IELTS requirement for 457 Visas changed

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  • Post last modified:April 22, 2009

April 14, 2009  

The English language requirement for Australian Visa Subclass 457 – Business (Long Stay) visa applicants has increased from an average IELTS test band score of 4.5 to 5.  

This change applies to following categories:*                    

 Nominated occupations within ASCO major groups 4 to 7 *                    

People applying as chefs or head chefs (ASCO 3322-11 or 3322-01) *                    

An application for a 457 visa made on or after 14 April 2009  

Note: if an occupation requires visa applicant to hold a licence, registration or membership that is mandatory for its performance, and if that licence, registration or membership requires an IELTS score of more than 5 (average), a visa applicant must have that IELTS test score at time of decision.