English Requirement

From today (14 April 2009) the English language requirement for Subclass 457 - Business (Long Stay) visa applicants increased from an IELTS score of 4.5 to 5. This is an average band score.

This requirement applies to people making a subclass 457 application on or after 14 April 2009 and, applies to nominated occupations within ASCO major groups 4 to 7, and to people applying as chefs or head chefs (ASCO 3322-11 or 3322-01).

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.