Aside from the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) and Occupational English Test (OET), DIBP will accept English Language test scores from the “The Test of English as a Foreign Language internet-based test (TOEFL iBT)” and the “Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE Academic)” starting November 2014. DIBP will also accept scores from the “Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE)” test from early 2015.

Temporary Work (Skilled) Visa (Subclass 457) is not included in the list of visas that can take advantage of the test scores from the alternative English Language tests as the 457 visa programme is undergoing an independent review, DIBP says. Any updates regarding the alternative English test scores for the 457 visas will be posted in DIBP’s website later this year.

The following is the list of visa applications that can accept test scores from TOEFL iBT and PTE Academic tests. DIBP released this in their website:

The following visa subclasses from the Temporary Graduate, Skilled, Former Resident and Work and Holiday visa programmes will accept a TOEFL iBT or PTE Academic test score as evidence of English ability from November 2014:

• Distinguished Talent (Australian support) (subclass 124)
• Business Talent (subclass 132)
• Former Resident (subclass 151)
• Business Owner (provisional) (subclass 160)*
• Senior Executive (provisional) (subclass 161)*
• Investor (provisional) (subclass 162)*
• State/Territory Sponsored Business Owner (provisional) (subclass 163)*
• State/Territory Sponsored Senior Executive (provisional) (subclass 164)*
• State/Territory Sponsored Investor (provisional) (subclass 165)*
• Employer Nomination Scheme (subclass 186)
• Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme (subclass 187)
• Business Innovation & Investment (provisional) (subclass 188)
• Skilled – Independent (subclass 189)
• Skilled – Nominated (subclass 190)
• Work and Holiday (temporary) (subclass 462)
• Skilled – Recognised Graduate (subclass 476)
• Temporary Graduate (subclass 485)
• Skilled – Regional (provisional) (subclass 489)
• Distinguished Talent (subclass 858)
• Skilled – Regional (subclass 887)
• Business Innovation and Investment (permanent) (subclass 888)
• Business Owner (Residence) (subclass 890)
• Investor (Residence) (subclass 891)
• State/Territory Sponsored Business owner (Residence) (subclass 892)
• State/Territory Sponsored Investor (Residence) (subclass 893)

*Closed to new applications, but family members can apply

For more information regarding the alternative English tests, visit Alternative English Language tests for visa applicants