If you are planning to apply for a visa in 2026, relying on “old knowledge” about English scores is the fastest way to a refusal. The last 12 months have seen the most significant overhaul in language testing requirements in a decade.
Canada has abolished the Student Direct Stream (SDS), effectively ending the “IELTS 6 Bands” golden rule. Australia has introduced three new test providers and raised the bar for students. Meanwhile, the UK is preparing to hike its skilled worker requirement to B2 level in January 2026.
This comprehensive guide breaks down exactly which test to take—and what score you need—for every major visa pathway in 2026.
1. Australia: New Tests & Higher Baselines
Australia remains the most flexible destination regarding which test you can take, but the score you need has increased.
Major Update: 3 New Tests Accepted
As of mid-2025, the Department of Home Affairs added three new tests to its accepted list. You can now use any of the following for Australian visas:
- IELTS (One Skill Retake is Accepted)
- PTE Academic
- TOEFL iBT (Must be taken at a test center; Home Edition is not accepted)
- Cambridge C1 Advanced
- OET (Health professionals)
- CELPIP General (New)
- LanguageCert Academic (New)
- Michigan English Test (MET) (New)
2026 Score Requirements by Visa
| Visa Subclass | Minimum Requirement (2026) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Student (500) | IELTS 6.0 (or PTE 50) | Up from 5.5. ELICOS students can still enter with 5.0. |
| Graduate (485) | IELTS 6.5 (or PTE 58) | Up from 6.0. Valid for only 1 year from test date. |
| Skills in Demand (482) | IELTS 5.0 (in each band) | Applies to both Core and Specialist streams. Surprisingly low compared to PR visas. |
| PR (189/190) | IELTS 6.0 (Competent) | Competent (6.0) is the minimum to apply, but Proficient (7.0) or Superior (8.0) is effectively required to get invited. |
Pro Tip: Australia is currently the “Safe Haven” for the IELTS One Skill Retake (OSR). Unlike Canada and the UK, Australian immigration accepts OSR for almost all visa subclasses, including PR.
2. Canada: The End of SDS & The Rise of PTE Core
The Canadian landscape has changed dramatically with the closure of the Student Direct Stream (SDS) on November 8, 2024.
Study Visas: No More “6 Bands Each” Rule
With the SDS gone, all study permit applications now go through the Regular Stream.
- The Bad News: Processing takes longer (8-12 weeks).
- The Good News: The strict “6.0 in each band” requirement is technically gone. You now only need to meet the DLI’s (University’s) admission requirement.
- Accepted Tests: IELTS Academic, PTE Academic, TOEFL iBT, CAEL, and CELPIP.
PR (Express Entry): PTE Core vs. PTE Academic
Many applicants make the fatal mistake of taking the wrong PTE test.
- PTE Core: This is the ONLY PTE test accepted for Express Entry (PR). It is a “General” English test similar to CELPIP.
- PTE Academic: This is for Study Visas only. It is NOT accepted for Express Entry.
- TOEFL iBT: Accepted for Study Visas but NOT for Express Entry PR.
Target CLB Levels for 2026
With category-based draws, “just passing” isn’t enough.
- French Proficiency: CLB 7 in French (TEF/TCF) is the single most valuable asset for 2026.
- General Draws: You typically need CLB 9 (IELTS 8777 equivalent) to have a competitive CRS score.
3. United Kingdom: The “B2” Hike (Jan 2026)
If you are eyeing the UK Skilled Worker route, prepare for tougher rules starting January 8, 2026.
- The Change: The English requirement for Skilled Workers is rising from B1 (Intermediate) to B2 (Upper Intermediate).
- Impact: This roughly translates to moving from an IELTS 4.0 requirement to an IELTS 5.5 – 6.0 requirement.
- Tests: You must take a SELT (Secure English Language Test). Standard IELTS/PTE tests taken at non-SELT centers are not accepted for UK visas.
Quick Comparison: Which Test Should You Take?
| Feature | IELTS | PTE | TOEFL iBT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best For… | Australia, UK, Canada (Study) | Australia, Canada (PR via Core) | USA, Canada (Study) |
| Speed | Results in 3-5 days | Results in 2-48 hours | Results in 4-6 days |
| One Skill Retake? | YES (Australia accepted) | NO | NO |
| Difficulty | “Human” speaking test | AI-scored (Good for strong speakers) | Academic focus |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Can I use PTE Academic for Canada PR in 2026?
No. You must take PTE Core. PTE Academic is only valid for Canadian study visas. If you submit a PTE Academic score for Express Entry, your profile will be rejected.
Q2: Does Australia accept the “Home Edition” of TOEFL or PTE?
No. Australia does not accept any online or at-home English tests for migration purposes. You must visit a secure test center.
Q3: Is the IELTS One Skill Retake (OSR) accepted for Canada?
Generally No. While some Canadian universities accept it for admission, IRCC has not explicitly endorsed OSR for migration streams in the same way Australia has. It is safer to sit the full test for Canada.
Q4: What is the score for the new “Skills in Demand” Visa?
For the Core Skills and Specialist Skills streams, you need a score of 5.0 in each component of IELTS (or equivalent). This is surprisingly low, but remember: you will likely need a much higher score (6.0+) later if you want to transition to Permanent Residency (Subclass 186).
Q5: My IELTS score is 2 years old. Can I still use it?
- Australia: Yes, English scores are valid for 3 years for visa purposes (even if the test provider says 2 years). Exception: Subclass 485 requires a test less than 1 year old.
- Canada: No, scores are strictly valid for 2 years.
- UK: Scores are valid for 2 years.
Need a Free Profile Assessment?
Unsure if your English score is enough for your target visa? Let our experts analyze your profile.
Contact Ausizz Migration Consultants:
- Website: www.ausizzmigrationconsultants.com
