1. The “12-Month Rule” vs. The “3-Year Policy”
There is a massive difference between what the test provider says and what the visa requires.
- The 3-Year Policy: For most skilled migration visas (like the 189 or 190), the DHA accepts English results for up to 3 years.
- The 12-Month Rule (Subclass 485): As of the latest 2026 updates, if you are applying for a 485 Graduate Visa, your English test must have been taken within the 12 months immediately before the day you lodge your application.
- The Trap: If you used an IELTS score from two years ago to get your Student Visa, that score is expired for your 485 application. You must re-sit the test.
2. 2026 Score Requirements (Competent English)
It isn’t just about the date; the scores required for the 485 visa were also increased in the 2024-2026 integrity reforms.
Note for Hong Kong/BNO Passport Holders: Your requirement remains lower at an overall IELTS 6.0 (or equivalent) with no band below 5.0.
3. The “One Sitting” Rule & One Skill Retake (OSR)
- No Combining Tests: You cannot combine scores from two different test sittings to meet the 485 requirement.
- IELTS One Skill Retake: In 2026, the DHA officially accepts the IELTS One Skill Retake for the 485 visa. If you hit your overall 6.5 but missed one band, you can retake just that section.
- PTE Exception: PTE currently does not have a DHA-approved “One Skill Retake” for the 485 visa. If you miss one component in PTE, you must retake the entire exam.
4. “At-Home” Tests: Still a Hard No
Despite the technology available in 2026, the Department of Home Affairs strictly rejects all “Home Edition” or “Online” versions of English tests.
- Rejected: IELTS Online, PTE Academic Online, TOEFL iBT Home Edition.
- Requirement: You must attend a physical, secure testing centre for your results to be valid for any Australian visa.
5. 2026 Strategy: Timing Your Test
Since the $4,600 application fee is non-refundable, timing your test is critical:
- Check Your Completion Date: You must apply for the 485 visa within 6 months of your course completion.
- Book 2 Months Early: Aim to sit your English test 1–2 months before you complete your studies.
- Verify the Result: Ensure your result is in your hand before you hit “Submit” on ImmiAccount. You cannot lodge the visa and “attach the results later.”
