If you are planning to Opt for permanent residency in Australia, then, then here is a big update which you must not miss. The Department of Home Affairs has updated new PR rules in Australia which will be applicable from 7th August The change includes updated score requirements for English proficiency exams.
The Australian Department of Home Affairs has recently given a chart showing updated score requirements for several tests like PTE, IELTS, CELPIP, etc. Here is a breakdown of these scores and rule changes.
What is changing?
The score requirements for Superior, Proficient, Competent, Vocational, and Functional English have been revised for all accepted English language tests — including IELTS, PTE Academic, TOEFL iBT, OET, and Cambridge C1 Advanced.
But here’s what’s important:
- If your test was taken on or before 6 August 2025, this scoring doesn’t apply to you
- If your test is on or after 7 August 2025, you’ll need to meet the new score requirements — which, in most cases, are slightly tougher.
Why English Level Matters for PR?
Under Australia’s General Skilled Migration (GSM) program:
- Competent English = Minimum requirement (no points awarded)
- Proficient English = +10 PR points
- Superior English = +20 PR points
What Do These New PR Rules in Australia Mean for You?
Some test scores are now harder to achieve, especially if you’re trying to hit that Superior English band.
Here’s the simple breakdown:
- If your test is old (before 7 Aug 2025): You’re fine using the old scores, even if you’re lodging later.
- If you’re taking a test from 7 Aug 2025 onward, you’ll need to meet the Australia pr updates 2025 (possibly tougher).
- IELTS candidates: No major change, but do check your band scores — no leniency on even 0.5 shortfalls.
- PTE candidates: Pay extra attention to Speaking and Writing scores, especially for Proficient or Superior levels.
- CELPIP General Test: A Canadian English test now recognised for Australian visa applications.
English proficiency test scores aren’t just a technicality—they’re a strategic piece for strategizing your preparation for PR. Staying updated with the correct test requirements will help you achieve your target score through streamlined preparation.
Score Breakdown As Per the New PR Rules in Australia:
PTE Academics:
IELTS Academic:
| Skill | Superior
Before After |
Proficient
Before After |
Competent
Before After |
Vocational
Before After |
||||
| Listening | 8 | 8 | 7 | 7 | 6 | 6 | 5 | 5 |
| Reading | 8 | 8 | 7 | 7 | 6 | 6 | 5 | 5 |
| Writing | 8 | 8 | 7 | 7 | 6 | 6 | 5 | 5 |
| Speaking | 8 | 8 | 7 | 7 | 6 | 6 | 5 | 5 |
IELTS General:
| Skill | Superior
Before After |
Proficient
Before After |
Competent
Before After |
Vocational
Before After |
||||
| Listening | 8 | 8 | 7 | 7 | 6 | 6 | 5 | 5 |
| Reading | 8 | 8 | 7 | 7 | 6 | 6 | 5 | 5 |
| Writing | 8 | 8 | 7 | 7 | 6 | 6 | 5 | 5 |
| Speaking | 8 | 8 | 7 | 7 | 6 | 6 | 5 | 5 |
*Note there is no change in scoring of IELTS.
CELPIP General:
The exam was not accepted earlier but from 7th August 2025 CELPIP Genral will be accepted for Australian visa applications.
| Skill | Superior | Proficient | Competent | Vocational |
| Listening | 10 | 9 | 7 | 5 |
| Reading | 10 | 8 | 7 | 5 |
| Writing | 12 | 10 | 7 | 5 |
| Speaking | 10 | 8 | 7 | 5 |
Action Points As Per New PR Rules in Australia
- Double-check your test date
- Compare your score to the correct table (old vs new)
- Prep smarter — especially for writing & speaking in PTE & CELPIP
- Don’t rely on “overall” scores — check each section
How And From Where to Prepare According to New PR Rules In Australia
Focus More on Speaking & Writing (High Weightage in PTE & CELPIP):
- These two sections often carry heavier scoring influence, especially in computer-scored tests like PTE and CELPIP.
- Practice structured speaking templates (Describe Image, Retell Lecture, Speaking tasks).
- Improve writing accuracy, coherence, and grammar with daily essay writing and summarization practice.
Reading Has Consistent Scoring Across Tests, But Can Be Time-Draining:
- Especially in IELTS and PTE, Reading tests time management and vocabulary depth.
- Build reading speed with academic articles and practice skimming and scanning techniques.
- Focus on inference and detail-based question types.
Listening Supports Other Modules Too (Especially in Integrated Tasks):
- Listening indirectly affects Speaking and Writing (e.g., in PTE’s Retell Lecture or Summarize Spoken Text).
- Daily listening to news, podcasts, and academic talks sharpens comprehension.
- Practice note-taking techniques while listening to enhance memory recall and focus.
Grammar & Vocabulary Form the Foundation:
- Scoring rubrics for Writing and Speaking often give weight to grammatical range and lexical resource.
- Use vocabulary-building apps like Anki or Quizlet.
- Revise basic to intermediate grammar concepts with focused quizzes and corrections.
Practice With Full-Length Mock Tests Regularly On Gurully:
Gurully provides full-length PTE mock test with accurate AI scoring. The mock test stimulates real time which stimulates real test pressure and reveals your weakest section under timed conditions. These mock tests are curated by exam experts and will help you in achieving your target score. Subscribe to our YouTube channel to get regular updates and tips to achieve high.
Also Read:
- Understand Important Changes in PTE Scoring & Update Your Preparation
- Daily PTE Mock Tests: Do They Really Boost Scores?
