proficiency using one of these recognized tests:

IELTS – International English Language Testing System

TOEFL iBT – Test of English as a Foreign Language (internet-based)

PTE Academic – Pearson Test of English

OET – Occupational English Test (primarily for healthcare professionals)

Cambridge C1 Advanced Test

These options give applicants flexibility to choose a test that suits their strengths, location, and preparation timeline.

Minimum Test Scores Required

To qualify for the 482 visa Australia, candidates must meet or exceed these minimum results (or their equivalent across different tests):

Applicants for the Medium-Term or Labour Agreement streams may need higher scores if specified by their occupation or the sponsoring employer.

Exemptions to Testing

Not everyone applying for the 482 visa Australia must sit an English test. Exemptions include:

• Citizens of the United Kingdom, the United States, Canada, New Zealand, or Ireland.
• Applicants earning above the Fair Work High Income Threshold, which is updated annually.
• Candidates with five consecutive years of full-time study in English, including secondary and tertiary education.
• Certain intra-company transferees under global corporate arrangements.

To claim an exemption, applicants must provide clear documentary evidence such as academic transcripts or proof of salary.

Impact on Applicants and Employers

The updated language requirements affect both prospective migrants and sponsoring businesses:

• Applicants need to plan early.Exam appointments for the IELTS, PTE, or TOEFL can book quickly, and results may take months to arrive.
• Before nominating candidates, employers must confirm that the individual meets the required conditions or has a valid exemption.
• Both migration agents and HR teams will need to update their both internal checklists and application templates of the 2024 provisions.

If the new requirements are not met, there could be a refusal of a visa grant, time to recruit, and additional costs.

Transitional Arrangements

Any applications submitted before 6 December 2024 will still be assessed under the old IMMI 18/032 requirements. However, any application for a482 visa Australia submitted on or after 6 December 2024 will need to meet the new instrument.

The transitional arrangements provide current applicants with a brief opportunity to apply under the old IMMI 18/032 requirements one last time as a precaution.

However you start, it is wise to plan ahead.

Practical Preparation Tips

To avoid delays in the last minutes, applicants and employers should consider the following:

• Book a Test Early – Popular centres may be fully booked weeks in advance.
• Collect Documents for Exemptions – Remember to collect transcripts, salary slips, or company letters as evidence to claim the benefit of the exemption.
• Double Check Expiry Dates – English test results normally have a three year expiry. Confirm it is current for the application.
• Stay Informed – Monitor the Department of Home Affairs website or become a newsletter subscriber and keep an eye out for clarifying information or minor policy revision.

Wider Implications for Australia’s Workforce

There is a continued shortfall of skills across sectors in Australia, particularly healthcare, IT, and construction.
By upholding standards for English proficiency, the government ensures that new arrivals can work effectively together, understand safety procedures, and communicate with coworkers and clients.
This is advantageous for the visa holders, employers, and more broadly the economy of Australia.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. When do the new English language rules start for the 482 visa Australia?
They apply to all Subclass 482 visa applications lodged on or after 6 December 2024.

2. Which English tests are accepted for the 482 visa Australia?
Recognised tests include IELTS, TOEFL iBT, PTE Academic, OET, and the Cambridge C1 Advanced Test.

3. Are there exemptions to the English included requirement?
Yes, there are exemptions for passport holders from specific English speaking countries, applicants earning above the Fair Work High Income Threshold or applicants who have completed five consecutive years of study in English.

4. What if I do not achieve the minimum test score?
Your application will be refused. You will need to complete another English language test, or have an exemption before reapplying for the 482 visa Australia.

5. Does this change apply for current visa holders?
No, current 482 visa holders will not be impacted unless they submit a new 482 visa Australia application after the 6 December 2024.

Main Points to note.

The Migration (Language Test Requirements for Subclass 482 Visa) Instrument 2024 underlines the commitment to ensuring skilled migrants to Australia can demonstrate an adequate level of proficiency in English.
Employers should be aware of this new policy, and help potential candidates navigate these new rules.
Applicants should start early, either with an approved test or collating documentation for an exemption, to make the process for the 482 visa Australia as seamless as possible.