The Department of Home Affairs (the department) requires evidence of English proficiency for Australian visa applications. This helps effectively manage immigration risk and ensure visa holders can fully participate in the Australian community.
We obtain evidence from scores from a number of English language tests prescribed in Australian migration legislation. The department is not involved in the content or delivery of these tests.
In July 2022, the department commenced a Request for Expression of Interest (REOI) process for the identification and selection of new English language tests.
In June 2023, we extended a final opportunity for all REOI respondents to submit revised responses. The REOI process has been highly complex and is ongoing due to unforeseen delays.
We may accept new English language tests that satisfy all REOI requirements as an outcome of the REOI process. These tests may replace those currently accepted. We may also prescribe them in Australian migration legislation by mid-2025.
The REOI process is ongoing but is closed to new submissions. We may choose to approach the market in the future to consider other English language tests for Australian visa purposes. We will share information on our submissions and discussion papers page.
For completeness, we note that the REOI is not a procurement and that AusTender provisions do not apply.
For more information, contact the department’s REOI team at ELT.Empanelment@homeaffairs.gov.au.
