Higher level of English required
From 1 July 2009, all GSM visa applicants who nominate a trade occupation are required to score 6 at each component of the IELTS test ("Competent English"), instead of only 5 ("Vocational English").
From 1 January 2010, on-shore applicants for a Skilled-Regional Sponsored visa (subclass 487) will now be required to meet an average of 6 at the IELTS test, instead of only 5.5.
457 Visa - reforms
On 14 September 2009, significant reforms to the 457 visa program have come into effect.
There are now new eligibility criteria for employers to be approved as sponsors, there is a new system to make sure 457 visa holders will be employed under the same conditions as Australian workers ("market salary rate"), new obligations for sponsoring employers with stronger sanctions regime, etc.
To find out more about all these changes and how they could affect your sponsorship or visa application, please visit the website of the Department of Immigration
MyVisa 24/7
Let us call YOU!
Free Online Assessment
