The English language requirements for General Skilled Migration will be raised to a minimum IELTS score of 6.0 in each of the four components.
This change has already been introduced for offshore Skilled Regional Sponsored Visa application in July 2009 and will now affect onshore Skilled Regional Sponsored applications and all applicants who nominate a trade occupation from 1 January 2010.
The General Skilled Migration program is designed to attract migrants who are likely to obtain skilled employment when they arrive in Australia. The English language requirement is designed to support this objective and to ensure migrants have the best possible opportunity of settling into life and work in Australia.
The Australian Government uses the migration program to address skill shortages and meet the needs of the economy. In light of the current social and economic needs of Australia, the Government is able to adjust migration levels and entry requirements according to the current situation. Meeting the English language requirement is just one of many requirements to qualify for Skilled migration to Australia that can and does change through immigration policy.
For further information, contact migration@inteducation.com for information and advice on which visa is best suited to you.