Subclass 457 English Requirements Changed

The Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC), as from today, 14th April 2009, has amended their requirements for all applicants for the Class “UC”, subclass “457″ Business (Long Stay) 4 year Temporary visa, wishing to apply for an occupation which is in the ASCO 4000′s to 7000′s, as well as Chef (ASCO 3322-11) and Head Chef (3322-01).

They must obtain an average band score of 5 in the IELTS test unless they are exempt.

Please note, that a minimum score of 5 in each of the 4 categories or Reading, Writing, Oral (Speaking) and Aural (Listening) is not required, just an overall IELTS score of 5 is all that is required.

DIAC have also requested that applicants should understand the following:-

“Note that if the nominated occupation requires the applicant to hold a licence, registration or membership that is mandatory for the performance of the activity nominated, and if that licence, registration or membership requires an IELTS score of more than 5 (average), it is a time of decision criterion that the applicant must have that IELTS score.”.