485 Visa PTE Requirements: Meeting the English Test Criteria

You have just completed your studies; now, the PTE requirements for the 485 visa are facing you, and you are asking yourself, “What is the minimum score I need to get?” We totally understand that this part of the process can be overwhelming. Notably, the requirements saw a major alteration on August 7, 2025.

Taking the PTE seems necessary and even a bit of a gamble, since meeting the English requirements in 2025 is a critical step in your journey to remaining in Australia on your Temporary Graduate visa. On the other hand, there is a good side to it. This article will disclose the 485 PTE score requirements, highlight what changed in August 2025, summarise the English proficiency levels, and provide excellent tips for preparing with confidence.

Quick Context: Why Your PTE Score Matters for the 485 Visa

The Subclass 485 Temporary Graduate visa can be considered as Australia’s gesture that says “Kudos to you for the educational journey! With this visa, you can stay here for a while, work and enjoy the country while organising your next step”. One of the substantial requirements that you will have to meet to be eligible for the visa is to demonstrate your English language proficiency at a level where you can live and work in Australia. This is the point where PTE (Pearson Test of English) steps in. The Department of Home Affairs depends on the test (or other approved tests) to assess your English language proficiency. So, your PTE score for the 485 visa application is one of the key factors in determining your chances of approval, and thus, it is of great importance. Nevertheless, the July 2025 change has been a minor win, as the process has been made somewhat less strict; the required score remains the same, but the manner of measuring it has changed.

The Big Update: What Changed on 7 August 2025?

Before 7 August, you had one set of requirements. After 7 August, you’ve got another. Let’s break it down:

The number of tests accepted that changed:

• Initially, only a few tests were accepted. Starting from 7 Aug 2025, the slot was opened to a larger number of English tests, including, but not limited to, CELPIP General, LANGUAGECERT Academic, and Michigan English Test (MET). 
• However, the key players (PTE Academic, IELTS, TOEFL iBT, OET) stayed in the game.

What changes occurred in the PTE requirements:

• The old method: A PTE Academic overall score of 57 for 485 visas (for tests conducted before 7 Aug). 
• The new method (for tests conducted on or after 7 Aug 2025): A total score of 55 with the following minimum scores in each part: Listening 40, Reading 42, Writing 41, Speaking 39.
• The test must be taken no later than 12 months before lodging your visa application (for tests taken on/after 7 Aug 2025).

Thus, if your test is now or shortly, you are working under the “new” numbers. If you already possess a test result from before 7 Aug, you will need to verify which set of rules applies.

The Scores You Need: Breaking Down 485 Visa PTE Requirements

Here’s the straight‑up breakdown of what the Department wants for the 485 visa (Standard Stream) after 7 August 2025:

PTE Academic – Minimum Scores

• Listening: 40
• Reading: 42
• Writing: 41
• Speaking: 39
• Overall score: 55

What does this really imply in reality? No pressure, being just good enough is enough in every part:

• Listening 40 – You can understand standard English and get the most important information.
• Reading 42 – You can peruse simple texts and grasp the major points.
• Writing 41 – You can produce simple sentences that are coherent.
• Speaking 39 – Your message can be easily understood, even with a heavy accent.
• Overall 55 – Your overall proficiency indicates that your English is adequate for living, studying, and working in Australia.

Genuine situation: Consider that you get 45 in Listening, 45 in Reading, 50 in Writing, and 40 in Speaking. Your total rating becomes 55. You have covered all the minimum requirements and surpassed the total requirement. Well done, you are approved!

Important Special Cases

Some applicants have slightly different rules:

• Hong Kong and British National Overseas (BNO) Passport holders have lower requirements:
  • IELTS equivalent 6.0 instead of 6.5
  • Listening/Reading/Writing/Speaking minimum 5.0 instead of 5.5

Test Validity

• Beginning on August 7, 2025, PTE testing will be required, and the passing score must be no more than 12 months old.
• The previous period was three years, so do not wait until the last moment.
• For instance, if you took the PTE test in June 2025 and submitted your application in August 2026, the score would not be valid.

In conclusion, the PTE score requirements for 485 are obviously doable and reasonable. Schedule your test wisely, strengthen your weak points, and you will achieve them easily.

The Three English Proficiency Levels (And Why They Matter)

Understanding the proficiency levels of English is essential for obtaining Australian visas, including the 485 Standard Stream. The Australian classification system ranks the English language in five levels: Functional, Vocational, Competent, Proficient, and Superior. For the 485 visa, the aim is to reach the Competent level, which is the “basic foundation” for working and studying in English without significant problems.

The following is a straightforward illustration of the five levels and PTE score interpretation:

Honestly, you are not required to sound like a BBC speaker. The ability to use English properly implies that you are aware of the situation, can express your thoughts comprehensibly, and can work in an academic or professional setting.

Knowledge of your proficiency will enable you to recognise your position and the progress required for a smooth 485 visa application.

Real Example Scores: What These Numbers Actually Look Like

Let’s make it real with some score examples:

Example 1: Just meets the requirement

Overall: 55

Listening: 40, Reading: 42, Writing: 41, Speaking: 39

Verdict: Pass. You’re in.

Example 2: Comfortable pass

Overall: 62

Listening: 48, Reading: 50, Writing: 55, Speaking: 52

Verdict: Good. You’re safe even if one section slips a little later.

Example 3: Crushing it

Overall: 70

Listening: 48, Reading: 50, Writing: 55, Speaking: 52

Verdict: Good. You’re safe even if one section slips a little later.

Example 4: Concerning

Overall: 52

Listening: 35, Reading: 40, Writing: 44, Speaking: 38

Verdict: Fail doesn’t meet the overall minimum. Need to retake.

Seeing actual numbers makes it less abstract, doesn’t it? Keywords: PTE score examples, passing score, 485 approval

How to Prepare: Getting Your PTE Score to 55+

The initial requirement is to meet the PTE criteria, and the next is to improve your score. The positive thing about it is that PTE marks become learnable; it is not a miracle, but rather concentrated training and a good method.

Practical prep tips:

The honest truth is that most people require 6 to 12 weeks of intensive preparation to achieve any meaningful improvements.

Common Questions About 485 PTE Requirements

Parish Patience Can Help You Navigate PTE Requirements

Parish Patience Immigration Lawyers are experts at unravelling these confusing visa regulations. Here’s what we can do for you:

• We will make it crystal clear which PTE requirements for the temporary graduate visa (485) apply to you.
• We will assist you in choosing the most suitable English test (PTE, IELTS, or others).
• We will prepare your test-prep timeline so that you not only get the score you need but also lodge your application on time.
• We will guide you through the entire 485 application process, not just the English part, but also the rest (documents, timing, stream selection).

If you’re wondering, “Can I meet the 485 PTE requirements?”, let’s chat. We’ll take the guesswork out of the equation so you can focus on your next career chapter.

Conclusion

Meeting the PTE requirements for a 485 visa is a specific case, but entirely possible. The rules have been revised and have become more lenient since the August 2025 changes. To be eligible, an overall score of 55 is required, with minimum scores in each part.

If you seek guidance, backing, or reassurance, support is available to make the whole process less taxing and smoother. Get in touch with Parish Patience now to easily and confidently meet the PTE requirements for a graduate visa, plus move on to the next phase of your Australian career.