If you are someone planning to migrate to Australia and wondering “ is CELPIP Valid for Australia? then the answer is YES. From 6, August 2025 the Australian Government has started accepting CELPIP General Test for visa and immigration. Here are more details that you need to know.
What Is CELPIP?
Before we dive into the details, here is a quick information:
CELPIP stands for the Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program. It tests four English skills: listening, reading, writing, speaking.
It has been used primarily for Canadian immigration, citizenship, and professional purposes.
It’s computer-delivered (in test centres), and designed to reflect everyday English usages.
What Changed For Australia:
Alongside CELPIP for Australia, the country also expanded the list of accepted tests. Now there are eight tests (from five earlier) that visa applicants can use. List of these tests is:
- IELTS
- PTE Academic
- TOEFL iBT
- Cambridge C1 Advanced
- OET
- LanguageCert Academic
- Michigan English Test (MET)
- CELPIP General
Validity / Transition Rules
- For tests taken on or after 7 August 2025, the new framework applies.
- Tests taken before 6 August 2025 may still be valid for certain visa subclasses under older rules, but you must check your specific visa category.
Requirements Around Testing Format
- Australia requires that tests are taken in secure test centres. Remote or at-home versions of tests (online from home, remote-proctored, etc.) are not accepted for visa purposes. This applies to CELPIP online/off-home versions too.
Factor For What to Check
- Visa subclass: Different visa categories (skilled migration, student, employer-sponsored) may have different English requirements, both in which test and what score. Confirm your subclass.
- Score requirements: You might need “Competent English”, “Proficient English” or higher. CELPIP’s score mapping vis-à-vis Australian levels needs to match what your visa demands.
- Date of test: If you take CELPIP after 6 August 2025, your score should automatically be under the new regime. Before, check if your test date still meets the validity for your visa subclass.
- Test centre version: The version of CELPIP you take must be in a secure test centre. Any “at-home” or remote online versions won’t be accepted by Australia.
Advantages & Things to Watch Out of CELPIP for Australia
Advantages:
- More options: With CELPIP added, more people who maybe preferred its format (computer-based, familiar accent, test structure) get viable choices.
- Potentially quicker results: Because of its computer-based model and the way CELPIP is run, in many cases people report faster result turnaround vs some paper-based tests.
- Realistic English: CELPIP is often said to emulate “real life” English usage (everyday tasks, communication) which may suit some test-takers better.
Things to watch out:
- Score mapping: As CELPIP for Australia is newly introduced, you must understand how test scores translate to visa English levels.
- Older results: If you took CELPIP before August 2025, there’s a chance it won’t suffice or might be valid only for certain visa subclasses. Always check the date.
- Test availability: Check the availability depending on your location, booking slots might be limited
- Test format comfort: Computer-based means typing writing tasks, speaking into mics, etc. If you prefer paper or face-to-face speaking, that might be a factor.
What You Should Do
- If you’re planning for student visa: Now you can take CELPIP General (after 7 August 2025) to satisfy English requirements for many study visas (Subclass 500 and others), provided your institute accepts it (most likely do, since it’s government-approved).
- If you’re applying for skilled migration: Check what English standard is needed (Competent, Proficient, Superior). If your CELPIP score meets that (in all components), then good. If not, you might prefer another test. Also make sure your CELPIP test was taken in the correct format.
- If you already have a test result (IELTS / PTE etc.): If you are satisfied with those, there’s no need to rush to switch. CELPIP just gives more flexibility. But compare cost, convenience, how comfortable you are with each test’s format.
FAQs
Which English test is accepted in Australia?
As of August 2025, Australia’s Department of Home Affairs accepts multiple English tests for visa and migration purposes. These include IELTS (Academic & General Training), PTE Academic, CELPIP General, TOEFL iBT, OET, Cambridge C1 Advanced, LanguageCert Academic, and the Michigan English Test (MET). However, fully online or at-home versions are not accepted; all tests must be taken at authorized centres.
Is PTE better than CELPIP?
Neither test is inherently better—it depends on your comfort and visa goals. PTE Academic is widely recognized in Australia, offers quick results, and has global test centres. CELPIP General, newly accepted in 2025, is also computer-based and popular for its straightforward format. If you prefer an established option, PTE is safer; if you want a simple and newer alternative, CELPIP works equally well.
Which countries accept CELPIP?
CELPIP General is officially accepted by Canada for immigration and citizenship, and by Australia (from August 2025) for visa and PR purposes. Outside these countries, CELPIP’s recognition is limited compared to IELTS or PTE, so applicants should verify acceptance with specific institutions or immigration authorities before applying.
Can I get Australian PR without IELTS?
Yes, you can obtain Australian PR without IELTS. The government accepts several tests—including PTE Academic, CELPIP General, TOEFL iBT, and Cambridge C1 Advanced—to prove English proficiency. Additionally, applicants from English-speaking countries or with certain educational backgrounds may be exempt from providing any English test results.
What is the minimum points for Australia PR?
To be eligible for Australian PR under the General Skilled Migration (GSM) program, you need a minimum of 65 points. However, meeting this threshold doesn’t guarantee an invitation. Higher points—earned through stronger English scores, work experience, or state nomination—significantly increase your chances of receiving a PR invitation.
If you’re planning to take the CELPIP General test, start your preparation with Gurully. Our online practice platform offers full-length CELPIP mock tests with instant and accurate AI-scoring, help you track your progress effectively. Experience a real-time exam simulation that mirrors the actual test environment—so you can feel confident and exam-ready.
Also Read:
- CELPIP Vocabulary: Learn 150+ Words To Score High
- Decoding the CELPIP Score Chart – Set Yourself Up for 2025 Success
