English language requirements for 457 visa applicants
According to the Immigration Department, if you are applying for Skilled Migration, you will need to prove your English language ability (via IETLS, OET, TOEFL iBT or PTE Academic Test). The required level of English is subject to the visa subclass you are applying for and there are 4 different levels of English which may be relevant: Superior – Proficient – Competent – Vocational – Functional.
For all 457 visa applicants, it is compulsory to meet the English language requirements, the English requirements won’t apply for applicants from native English-speaking countries for example the UK, Ireland, New Zealand, Canada and the USA. However, a “proficient” or “superior English” test score might increase points test result.
There is also an exemption to the 457 visa English requirement for ‘intra-company transferees’ where the 457 applicant is an employee of your business overseas and will migrate to Australia to fill a position with a salary over $96,400.This is a welcome exemption as the government did not specify that salary related exemptions would be retained in any form. Other exemptions are provided for diplomats and individuals who have finished a minimum of five years full-time study in English.
Business owners and HR professionals will also need to factor in the time it takes applicants to book and sit the English test, as this may impact the times to secure an applicant for a role.
In the course of providing immigration services, Sydney Migration International and its Migration Agents are able to provide advice on a broader range of issues including:
Further advice for subclass 457 visas will be available. Contact us and stay informed:
