CELPIP for Australia
Since August 2025, CELPIP has been on the Australian Department of Home Affairs (DHA) list of approved English tests — so you can use it to meet the English requirement for a range of Australian visas. New to the test? Start with what CELPIP is.
Why the DHA accepts CELPIP
In August 2025 the Department of Home Affairs added CELPIP to its list of approved English language proficiency tests, giving international students and skilled applicants a trusted new option. CELPIP was built in Canada by Paragon Testing Enterprises (originally a University of British Columbia subsidiary), tests real-life English across four skills, and is delivered under secure, standardised conditions — the qualities immigration authorities look for. The result is a research-based, government-recognised way to prove your English for Australia.
Accepted Australian visa programs
CELPIP satisfies the DHA English requirement for the following visa subclasses.
Work in Australia through an approved employer. CELPIP meets the DHA's Vocational English requirement — CELPIP 5 in each of the four skills.
After graduating in Australia, CELPIP satisfies the Competent English requirement — CELPIP 7 in each of the four skills.
CELPIP is accepted for points-tested skilled visas; a higher CELPIP level earns more points on the skilled migration points test.
CELPIP can be used to show the English level required for a student visa application.
Source: celpip.ca/au/visas and the Australian Department of Home Affairs.
English levels and CELPIP scores
The DHA describes English in named levels — Vocational, Competent, Proficient and Superior. Because CELPIP levels map one-to-one to the Canadian Language Benchmarks, they convert cleanly into these requirements. The most common target is Competent English = CELPIP 7 in each skill.
| DHA English level | CELPIP (each skill) | Where it applies |
|---|---|---|
| Vocational English | CELPIP 5 in each skill | Subclass 482 (employer-sponsored work) |
| Competent English | CELPIP 7 in each skill | Subclass 485 · minimum for many skilled visas |
| Proficient English | L 9 · R 8 · W 10 · S 8 | More points — skilled migration |
| Superior English | L 10 · R 10 · W 12 · S 10 | Maximum points — skilled migration |
Convert a score with our CLB calculator, or see the full CELPIP score chart. The CELPIP levels above are taken from the official celpip.ca DHA score-comparison chart; always confirm the exact minimum for your specific visa on the official DHA and celpip.ca pages before you apply.
For Australian immigration the test must be a secure, in-centre CELPIP sitting. CELPIP Online (the at-home version) is not accepted by the DHA. In Australia, secure sittings are available in cities such as Sydney, Melbourne, Perth and Brisbane, with more locations being added — and CELPIP runs at 180+ test locations worldwide.
Why choose CELPIP
Frequently asked questions
Is CELPIP accepted for Australian visas?
Yes. In August 2025 the Australian Department of Home Affairs (DHA) added CELPIP to its list of approved English language tests. CELPIP-General can be used for employer-sponsored work (subclass 482), the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485), points-tested skilled visas (189, 190, 491), and student visas (subclass 500).
What CELPIP score do I need for an Australian visa?
It depends on the visa and the English level it requires. The 482 (Skills in Demand) needs 'Vocational English' — CELPIP 5 in each skill. The 485, and the minimum for many skilled visas, is 'Competent English' — CELPIP 7 in each skill. The higher 'Proficient' and 'Superior' levels, which earn extra points on the skilled migration points test, range from CELPIP 8 up to CELPIP 12 depending on the skill. Always confirm the exact figure for your visa on the official pages.
Can I use CELPIP Online for an Australian visa?
No. For Australian immigration the test must be taken at a secure CELPIP test centre. CELPIP Online (the at-home version) is not accepted by the DHA. In Australia, secure test sittings are available in cities such as Sydney, Melbourne, Perth and Brisbane.
How long are CELPIP results valid for Australia?
CELPIP results are valid for two years from the date they are issued, and must still be valid when you lodge your visa application.
Why did Australia start accepting CELPIP?
The DHA added CELPIP as a trusted, research-based and secure option for demonstrating English. It was developed in Canada by Paragon Testing Enterprises (UBC origin), measures real-life English across four skills, and is delivered under secure, standardised conditions.
Sources: Paragon Testing Enterprises (celpip.ca) and the Australian Department of Home Affairs. CELPIP was added to the DHA approved-tests list in August 2025. Requirements can change; Celpip.me is an independent study resource and is not affiliated with Paragon or the DHA — always confirm current rules on the official sites before you book or apply.
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