Changes to the Subclass 457 Visa Program – English Language Requirements
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Do current Subclass 457 visa holders need to meet these requirements?
Current visa holders will not be required to demonstrate their English skills while on their current visa (unless required by licensing or registration).
Current visa holders who apply for a further Subclass 457–Business (Long Stay) visa after 14 April 2009 will need to meet the new English language requirement of IELTS 5, unless they are in an exempted person category described above.
Applicants that do not meet the English language requirement will not meet the criteria to be granted a further Subclass 457–Business (Long Stay) visa and will be required to make arrangements to depart Australia or apply for another visa that is appropriate to their continued stay in Australia.
Frequently Asked Questions About English Language Requirements
The revised English language requirement of an average score of International English Language Testing System (IELTS) 5, across the four test components, takes effect from 14 April 2009. This requirement applies to people making a Subclass 457 application on or after 14 April 2009, for the first time, against nominated occupations within ASCO major group 4 and those applying as chefs or head chefs (ASCO 3322-11 or 3322-01).
The revised requirements apply to current Subclass 457 holders only where a subsequent application is made for a Subclass 457 visa seeking a visa stay period extending beyond the period of their current visa
When does/did the new English language requirement come into effect?
The changes to the English language requirement came into effect on 14 April 2009.
Who is affected by this change?
What are the new requirements?
I am a carpenter who lodged a visa application on 1 March 2009 and I have passed IELTS (score 4.5). I have not heard about my application. Do I need to meet the new English language requirement?
I am a cook currently holding a Subclass 457 visa granted on 28 June 2007 valid until 28 June 2011. What is the IELTS score I will need to achieve to be granted a new visa?
I am a cook currently holding a Subclass 457 visa granted on 31 August 2008 valid until 31 August 2011. If I wish to change employers now do I have to meet the new IELTS requirement?
I am a brick layer currently holding a Subclass 457 visa granted on 1 January 2008 valid until 30 June 2010. I did not have to meet the IELTS requirement (4.5) because I had held a Subclass 457 visa as at 1 July 2007 and the visa I have was granted for the same period when I changed employers. If I change employers now, what is the IELTS score I need to obtain?
I am a welder who was granted a Subclass 457 visa on 3 March 2008 valid up to 2 March 2012. I scored an average of 4.5 in my IELTS test. If I want to change employers do I have to meet the new English requirement (IELTS 5)?
I am a motor mechanic and was granted a Subclass 457 visa on 1 February 2008 valid up to 31 January 2012 and did not have to meet the English language requirement as I was paid a salary of $80,000. If I change employers, and the new employer was to pay me $50,000, do I need to meet the English language requirement?
I am a motor mechanic and was granted a Subclass 457 visa on 1 February 2008 valid up to 31 January 2012 and did not have to meet the English language requirement as I was paid a salary of $80,000. If I change employers, and my new employer pays the same salary, do I need to meet the English language requirement?
I was granted a visa as a chef on 5 December 2006, valid up to 5 December 2010. If I want to change employers now do I have to meet the new English language requirement?
I do not meet the new English language requirement. Can I apply for a short stay business visa instead?
Do the recent changes to the English language requirement in the Subclass 457 program affect the Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) and the Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme (RSMS)?
For these and any further questions that you want answers for, simply complete this section and leave us your message:-
http://www.457assistance.com/contact-us.php
Comment on this post
Dhruv Seth
February 26, 2010 23:48:11
Hi
I am loking to get a 457 visa for me. I want to take my wife along but I dont have her name on my passport nor she has mine. Her passport is alo in her maiden name. Can we get a visa for her with marriage certificate?
Thanks
457 Visa Assistance
December 31, 2009 09:16:52
To Md.Arifin Monowar, who is your sponsor and what is your date of birth and occupation.
Md.Arifin Monowar
December 27, 2009 14:33:13
I applied 496 visa in 2007 on 31 August from Bangladesh.I have already sent all documents,including police clearance and medical certificate me and my wife. The Australian Embassy came my previous job place and took us interview by mobile on 20 September in 2009.i want to know the current status of my application.
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