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.”.