April 2015 - changes introduced to the 457 visa programme

The Department of Immigration (DIBP) has introduced some changes to the 457 visa programme.

One of the changes relates to the English requirement for the visa applicant: DIBP will now accept new English tests such as test of English as a Foreign Language internet – based test (TOEFL IBT), Pearson Test of English (PTE), Cambridge English Advanced (CAE) test as long as conducted on or after 1 January 2015.

Regarding the existing IELTS test, DIBP will now also accept an overall test score of 5 with a minimum score of 4,5 for each test component (reading, writing, speaking and listening).

Another change affecting the employers: the term of the standard business sponsorship has been extended from 3 to 5 years for established businesses and from 12 months to 18 months for start-up businesses.