Is CELPIP Accepted in Australia?
Yes. Since August 7, 2025, CELPIP is officially accepted by Australia's Department of Home Affairs for skilled migration, work, and student visas.
Start PracticingWhat Changed in August 2025
For years, candidates for Australian visas had two main choices for proving English ability: IELTS or PTE Academic. That changed on August 7, 2025, when Australia's Department of Home Affairs added CELPIP General to its list of accepted English language tests.
The change matters most for two groups. First, candidates already holding a valid CELPIP score from a Canadian permanent residency application can now use that same result for Australian skilled migration. Second, test-takers who prefer a fully computer-based test with everyday North American English now have a third option alongside IELTS and PTE.
Two important conditions apply: only in-person CELPIP General is accepted (CELPIP Online and CELPIP General LS are not), and results are valid for 3 years from the test date. You can verify the current list of accepted tests on the official Department of Home Affairs website.
Which Australian Visas Accept CELPIP?
CELPIP is accepted across all major skilled migration, work, and study visa categories.
Exact score thresholds vary by visa and stream. See the full CELPIP score requirements by visa type.
What This Means for You
If IELTS has been frustrating or PTE feels rushed, CELPIP's acceptance gives you a genuine alternative with practical advantages.
Fully computer-based
One 3-hour sitting, typed answers, built-in spell checker in Writing. No handwriting and no separate speaking appointment.
Faster results
Scores in 3-4 business days, while IELTS can take up to 13 days. Useful when an invitation round or nomination deadline is approaching.
Competitive pricing
About AUD $355 in Australia, versus roughly AUD $395 for IELTS and AUD $410 for PTE.
One test, two countries
The same CELPIP result is accepted by both Canada's IRCC and Australia's Department of Home Affairs, keeping both pathways open.
How to Get Started
- Check the exact scores you need for your visa on our score requirements page.
- Find your nearest sitting among the 5 Australian test centre cities and book at celpip.ca.
- Practice under real conditions with free full-length CELPIP mock tests and instant AI scoring on Speaking and Writing.
- For the full picture, return to the complete CELPIP for Australia guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about CELPIP acceptance and validity in Australia