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.
