Changes to Australian Visa Laws - Skilled Graduate (subclass 485)

As from the 27th October 2008, the Australian Government will introduce a change to the laws regarding the Skilled Graduate Visa (subclass 485). (note: This date may be subject to change.)

Up until the 27th October migrants were able to lodge their visa application prior to achieving sufficient IELTS scores. This is with the intention of attaining the necessary IELTS scores in the near future. The system worked favorably for the migrant as it gave them more time and options.

However, the new changes that take place on the 27th October will mean that one can only lodge their application for a skilled Graduate Visa (subclass 485) after they have received their required IELTS test results. The results (evidence) needs to be shown at the time of lodgement so to prove that they have met the relevant English language standards.

The standard for professionals, para-professionals and managerial occupations is ‘competent’ English (a score of at least six (6) on each of the four (4) components of the International English Language Test Scheme (IELTS) test or equivalent standard in a specified test).

For people who nominate an occupation in the Major Group IV in the Australian Standard Classification of Occupations, the standard is ‘vocational’ English (a score of at least five (5) on each of the four (4) components of the IELTS test).
IELTS test results must be no more than two (2) years old at the time of application.
This is a departure from the current regulations which allow an applicant to apply having only booked an English language test.

There are exceptions though, people who hold an eligible passport from either Canada, New Zealand, Republic of Ireland, United Kingdom or United States of America are not required to submit evidence of their English standard.

For further information about this policy change and how it may affect you please contact our office.

PH: +61 7 3876 4000

Email: migration@noborders-group.com

Website: http://www.noborders-group.com