If you’re pursuing an Australia work permit under the Subclass 482 (Skills in Demand / SID) route in 2025, you may be worried about the English test requirement. Good news: you don’t always have to sit IELTS. The Department of Home Affairs accepts other approved English tests — and in some cases you’re exempt entirely from providing any test score. This SEO-optimized, practical guide explains who is exempt, what tests are accepted instead of IELTS, and how to prepare a 482 (SID) application without IELTS.
Short takeaway: Subclass 482 (now rolling out as the Skills in Demand visa) requires evidence of sufficient English unless you meet an exemption (passport/citizenship, prior study in English, certain intra-company transfers with income thresholds, etc.) — and several alternative tests to IELTS are accepted. Always use current Home Affairs guidance and supply clear documentary proof.
Quick Background: Subclass 482 → Skills in Demand (SID)
The old TSS (482) program was reworked into the Skills in Demand (SID) model from December 2024. The SID still uses Subclass 482 but with updated streams, income thresholds and occupation lists. English requirements remain part of the criteria for primary applicants — but exemptions and alternative tests still apply. If you’re lodging or planning an application in 2025, treat SID and Subclass 482 terminology as interchangeable for English-requirement purposes.
Do you need IELTS specifically?
No. The Department accepts a set of approved English tests IELTS is only one option. Other accepted tests typically include PTE Academic, TOEFL iBT, OET and (until recent updates) some Cambridge tests though accepted tests and scores have been updated in 2025. If you prefer to avoid IELTS, you can take one of these accepted alternatives or rely on an exemption (see next section).
Also Check: Netherlands Work Visa Guide 2025: Step by Step Application Guide
Official Exemptions: When you may not need any English test
You may be exempt from submitting an English test result for the Subclass 482 / SID visa if you meet any of the Department’s exemption conditions. Common exemptions used in practice include:
- Passport holders of certain majority English-speaking countries (for example: United Kingdom, United States, Canada, New Zealand, Republic of Ireland). If you hold one of these passports, you’re typically exempt.
- Five years’ full-time study in English you can be exempt if you’ve completed at least five years’ full-time secondary and/or tertiary study conducted in English at an approved institution. Provide certified transcripts and a confirmation letter from the institution.
- Intra-company or overseas business transferee employees of an overseas business (or an associated entity) who are being nominated by that business and meet specified guaranteed annual earnings thresholds may be exempt. This exemption is targeted at senior transfers and has earnings and employer-relationship conditions so it is not automatic for all company transfers. (If this applies to you, the employer must supply strong evidence.)
Important: Exemptions carry documentary requirements. Don’t claim an exemption without supplying supporting certified evidence (passport copy, academic transcripts, employer nomination letter showing earnings and association, etc.). When in doubt, include a valid test score to avoid delays.
Accepted alternative English tests (instead of IELTS) & what to aim for
If you’re not exempt, you must prove “sufficient English” with an accepted test. Common accepted tests and approximate SID/482 standards (these can be updated; check Home Affairs before booking) are:
- PTE Academic: department-specified minimum overall and per-skill scores (historically ~36 overall / 36 per module for the old TSS; recent changes in 2025 have adjusted thresholds for some streams).
- TOEFL iBT: requires a minimum overall score and component minimums (check the current Migration Instrument for exact numbers).
- OET (Occupational English Test): accepted for relevant healthcare occupations (minimum B grades in each sub-test for many visas).
- IELTS: still accepted (historically around 5.0 overall with no band below 5.0 for many 482 streams, but check latest requirements).
Heads-up (2025): The Department updated the list of accepted tests and scoring rules during 2025 (some Cambridge tests are being phased out for SID purposes and score alignments have been refined). Always confirm the exact score and test date rules on the Home Affairs language requirements page before booking a test.
Practical pathways to apply without IELTS (step-by-step)
Step 1: Confirm whether you’re actually exempt
- Check your passport nationality; check your education history for 5+ years of English-medium study; check whether you’re being nominated as an intra-company transferee at or above the specified guaranteed earnings threshold. If yes, prepare certified evidence.
Step 2: Ask your employer to support your case
- For intra-company or overseas employee exemptions, your employer must show the corporate link (associated entity documents), the nomination details and the guaranteed annual earnings are met. Employers should include this evidence with the nomination.
Step 3: Prepare documentary proof (if claiming exemption)
- Passport (clear copy), certified academic transcripts and formal letters from institutions (for the 5-year study exemption), employer nomination letters, pay evidence or contract showing guaranteed annual earnings, corporate connection documents. Upload certified translations if documents are not in English.
Step 4: Lodge nomination & visa application (with or without test)
- Employer lodges nomination in ImmiAccount under the SID (Subclass 482) process. If you are exempt, include a clear cover letter and the evidence that explains which exemption you meet. If not exempt or if you want a fallback, arrange an accepted test and upload the score.
Step 5: Be ready to supply extra evidence quickly
- Home Affairs may request clarifications. Respond promptly to avoid delays. If an exemption is borderline, having a valid alternative test score (PTE/TOEFL/OET/IELTS) can save time.
FAQs
Q: Can my spouse/dependants apply without English?
A: Dependants typically don’t need to meet the English requirement — the primary applicant’s English is the focus. Check Home Affairs for any updates.
Q: Are IELTS scores ever preferred?
A: No one test is required — but IELTS is commonly used. If you can take any accepted test that proves “sufficient English” it’s fine. For speed and convenience, many choose PTE for faster results.
Q: Do English exemptions speed processing?
A: Not necessarily. An exemption avoids test paperwork, but your supporting evidence will be scrutinised closely. If the evidence is incomplete, processing can be delayed.