The Australian Department of Home Affairs made a significant announcement on 7 August 2025. CELPIP General joined the list of approved English tests for Australian visas, giving visa applicants another pathway to prove their English proficiency.

CELPIP stands for Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program. Originally developed by language experts at the University of British Columbia, this test has been the go-to choice for Canadian immigration for years. Now Australian visa applicants can use it too.

This change matters for several reasons. Some people find CELPIP more comfortable than IELTS or PTE. The test focuses on everyday English rather than academic language. Results come faster. And for those who've already taken CELPIP for Canadian purposes, this opens a door they didn't have before.

According to the Department of Home Affairs, CELPIP is now accepted for skilled migration visas (189, 190, 491), employer-sponsored visas (482), graduate visas (485), and student visas (500). The test must be taken at a secure test centre; online versions are not accepted for Australian visa purposes.

This guide covers everything you need to know: score requirements for different English levels, test format breakdown, where to take CELPIP in Australia, and who should consider this test. Whether you're applying for PR or planning your study pathway, understanding CELPIP could give you an advantage in your visa application.

What is CELPIP and Why Australia Now Accepts It

The Background of CELPIP

CELPIP General tests four English skills: listening, reading, writing, and speaking. The entire test happens on a computer in one sitting, taking approximately three hours. Unlike IELTS where you speak to a human examiner, CELPIP speaking tasks are recorded through a microphone.

The test measures everyday English. Think workplace conversations, community interactions, and practical communication rather than academic essays or university lectures. This practical focus makes CELPIP particularly suitable for skilled workers and migrants planning to live and work in Australia.

Why the August 2025 Change Happened

Australia's decision to add CELPIP reflects a broader trend toward giving applicants more flexibility. The Migration (Specification of Language Tests, Test Scores and Passports) Instrument 2025 expanded the approved test list from five to nine options. CELPIP joined alongside LanguageCert Academic and the Michigan English Test (MET).

The government's reasoning is straightforward: more test options mean applicants can choose what suits their strengths and circumstances. Some people perform better with CELPIP's format. Others prefer the speed of results. Having options helps applicants put their best foot forward.

CELPIP Score Requirements for Australian Visas

Understanding how CELPIP scores translate to Australian English levels is critical for your visa application. The Department of Home Affairs recognises five English proficiency levels, and your CELPIP results must match the level required for your specific visa.

Competent English (Minimum for Skilled Migration)

For Competent English, you need CELPIP Level 7 in each of the four skills: listening, reading, writing, and speaking. This is the baseline requirement for skilled migration visas like the 189, 190, and 491. Competent English doesn't add points to your score. It simply gets you past the eligibility threshold.

Proficient English (10 Points)

Proficient English requires CELPIP Level 8 in all four skills. Achieving this adds 10 points to your skilled migration application. Those extra points can make a real difference when invitation rounds are competitive.

Superior English (20 Points)

Superior English is CELPIP Level 9 across all four components. This earns you 20 points on the points test. For detailed information on how English scores affect your total points, see our CELPIP score requirements guide.

CELPIP Test Format Explained

The CELPIP General test takes about three hours and includes four sections. You complete everything in one sitting at a test centre. No separate speaking appointment needed.

Listening and Reading Sections

The Listening section runs for 47-55 minutes with 38 questions spread across six parts. You'll hear conversations, news items, and opinion pieces, then answer questions about what you heard. The Reading section takes 55-60 minutes, also with 38 questions across four parts. Content includes emails, articles, and diagrams reflecting real-world situations.

Writing and Speaking Sections

Writing gives you 53-60 minutes for two tasks: typically an email and a survey response. The Speaking section lasts 15-20 minutes with eight tasks where you respond to prompts by speaking into a microphone. Human raters assess both Writing and Speaking components.

One feature many test-takers appreciate: CELPIP includes a built-in spell-check for writing tasks. Results arrive in 3-4 business days, significantly faster than some alternatives.

Where to Take CELPIP in Australia

Test centres are currently available in four Australian cities: Sydney (three centres), Melbourne (one centre at 382 Lonsdale Street), Brisbane (ILSC Brisbane), and Perth. Test availability is expanding as demand grows.

How to Book Your Test

All bookings happen online through the official CELPIP website at celpip.ca. You'll create an account, select your preferred location and date, and pay the registration fee. Registration closes one business day before the test or when seats fill up.

Bring the same identification document you used when registering. If your passport doesn't match your registration details, you won't be allowed to test and won't receive a refund. This is a strict policy that catches some people out.

Who Should Consider CELPIP

CELPIP suits certain test-takers particularly well. If you're comfortable with computers and typing, the fully digital format may feel more natural than paper-based tests. If you get nervous speaking face-to-face with an examiner, recording your responses privately might reduce anxiety.

The test's focus on everyday English (rather than academic English) makes it a good fit for skilled workers and professionals. The fast results also help when you're working with visa deadlines.

When Other Tests Might Be Better

CELPIP isn't for everyone. If you prefer human interaction for speaking assessments, IELTS might suit you better. If you need frequent test dates and maximum flexibility, PTE Academic offers daily availability in major cities. For a detailed comparison, read our guide on CELPIP vs PTE vs IELTS.

Important Rules for Visa Applicants

Several rules apply specifically to using CELPIP for Australian visas. The test must be taken at an approved secure test centre. Online or at-home versions (CELPIP Online) are explicitly not accepted by the Department of Home Affairs.

Your test results remain valid for three years from the test date for visa purposes. Tests taken before 7 August 2025 may still be valid under transitional arrangements until 6 August 2028, depending on your visa subclass.

How Desire Immigration Can Help

Choosing the right English test and achieving your target score requires proper preparation. Mrs. Manisha Bhutani (Registered Migration Agent MARN 2217756) and our team at Desire Immigration provide CELPIP coaching alongside comprehensive visa guidance.

We help you assess whether CELPIP suits your strengths, prepare for each test section, and build your visa application with confidence. Our Melbourne offices in Truganina, St Albans, and the CBD are ready to support your migration journey.

Book a consultation to discuss your English test options and visa pathway. Getting your English score right is often the first step toward permanent residency.

FAQs

Is CELPIP accepted for Australian PR visas?

Yes. Since 7 August 2025, CELPIP General is officially accepted for Australian permanent residency visas including skilled migration (189, 190) and employer-sponsored pathways (186). The Department of Home Affairs confirms CELPIP meets requirements for Competent, Proficient, and Superior English levels.

What CELPIP score do I need for Australian skilled migration?

For Competent English (the minimum requirement), you need Level 7 in all four skills. Proficient English requires Level 8 in each skill (earning 10 points), while Superior English requires Level 9 in each skill (earning 20 points).

Can I take CELPIP online for my Australian visa?

No. Australia only accepts CELPIP tests taken at secure test centres. The online or at-home version (CELPIP Online) is not valid for Australian visa purposes. This rule applies regardless of when you took the test.

How long are CELPIP results valid for Australian visas?

CELPIP results are valid for three years from the test date for visa purposes. Your score report remains accessible in your CELPIP account for two years.

Where can I take CELPIP in Australia?

Test centres are available in Sydney (three locations), Melbourne, Brisbane, and Perth. Book through the official CELPIP website at celpip.ca.

Is CELPIP easier than IELTS or PTE?

Difficulty is subjective and depends on your strengths. CELPIP focuses on everyday English rather than academic contexts, which some find more comfortable. The fully computer-based format with recorded speaking suits certain test-takers better than face-to-face examiner interviews. Try free practice materials from each test to see which format works for you.

How quickly do CELPIP results come?

Results are available online within 3-4 business days after your test date. This is faster than IELTS (13 days) but similar to PTE Academic (2-5 days).