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English Language Exemptions for 457 removed from 1 July 2017 – with a few exceptions

06-Jul-2017

Important changes to English language requirements for the Subclass 457 Visa program kicked in from 1 July 2017 as part of a major government overhaul.

English language test exemption removed

Previously, applicants for 457 visas with a salary of  AUD 96,400 or higher were exempt from taking English language tests.

These exemption no longer applies, meaning all applicants who lodge on or after 1 July 2017, regardless of base salary, must be tested on and meet the required English language requirements.

However, the following exception applies:

• are employed by a company operating an established business overseas;
• are nominated by a standard business sponsor (the same company or an associated entity of that company); and
• will receive a salary of at least AUD 96,400

In cases where the above applies, the nominee/applicant will still be exempt from taking English language tests. That is, certain employees involved in an intra-company transfer won’t have to meet any English requirements.

All other exemptions remain inlcuding citizens of the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, New Zealand or the Republic of Ireland, or persons who has completed a minimum of five years’ full-time study in a secondary and/or higher education institution where the instruction was delivered in English.

English language test score requirements

The new English test scores required for a Subclass 457 are listed below and remain unchanged:

English test	Minimum band score	Minimum scores for English test components
		Listening	Reading	Speaking	Writing
IELTS Test	Overall band score 5.0	4.5	4.5	4.5	4.5
OET	-	B	B	B	B
TOEFL iBT	Total band score 36	3	3	12	12
PTE	Overall band score 36	30	30	30	30
CAE	Overall band score 154	147	147	147	147

Need dependable, professional advice on what’s needed to apply for a 457 visa? Our immigration specialists would be happy to help – contact us today.


Source: DIBP