Australia’s 457 Visa Program English Language Testing Update
August 17, 2015
By: Lyly Mach and Amanda Higgins
In April 2015, Australia’s Department of Immigration and Border Protection (DIBP) relaxed its approach to English language testing for subclass 457 visa applicants.
The English language exemption level for an individual's base salary remains set at AUD 96,400. However, the government now allows applicants (who do not hold passports from New Zealand, United States, United Kingdom, Ireland, or Canada) to provide proof of a total of five years’ study of English at a secondary or higher institution. This is a marked improvement on the former requirement for applicants to be able to verify their studies over five consecutive years.
International English Language Test System (IELTS)
The government has also implemented greater flexibility related to the English language requirement by lowering the minimum IELTS result to an overall band score of 5.0. Applicants must achieve a minimum of 4.5 in each of the four sections of the test: listening, reading, speaking and writing.
Occupational English Test (OET)
The OET has previously been available to 457 visa applicants seeking to satisfy English language requirements, and fortunately this test remains available. Applicants must still achieve a score of at least a ‘B’ in each of the four components. This test places emphasis on communication in medical and health professional settings. Some professions which utilise this test include dentistry, dietetics, medicine, nursing, occupational therapy, optometry, pharmacy, physiotherapy, podiatry, radiography, speech pathology and veterinary science.
Alternative Tests
A variety of alternative English language tests, which may be more appealing to 457 visa applicants wishing to meet the English language requirements, are now available. These include:
-
Test of English as a Foreign Language internet-based Test (TOEFL iBT): This test requires a total score of at least 36. Applicants must score at least 3 for listening and reading and a score of at least 12 for writing and speaking. The test measures English ability at university level and, because it is an internet-based test, it is commonly preferred by students planning to study at higher education institutions and by those applying for work visas.
-
Pearson Test of English (PTE) Academic: Requiring an overall result of at least 36, with a score of at least 30 in each of the four test components, this computer-based test is accepted for all Australian visas, Australian universities, and professional associations.
-
Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE) – conducted on or after 1 January 2015: This test requires an overall test result of at least 154, with a score of at least 147 in each of the four test components. It is accepted for Student, Temporary Graduate, Skilled, Former Resident, and Work and Holiday visa programmes.
The relaxation of the rules surrounding English requirements means that applicants can now demonstrate their English ability with more ease. The acceptance of a variety of alternative English tests aside from the IELTS and OET tests has, in some circumstances, improved preparation times in the visa process. This has been particularly apparent when securing IELTS test appointments, which proved to be lengthy in some locations.
MARN 1172849 / MARN 1172887
