Sydney-based agency WIDEN has refreshed its English-test score equivalence tables after Home Affairs overhauled minimum scores on 7 August 2025. The 11 October review confirms that Competent English now equates to IELTS 6 in each band or PTE scores of 47-54 across the four skills, while Proficient and Superior levels require significantly higher PTE sub-scores than under the old rubric. For Skilled-Migration points tests the changes mean applicants must pay close attention to sub-skill thresholds—missing a single writing or speaking score can wipe out 10-20 eligibility points. Employers sponsoring 482 or 186 visas should verify that existing test reports still meet the post-reform minima, particularly for TOEFL and Cambridge results. The guide also reminds passport-exempt nationals (UK, US, Canada, NZ, Ireland) that higher points still require testing beyond Competent English. For mobility planners the update is a useful compliance checklist ahead of end-of-year talent-pipeline audits.
Source: WIDEN
