The Subclass 482 – Skills in Demand (SID) Visa is one of the most common Australian work visas. It allows skilled workers to be sponsored by an eligible Australian employer to live and work in Australia for up to four years.
Meeting the English language requirement is an essential part of the application. The rules were recently updated, with changes applying from 13 September 2025. Below is a full guide to the current requirements, including accepted tests, exemptions, and what this means if you plan to transition to permanent residency.
Recently, the Australian Government reduced the PTE English test requirement for the Subclass 482 visa. The change took effect on 13 September 2025 and applies to English tests taken on or after that date. Tests completed before this date must still meet the previous requirements.
For the Subclass 482 visa, the One Skill Retake (OSR) is now permitted for English tests that offer this option, such as IELTS.
English Tests Completed On or After 13 September 2025
If your English test provider offers a One Skill Retake (OSR) option, results from that retake may be accepted.
Minimum Score Required by Test:
Test
Listening
Reading
Writing
Speaking
PTE Academic
33
36
29
24
IELTS Academic
5.0
5.0
5.0
5.0
IELTS General Training
5.0
5.0
5.0
5.0
TOEFL iBT
8
8
9
14
OET
220
240
200
270
LanguageCert Academic
41
44
45
54
MET
49
47
45
38
CELPIP – General
5
5
5
5
English Tests Completed Before 13 September 2025
Scores must be achieved in a single sitting. One Skill Retake results are not accepted.
Minimum Score Required by Test:
Test
Requirement
PTE Academic
Overall score of 36, with 36 in each component
IELTS (Academic or General)
Overall band score of at least 5.0, with no band lower than 5.0
TOEFL iBT
Total score: 35 (Listening: min 4, Reading: min 4, Writing: min 14, Speaking: min 14)
Cambridge C1 Advanced (CAE)
Overall score of 154, with at least 154 in each component
OET
At least B in each of the four components
Note: From 26 July 2023 to 4 May 2024, TOEFL iBT was not accepted for visa purposes. From 12 February 2024, only the paper-based CAE version is accepted. Older valid results remain acceptable.
Who Does Not Need to Sit an English Test?
You may be exempt from taking an English test if:
You hold a passport from:
United Kingdom
Ireland
USA
Canada
New Zealand
You have completed at least five years of full-time study in English at a secondary level or higher
You are sponsored under a labour agreement that specifies a different English requirement
You hold registration that has the same or higher English requirement, such as for medical practitioners
482 Visa to 186 Visa: Permanent Residency Transition
Enter your valid email address to receive a verification code.
Once you receive the code, enter it and click “NEXT” to proceed.
Step 3: Select Your Account Type and Enter New User Details
You will be prompted to choose between:
Individual – for personal visa applications
Organisation – for companies or registered migration agents
Enter the following New User Details:
First and last name
Contact number
Tip: Ensure these match your identity documents for a smoother visa application process.
Step 4: Account Details
Login Details:
Create a Username and Password Choose a secure username and password. Typical password requirements include:
At least 14 characters
A mix of uppercase and lowercase letters
Numbers and special characters
Set Security Questions
Select and answer security questions. These will be used if you ever need to recover your account.
Review and Accept Terms
Read the terms and conditions carefully. Tick the checkbox to accept them and continue.
Step 5: Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)
Before your account is fully created, you must set up Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA). This adds an extra layer of security to prevent unauthorized access and cyberattacks.
Tip: Ensure your email and mobile number are accessible during this step.
Steps to Enable MFA:
Download the Microsoft Authenticator App Available on Google Play (Android) or App Store (iOS)
Scan the Generated QR Code Open the app and scan the QR code shown on the ImmiAccount setup screen
Enter the 6-Digit Authentication Code The app will display a 6-digit code. Enter it into the ImmiAccount page to verify.
This ensures your account remains secure and accessible only by you. Keep your mobile device safe and handy for future logins.
Step 6: Log in – ImmiAccount Has Been Created Successfully
Welcome to the latest edition of Australian Immigration News from Work Visa Lawyers. In this article, we cover the key updates for September 2025. September 2025 has been one of the busiest months in immigration news for some time, with major announcements on visas, testing, allocations, and labour agreements.
This month brings significant developments, including updates on the 2025–26 Migration Program, interim allocations, English test changes for the 482 visa, the latest Subclass 189 invitation round, and more.
Immigration Back in the Headlines
From the federal election in May until mid-August 2025, immigration news was relatively quiet. During this period, the newly appointed Minister for Home Affairs, Tony Burke, had not made any major announcements on skilled visas.
This changed dramatically in late August, with several immigration-related stories making headlines:
On 31 August 2025, anti-immigration rallies were held across Australia, with participation from extremist groups including neo-Nazis.
The Federal Labor Government quickly condemned the rallies and reaffirmed its support for migration.
Liberal Senator Jacinta Nampijinpa Price made controversial comments suggesting “large numbers” of Indian people were migrating to Australia because the Indian community votes for Labor. Following backlash, she lost her place on the Liberal front bench.
Soon after these events, the immigration planning levels for 2025–26 were officially announced, bringing migration back into national focus.
The Australian Government Confirms 2025–26 Migration Program
This is the same as last year, so there’s no increase or decrease in the overall program size.
Program Breakdown:
Skilled visas:
44,000 Employer Sponsored – the largest category. However, with so many Subclass 482 visa holders waiting to transition, we may see longer PR processing times.
4,300 Talent and Innovation visas, which includes the new National Innovation Visa (subclass 858) as well as the old Global Talent and Distinguished Talent visas (which are now closed to new applications). With more places allocated, we expect to see more NIV invitations.
We offer a free NIV assessment to evaluate your eligibility — you can find the link in the description.
1,000 Business Innovation and Investment visas – these places are just to clear the backlog, as no new applications are being accepted.
8,500 Parent visas (though parent visas continue to experience very long wait times).
What does this mean?
Skilled visas such as the 189, 190, and 491 will remain highly competitive.
While the Federal Government have not provided the allocations for the 190 and 491 visas to the states and territories at this stage, some states have already received small interim allocations.
Interim Allocations Explained
Interim allocations are small, temporary visa quotas provided to states and territories. They allow limited invitations while states wait for their full annual allocation to be released by the Federal Government.
This is not the first time interim allocations have been used. A similar process occurred during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020–21, and it is happening again now.
Stay in the loop with our social media pages - Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok. We’re always committed to staying up to date with the latest news and keep you in the know.
This interim allocation will only be used for those who were provisionally approved but could not be nominated with the 2024-2025 nomination before all the places were used.
Sc-190 applicants with visas expiring soonest or those currently holding a Bridging Visa will be prioritised.
Western Australia has received a small interim allocation for 2025–26, which will be used to finalise pending 2024–25 applications. The new program year will only open once the Government provides the full allocation.
Queensland Interim Allocations
Migration Queensland has received an interim allocation of 250 places, with the full quota expected by the end of September. Applicants must lodge a new ROI for the 2025–26 program to be considered for nomination.
Migration Queensland announced that Queensland Skilled Migration Program for 2025-26 will open for Registration of Interest (ROI) on 19 September 2025.
As part of Migration Queensland 2025-2026 program, they have introduced a few changes such as:
revised onshore and offshore occupation lists
new onshore pathway for Building and Construction workforce
changes to work experience requirements
changes to certain selection factors
Victoria and New South Wales didn’t publish the interim allocations yet.
Once the Federal Government releases full allocations, states are expected to publish their updated nomination criteria and reopen fully.
Subclass 189 Invitation Round
After nine months without invitations, a new Skilled Independent Subclass 189 visa invitation round was finally held on 21 August 2025. The previous round had taken place in November 2024.
This round brought positive news for many applicants, with invitations issued across construction, health, and teaching sectors. Occupations invited included carpenters, painters, engineers, nurses, doctors, and teachers.
The Department of Home Affairs released the full list of invited occupations and points.
Key Outcomes:
Over 6,800 invitations were issued across more than 130 occupations.
Construction trades such as carpenters, electricians, and bricklayers were invited at only 65 points.
Health roles were also strong — many doctors and nurses were invited around 80 points.
Education professionals included university lecturers at 85 points and childcare managers at 90 points.
Unfortunately, accountants and chefs did not receive invitations in this round.
The Department has indicated that invitation rounds will be held quarterly, with the next expected before December 2025.
Subclass 491 Family Sponsored Stream Returns
Another important highlight of the August round was the return of invitations for the Subclass 491 Family Sponsored stream.
It had been a long time since we last saw invitations in this category, making this great news for people who already have family in Australia and are seeking a pathway to settle here.
Total invitations issued: 150 EOIs.
Occupations invited included:
Trades: Bricklayer, General Electrician, Gasfitter
Health: Cardiologist, Midwife, Registered Nurse
Education: Early Childhood Teacher
This marks a significant reopening of the 491 Family Sponsored option. Hopefully, more invitations will follow in future rounds.
From 13 September 2025, the English test requirements for the PTE have been reduced.
New PTE Requirements:
Listening: 33
Reading: 36
Writing: 29
Speaking: 24
This is a major drop, especially in speaking, compared to the old requirement of 36 in each band. For English tests taken before 13 September, applicants are still required to meet the old requirements.
Other key updates include:
IELTS remains the same at a minimum of 5 in each component.
One Skill Retakes are now allowed, which will help many applicants who struggled with just one test area.
Three new English tests are now accepted for the 482 visa:
LanguageCert Academic Test
Michigan English Test (MET)
CELPIP General
Altogether, the government now accepts nine English language tests for Australian Migration. This makes the visa more accessible for many skilled workers around the world.
Labour Agreement Updates
Labour Agreements have continued to grow rapidly. According to information shared at a Migration Institute of Australia (MIA) meeting with the Department of Home Affairs, Labour Agreements have increased by 53.4% in the past year.
This means more employers are sponsoring skilled workers through customised agreements.
One of the key benefits of Labour Agreements is that they can provide concessions, such as allowing applicants up to 55 years of age to obtain permanent residency in Australia.
At Work Visa Lawyers, we have produced several resources about Designated Area Migration Agreements (DAMAs) and tips on how to find a sponsor in Australia. You can find these on our YouTube channel and website.
Core Skills Occupation List Review
Jobs and Skills Australia will soon begin consultations to review the Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL).
Work Visa Lawyers plans to recommend the following occupations be added back to the list:
If you think an occupation should be added, let us know in the comments on our YouTube September Immigration News — and explain why. Community input can help shape these recommendations.
The consultation details will be published by Jobs and Skills Australia. We will also share updates on our social media channels as soon as more information becomes available.
Bridging Visa B Update
There are currently delays in Bridging Visa B processing.
The Department of Home Affairs now recommends lodging applications 2 to 4 weeks before your intended departure date.
A Bridging Visa B is necessary if you hold a Bridging Visa A and plan to travel overseas. Without it, you cannot re-enter Australia.
How Work Visa Lawyers Can Help
Since 2011, Work Visa Lawyers has been assisting thousands of individuals, families, and employers with their Australian visa applications. We provide:
Expert legal advice tailored to your circumstances
Support with skills assessments, EOIs, visa lodgements, administrative Review Tribunal (ART) reviews, and Federal Court appeals
Guidance on complex matters, including DAMAs and employer sponsorship
For personalised advice, book a consultation with Work Visa Lawyers today.
Government Confirms 2025–26 Immigration Intake: 185,000 Permanent Migration Places
On 2 September 2025, the Australian Government, through the Minister for Home Affairs Tony Burke, confirmed that the Permanent Migration Program for 2025–26 will be maintained at 185,000 places. This continues the migration intake from the 2024–25 program year, with the same levels and settings remaining in place. The announcement, made via an official media release from the Department of Home Affairs, ensures continuity for visa applicants, employers, and migration stakeholders.
What Has Been Confirmed
The 2025–26 migration intake remains steady at 185,000 permanent places, reflecting no changes in the program size or policy settings from the previous year. This decision follows consultations with states and territories, signaling a continued focus on skilled migration and the importance of migration to Australia’s economic and social fabric.
The Government has reassured us that visa application processing will continue without disruption, ensuring that existing pipelines of skilled, employer-sponsored, and family visa applicants remain active and operational. However, the extended closure of the state migration programs has been very disruptive for many migrants who have been waiting for an invitation for 491 or 190 visa to be able to remain in Australia when their visa expires, or who may be having a birthday soon that might mean they no longer meet the visa requirements.
Implications for Skilled Migration Pathways
For skilled migrants and employer-sponsored visa applicants, this confirmation provides welcome predictability. Although the detailed distribution of the 185,000 places across visa streams is yet to be released, it is anticipated that employer-sponsored and skilled independent categories will continue to receive substantial allocations, as they did in the previous financial year.
This is an opportunity for skilled professionals to stay proactive by reviewing their visa readiness, especially with regard to:
English language tests – Check expiration dates for tests like IELTS, PTE, or TOEFL, and schedule new tests if needed.
Family and Partner Visas & State Nomination
The "same level and settings" for the 2025–26 program year suggest that family and partner visa allocations are also expected to remain consistent with last year’s levels. This brings reassurance to applicants who are in the process of reuniting with family members or sponsoring a partner.
On the state and territory nomination front, while the specific allocations to each jurisdiction are still pending, we might expect that the 491 (Skilled Work Regional Provisional Visa) and 190 (Skilled Nominated Visa) programs will also resume soon. Applicants are encouraged to prepare ahead of time, as nomination programs can open and fill quickly.
What’s Next
While the total migration intake is now official, the breakdown of allocations across streams and regions has not yet been published. These details will clarify:
How many places are assigned to Skilled, Family, Special Eligibility, and Child visa streams.
How allocations will be distributed between states and territories, especially for nomination programs.
States and territories are expected to begin opening their nomination programs shortly, and many are likely finalizing program criteria and application timelines.
Your Pathway Starts Here
The Australian Government’s decision to maintain the Permanent Migration Program cap at 185,000 places for the 2025–26 financial year offers much-needed certainty for migrants and employers. While we await further details on the distribution of these places, it is crucial for potential applicants to stay informed and act proactively.
The best way to prepare? Ensure your documents are valid, monitor announcements from your preferred state or territory, and be ready to lodge your application when the time comes.
Book a consultation with Work Visa Lawyers today to receive a professional visa assessment tailored to your circumstances. Our experienced migration lawyers and registered agents are ready to guide you through every step of the process—from skills assessments to state nomination and visa lodgement.
We’ve recently seen a growing number of inquiries about 188 Business Innovation and Investment visa extensions. This trend is largely due to disruptions caused by COVID-19, which delayed business development and made it harder for some visa holders to meet the criteria for the 888 Permanent Residency visa.
A 188 Business visa extension allows eligible holders of the Business Innovation stream to extend their stay in Australia. This additional time gives them the opportunity to meet the requirements for the subclass 888 visa, which is the permanent residency pathway.
Why Might You Need a 188 Visa Extension?
Many applicants request an extension because they haven’t yet met the 888 visa criteria, such as business turnover, asset requirements, or operational timelines. An extension gives them the time they need to continue growing and managing their Australian business.
Who Can Apply for a 188 Business Visa Extension?
You may be eligible to apply if you:
Hold a subclass 188 Business Innovation stream visa
Are actively managing a business in Australia
Have a main ownership interest in one or two Australian businesses
Maintain daily involvement in the business operations
What’s Involved in the Extension Process?
The extension process involves two key stages:
State Nomination – You must first obtain nomination from the relevant state or territory government.
Visa Application – Once nominated, you can lodge your extension application with the Department of Home Affairs.
Key Requirements for the 188 Visa Extension
You must hold a valid 188 Business visa
Reside in Australia and be actively managing your business
Demonstrate continued business activity and growth
Provide strong supporting evidence of business operations
Secure state or territory nomination before applying
Who Typically Applies?
We’ve recently helped clients from Vietnam, China, and Bangladesh successfully extend their 188 Business visas. These extensions have allowed them to remain in Australia while continuing to build their businesses toward permanent residency.
See below for some examples of when a business can request a 188 visa extension:
Property Developer needing more time:
Property Development – A property development business experienced significant delays in commencing operations due to prolonged council approval processes. The extended timeline disrupted the business’s projected milestones, the business owner was not able to complete the construction and sell the properties. The business owner is now seeking an 188 Visa Extension to allow more time for the business to become eligible and meet the 888 visa’s criteria.
Small Business Owner needing to increase turnover:
Small Business - A 188 visa holder established a restaurant on their arrival. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the mandatory closures and reduced customer capacity significantly impacted revenue, making it difficult to meet the turnover required for a 888 permanent visa. The business owner is now seeking an 188 Visa Extension to allow at least two years for the business to become eligible and meet the 888 visa’s criteria.
Australia Produce Exporter with more planned shipments:
Wine Export – A wine export business was established after the applicant's first arrival of the 188 visa. However, in 2020, China imposed significant tariffs (up to 212%) on Australian wine imports as part of broader trade tensions. This made the business model unsustainable, as profit margins disappeared, and Chinese buyers turned to alternative suppliers. The applicant has to change their business plan and need additional time to demonstrate that the new business model was viable and met visa requirements. A 188 extension visa will be their best option.
Need Help with a 188 Business Visa Extension?
If you or someone you know needs to extend their 188 Business visa, don’t wait until the last minute. Early preparation is essential to ensure a smooth process.
Contact our team today for tailored advice and support with your extension and your pathway to permanent residency.
