Business visa options are popular among overseas business owners seeking to obtain an Australian visa for their family to settle down and enjoy a better quality of life in Australia. There are a few different options and each has its unique criteria and obligations to fulfil. The six visa options available on 1 July 2015 are:

• 188A Business Innovation
• 188B Investor
• 188C Significant Investor Visa
• 132A Significant Business History
• 132B Venture Capital Entrepreneur
• Premium Investor Visa

Work Visa Lawyers has created a summary that provides an overview of the options. The summary includes new complying investment requirements for the 188C Significant Investor Visa (SIV) and the new Premium Investor Visa (PIV). Click on the images to load the table in a larger format.

Do take note that the summary is an overview of the business and investment visa options available and your personal circumstances will need to be assessed to determine your eligibility for the visas available. Contact Work Visa Lawyers if you need our Registered Migration Agents to assess your eligibility for the visas above.

What are complying investments?

Complying investments are investment products designated by the Australian Government for the investment purposes of the 188C SIV and the new PIV.

Complying investments for a Significant Investor visa include:

• At least AUD500,000 in eligible Australian venture capital or growth private equity fund(s) investing in start-up and small private companies. Note the Government expects to increase this to $1million for new applications within two years as the market responds;
• At least AUD1.5 million in an eligible managed fund(s) or Listed Investment Companies (LICs) that invest in emerging companies listed on the Australian Securities Exchange (ASX); and,
• A ‘balancing investment’ of up to AUD3 million in fund(s) or LICs that invest in a combination of eligible assets that include other ASX listed companies, eligible Australian corporate bonds or notes, annuities and real property in Australia (subject to the 10% limit on residential real estate).

For a total investment of at least AUD 5 million.

Eligible investments for the Premium Investor visa will be investments in:

• An Australian managed fund
• Australian securities exchange listed assets
• Australian government or semi-government bonds or notes
• Corporate bonds or notes issued by an Australian exchanged listed entity (or wholly owned subsidiary of the Australian listed entity) or investment grade rated Australian corporate bonds or notes rated by an Australian Financial Services licenced debt rating agency
• Australian proprietary limited companies
• Real property in Australia (subject to the exclusion of direct investment in residential property and limit of 10% indirect investment in residential real estate as part of a fund’s net assets)
• Annuities issued by Australian registered life companies that do not repay capital during the qualifying period
• State and territory government endorsed philanthropic donations.

For a total investment of at least AUD 15 million.

Comments by Chris Johnston – Principal Lawyer and Registered Migration Agent at Work Visa Lawyers

The biggest change that will come into effect on 1 July 2015 is that investors on the 188C SIV will be unable to invest all their designated AUD 5 million into one passive investment product such as government bonds or real estate funds. With AUD 500,000 minimum required to be invested in venture capital or growth private equity funds, you may be better off considering the 132B where you are required to obtain AUD 1 million from a venture capital firm but obtain permanent residency from day 1. This is compared to having to wait 4 years under the 188C before being able to apply for a permanent resident visa. The 132 visas might be more attractive to business and investment migrants starting 1 July 2015.

Work Visa Lawyers is already working with relevant financial institutes which are lining up financial products that fulfil the requirements as a complying investment.

Source:

1. https://www.immi.gov.au/faqs/Pages/What-is-the-significant-investor-visa.aspx
2. https://www.austrade.gov.au/invest/significant-investor-visa-and-premium-investor-visa-programmes
3. http://trademinister.gov.au/releases/Pages/2015/ar_mr_150515.aspx

This information is accurate on 25 June 2015

Do you need help with an Australian visa application?

At Work Visa Lawyers we are experienced in assisting applicants in all matters relating to Australian visa applications. Our areas of expertise include Skilled Migration visas, Business Skills Migration visas – 188, 132 and 888, Employer Sponsored Work Visas, Partner and other Family Migration visas as well as Migration Review Tribunal, Judicial Review and Ministerial Intervention.

If you require further information regarding your Australia visa options you can contact us through:

(08) 7225 5091 or +61 8 7225 5091

or   This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Immigration SA has published a list of upcoming changes for the new financial year 2014-15. Here are the pending changes that will come into effect on 1 July 2015:

1) New State Occupation List

Applicants looking for South Australia state sponsorship will have to refer to the new occupation list on 1 July to determine eligibility and additional requirements.

2) New English Requirements

ICT occupations now need to fulfil Proficient English or an overall score of Proficient Plus English.

Engineering occupations will need to meet Competent Plus English or an overall score of Proficient English.

There will also be changes to other occupations so you will need to check the new occupation list to find out occupation-specific requirements.

3) Closure of the Online Application System

The SA application system for the 190 and 489 state sponsorship will be closed at 1 p.m. (Adelaide time) on 30 June 2015. The system will only re-open at 12 p.m. on 1 July 2015. All applications that are saved or submitted WITHOUT PAYMENT will be deleted and you will need to lodge new applications. Applications submitted on 1 July 2015 or after will be subject to new state sponsorship requirements.

Comments by Chris Johnston – Principal Lawyer and Registered Migration Agent at Work Visa Lawyers

It is beneficial that Immigration SA has released a list of changes (although not complete) that will be in effect on 1 July 2015. This serves as a reminder to all who are looking to obtain SA state sponsorship to complete their applications and submit payment before the closure of the system. As there may be a rush for submissions near the closure, you are advised to complete the submission as early as possible before the closure date.

Source:

1. http://www.migration.sa.gov.au/news-events/news-releases/revised-south-australian-state-occupation-list-from-1-july-2015

This information is accurate on 25 June 2015

Do you need help with an Australian visa application?

At Work Visa Lawyers we are experienced in assisting applicants in all matters relating to Australian visa applications, including state sponsorship applications. Our areas of expertise include Skilled Migration visas, Business Skills Migration visas, Employer Sponsored Work Visas, Partner and other Family Migration visas as well as Migration Review Tribunal, Judicial Review and Ministerial Intervention.

If you require further information regarding your Australia visa options you can contact us through:

(08) 7225 5091 or +61 8 7225 5091

or   This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Work Visa Lawyers was selected and invited to participate in the recent South Australia trade delegation to the Shandong province in China. It was a privilege to be part of the 250-strong delegation and the only Australia migration services provider on the trip. The Department of State Development did a fantastic job arranging the programme and logistics for such a large group of people. The trade delegation visited the cities of Jinan and Qingdao in Shandong from 24 to 28 May. We also did an additional visit to the city of Guangzhou in Guangdong independently from the 28 to 31 May.

The programme started with the South Australia Premier, the Honourable Jay Weatherill MP providing a briefing to the delegates who have arrived in the city of Jinan. There was a strong emphasis on the collaboration and win-win cooperation between the two sister states. Briefings were also given by:

• Minister of Trade and Investment, the Hon. Martin Hamilton-Smith
• National Vice President, Australia China Business Council, Sean Keenihan
• Executive Director, Investment, Trade and Immigration, Department of State Development, Matt Johnson

After the briefings delegates were separated by industry and had introductions to all members in the respective groups. Work Visa Lawyers were placed under the Services Stream throughout the Forum. A run-through of the schedule for the next couple of days was also carried out.

25 May 2015

The morning ceremony started with opening remarks by the Governor of Shandong, Shuqing Guo and the Premier of South Australia, the Honourable Jay Weatherill MP. Following the opening speeches, signing ceremonies were carried between 4 different groups of China and South Australian businesses.

Delegates from South Australia and attendees from the Chinese side then broke into the respective industry streams and held presentations that were specific to the industry. Interestingly there were a lot of presentations on environmental services with focus on water and sewage treatment, which is not surprising for a rapidly industrialised nation with concerns of pollution and waste management.

Work Visa Lawyers Principal Migration Agent and Lawyer Chris Johnston and Cultural Liaison Officer Sean Choong at the morning ceremony

After a lunch session delegates resumed the meetings by stream and conducted 1-1 business matching arranged by the Department of State Development. This was followed by the Gala Dinner which included cultural performance by South Australian and Shandong artists.

26 May 2015

After breakfast and checking out of the Shandong Hotel we made our way to board the high-speed train that connects Jinan to Qingdao, the home of Haier, Hisense and Tsingtao. The distance of approximately 360 kilometres was covered by the train in approximately 2 hours 30 minutes (averages out to be around 144km/h).

Chris Johnston with the high speed train

Upon arrival in Qingdao it was back to work immediately as we met up with the President of Qingdao Syndicate International Economic and Technical Cooperation Co. Ltd., Mr Yu Liang Chen about the supply of skilled workers to Australia. Even though both parties have corresponded for a long time via electronic channels, it was great to meet each other in person to have an in-depth discussion about collaboration for a mutually beneficial partnership.

Chris Johnston with Mr Chen in Qingdao

Being common practice in China we were then invited to have dinner with Mr Chen and his colleagues as part of extending the local hospitality. It was a bountiful and gracious dinner by the host and we are very thankful for that.

27 May 2015

Similar to the opening ceremony in Jinan, the morning session opened with opening remarks by the Mayor of Qingdao, Xinqi Zhang and the Premier of South Australia. Signing ceremonies were then carried out and a free and open business matching session was held for attendees of the forum to speak with South Australian businesses that were of interest.

Following the business matching session a lunch session was held for delegates and invited attendees of the forum in Qingdao. The luncheon marked the closing of the forum and delegates either returned to Adelaide the next day, or went on to other cities in China for their own business development activities. Work Visa Lawyers headed to Guangzhou the next day.

The luncheon at the Shangri-la Hotel in Qingdao

Members of the Services Stream for the Forum

28 - 31 May 2015

Upon completion of the programme with the Department of State Development, we did an additional visit to the city of Guangzhou in the Guangdong province. During our time in Guangzhou we met with individuals interested in migrating to Australia as well as businesses in Guangzhou who are related to and interested in the services of Australian migration. We also managed to conduct a presentation at one of the largest English training schools in China, Wall Street English.

Chris Johnston introducing Australia to the students at Wall Street English

We were very fortunate to have the hospitality of the General Manager of the Doubletree by Hilton in Guangzhou, Chris Roberts who is a fellow South Australian. He extended extra care and consideration to Work Visa Lawyers and facilitated us in meeting our business obejctives.

The hospitality provided by Chris Roberts

Return to Adelaide and Findings from the Visit to China

A 13-hour flight brought us back to Adelaide from Guangzhou and it was a bit of a long journey. However it was extremely beneficial to have been invited by the Department of State Development of South Australia to participate in the largest Australian trade delegation to China since the completion of negotiations for the China-Australia Free Trade Agreement (ChAFTA) in November 2014.

With particular focus on Shandong and South Australia, there are definitely many areas of collaboration that will bring benefit to both regions. The initiative taken by the Department of State Development and Australia-China business associations such as the Australia China Business Council has done an excellent job of building the bridge for South Australian businesses to reach potential clients, partners or investors in Shandong and beyond. Work Visa Lawyers commends the effort and work done by those involved in the planning and execution of the 2^nd South Australian-Shandong Economic and Cooperation Development Forum. We look forward to be part of the delegation again next year. See you again soon China!

The Australian mining and resources sector has been hit by falling mining commodity prices globally. Vacancies and jobs in the mining sector are diminishing. Many overseas engineers and other mining related professionals who were hired to work in Australia on temporary 457 work visas face the daunting prospect of having their contract terminated and asked to leave Australia. Some have come to Australia with their family and the prospect of moving the family again may be disruptive to the family’s growth, especially for the children.

There are two clear options available to an engineer or mining professional in this situation - pack the bags and head home; or look for a different Australia visa to continue living in Australia.

What are the options for a new Australia visa application?

Most mining professionals affected by the industry downturn should consider other skilled visa applications, such as Skilled Independent or Skilled Sponsored visas. These visa pathways are not reliant on an employer’s sponsorship but instead allow professionals to apply for a permanent or temporary Australian visa based on their own qualifications, work experience and English ability. This means that you can transition from a temporary 457 work visa to a permanent Australian resident visa. Mining professionals that could qualify include:

• Production Manager (Mining)
• Chemical Engineer
• Civil Engineer
• Geotechnical Engineer
• Mining Engineer
• Petroleum Engineer
• Metallurgist
• Metallurgical or Materials Technician
• Mine Deputy

The list above is not exhaustive. You should also note that the skilled migration programme has numerous criteria so it is best that you check your eligibility first before applying.

Don’t wait until it is too late!!

Comments by Chris Johnston – Principal Lawyer and Registered Migration Agent at Work Visa Lawyers

We have had a number of professionals working in the mining industry coming to see us in relation to the situation described above. They have made a good decision. When your employment ceases while you hold a 457 visa, you may have just 90 days to do any of the following:

• find another employer to sponsor you (they need to lodge a nomination)
• apply for a different visa
• make arrangements to leave Australia.

It is very important to take note of the 90 day period. If you were to lodge a separate visa application there may be documents or components that you may need to prepare before you can submit an application for a different visa. These documents or components could include:

• taking English exams such as IELTS
• skills assessments (which can take more than 3 months to complete)
• state sponsorship

Therefore TIME is really of essence in this situation. Seek advice on your options as soon as possible to avoid being unlawful by staying in Australia beyond the 90 days given. Contact Work Visa Lawyers if you are caught in such a predicament.

This information is accurate on 17 June 2015

Do you need help with an Australian visa application?

At Work Visa Lawyers we are experienced in assisting applicants in all matters relating to Australian visa applications. Our areas of expertise include Skilled Migration visas, Business Skills Migration visas, Employer Sponsored Work Visas, Partner and other Family Migration visas as well as Migration Review Tribunal, Judicial Review and Ministerial Intervention.

If you require further information regarding your Australia visa options you can contact us through:

(08) 7225 5091 or +61 8 7225 5091

or   This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Watch Registered Migration Agent (MARN 0640686) and Migration Lawyer Chris Johnston provide the latest updates to the Australia migration programme.

Topics covered include:

• Lower English Requirements for Skilled Graduate Visas
• 457 Visa changes include lower English
• Business and Investor Visa News
• Skilled Nomination visas – 190 and 489 program processing almost complete for the financial year
• Increases in Visa Cancellations
• RSMS 187 Policy Change
• WVL Invited to China as Part of South Australian Delegation
• Breaking News – Complying investments for SIV and PIV and Visa application

The new financial year for Australia is coming and here are some migration related news you need to know.

• Visa Application Fees (VAC) are increasing on 1 July 2015
• Immigration South Australia (SA) will start collecting fees on 10 June 2015
• Changes to the Significant Investor Visa (SIV) and introduction of the Premium Investor Visa (PIV)

Visa Application Charges for 1 July 2015

If you missed our earlier news entry on the VAC increments, click here to find out more. The new fees apply if you submit a visa application on 1 July 2015 or after, so you can still submit an application now to avoid the fee increase. The increase ranges from 2.3% to 50%.

A word of caution: try not to leave your application until the last day (30 June 2015) for submission. The online system may be flooded and users can experience system outages. A scheduled outage has been announced for Midnight Tuesday 30 June to 7am Wednesday 1 July 2015. ​

Immigration SA now charges fees for state sponsorship effective 10 June 2015

Immigration SA announced earlier that they will start collecting fees for state sponsorship application, following what other states and territories have been doing for a while now. Here is the breakdown of the charges:

Note: A credit card and processing surcharge of 3.2% is charged in addition to the fees listed.

Changes to the Significant Investor Visa (SIV) and announcing the Premium Investor Visa (PIV)

The SIV has been suspended since 24 April 2015, and will resume on 1 July 2015. While the investment amount of A$ 5 million has not changed, the structure of the complying investments has been modified to ensure allocation of investment funds to start-ups, instead of mainly government bonds. Here is the breakdown:

• At least A$ 500,000 in eligible Australian venture capital or growth private equity fund(s) investing in start-up and small private companies (“VCPE”). The Government expects to increase this to A$ 1 million for new applications within two years as the market responds; 

•  At least A$ 1.5 million in an eligible managed fund(s) or Listed Investment Companies (“LICs”) that invest in emerging companies listed on the Australian Securities Exchange (“ASX”); and 

• A ‘balancing investment’ of up to A$ 3 million in managed fund(s) or LICs that invest in a combination of eligible assets that include other ASX listed companies, eligible corporate bonds or notes, annuities and real property (subject to the 10 per cent limit on residential real estate). 

For the new PIV, a minimum investment of A$ 15 million will be required. It will be available at the invitation of the Australian Government only, with potential applicants to be nominated by Austrade. The investor will be able to apply for permanent residence in 12 months’ time, compared to 4 years for the SIV.

Comments by Chris Johnston – Principal Lawyer and Registered Migration Agent at Work Visa Lawyers

The new financial year usually brings Visa Application Charge (VAC) increases and changes to the visa programme. The best mentality for Australian visa applications is to submit an application when you are eligible as soon as possible. Do not put yourself and your family at risk of fee increases (which may be significant if you are from overseas) and migration legislation changes. Act now and lodge your application as soon as possible.

Source:

1. http://www.immi.gov.au/pub-res/Documents/budget/VAC-increases-fact-sheet.pdf
2. http://migration.sa.gov.au/resources/faq/application-fees
3. http://www.minister.immi.gov.au/michaeliacash/2015/Pages/significant-and-premium-investor-visas.aspx

This information is accurate on 9 June 2015

Do you need help with an Australian visa application?

At Work Visa Lawyers we are experienced in assisting applicants in all matters relating to Australian visa applications. Our areas of expertise include Skilled Migration visas, Business Skills Migration visas, Employer Sponsored Work Visas, Partner and other Family Migration visas as well as Migration Review Tribunal, Judicial Review and Ministerial Intervention.

If you require further information regarding your Australia visa options you can contact us through:

(08) 7225 5091 or +61 8 7225 5091

or   This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Details of the visa application fee increases have been released today and here is a highlight:

• a 2.3% increase for all Skilled Migration, Business Innovation and Investment, Employer Sponsored 457, Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme (RSMS) visas
• a 5% increase for Parent, Working Holiday, Resident Return Visa (RRV) and Carer visas
• a 50% increase for Significant Investor Visas (SIV) and offshore Partner Visas

The significant increase is seen at the SIV category visa (which requires an investment of AUD 5 million) and Partner Visas lodged offshore.

Comments by Chris Johnston – Principal Lawyer and Registered Migration Agent at Work Visa Lawyers

Traditionally the Department of Immigration and Border Protection increases its visa application charges at the end of every financial year. Now is the time for applicants considering submitting a visa application to do so as fees are applicable at the time of lodgement. Some visa applications require other components that may take time to prepare and obtain, such as skills assessment and English exams so applicants are advised to begin as soon as possible to beat the fee increase on 1 July 2015.

Source:

1. http://www.immi.gov.au/pub-res/Documents/budget/VAC-increases-fact-sheet.pdf

This information is accurate on 14 May 2015

Do you need help with an Australian visa application?

At Work Visa Lawyers we are experienced in assisting applicants in all matters relating to Australian visa applications. Our areas of expertise include Skilled Migration visas, Business Skills Migration visas, Employer Sponsored Work Visas, Partner and other Family Migration visas as well as Migration Review Tribunal, Judicial Review and Ministerial Intervention.

If you require further information regarding your Australia visa options you can contact us through:

(08) 7225 5091 or +61 8 7225 5091

or   This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

澳大利亚移民代理处Work Visa Lawyers 将拜访中国！

(English version below)

很荣幸地在此宣布我们在本月即将拜访中国数城市，提供澳大利亚移民的咨询服务。若您有关于澳大利亚移民的兴趣或疑问，别错过此会面的机会。您将与主顾问兼有注册移民中介克理斯·佐斯敦会面，得到详细的澳大利亚移民意见与资料。本公司文化联系人员进伟也将随访，提供翻译服务。

我们的地点列表如下：

２０１５年５月２４日至２６日　－　山东济南市

２０１５年５月２６日至２８日　－　山东青岛市

２０１５年５月２８日至３１日　－　广东广州市

私人专属会面

我们在以上城市即将进行个人的磋商。因时间限制，与克理斯的会面档期将会有限。若有兴趣，请立即联络我们，预约您的时间。

澳大利亚移民研讨会

我们将于５月２９日傍晚在广州市举办一项笼统的澳大利亚移民研讨会。因地点所限，请尽早登记您的参与。

马上联络我们吧！

专业人士的意见通常都要求一个费用。这次的会面与移民研讨会将会是免费，不需任何费用。立刻把握您的机会，得到专业、仔细的澳大利亚移民资料，得知您前往澳大利亚的选择吧！请联系：

微信：Sean_CW_Choong

电子邮件地址：This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

电话：+61 8 7225 5091

期待与您的会面！

关于我们

创立于2011 年，注册移民代理与主顾问克理斯·佐斯敦（移民中介注册号: 0640686）身怀越9年的澳洲移民工作经验。本公司所提供的服务包括：

• 商业技术移民
• 技术移民
• 雇主赞助移民
• 家庭团聚移民
• 移民审查法庭审理与司法审查
• 澳洲公民申请过程

专业的移民意见、细心的客户服务，让您安心与稳定地经历澳大利亚的签证申请过程。

若有任何询问，请联络本公司文化联系人员进伟（Sean）。进伟所流利的语言包括中文，广东话，马来文以及英语。

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Work Visa Lawyers is coming to China!

We are pleased to announce that Work Visa Lawyers will be meeting people who are interested to know more about migrating to Australia from China. This will provide the people of Jinan, Qingdao and Guangzhou the opportunity to meet with an experienced Registered Migration Agent from Australia to discover options to migrate to Australia. Meet with Principal Registered Migration Agent and Lawyer, Chris Johnston (MARN: 0640686) and Cultural Liaison, Sean Choong at the following dates and venues:

24 – 26 May 2015 – Jinan

26 – 28 May 2015 – Qingdao

28 – 31 May 2015 – Guangzhou

Personal Meetings

We will be conducting individual meetings at the cities listed above. Meetings are limited and strictly by appointment only. Chris will be explaining the Australia visa requirements, application process and fees.

Seminar in Guangzhou

We will be holding a seminar in Guangzhou in the evening of Friday, 29^th May 2015 to provide a general idea of the different pathways to migrate to Australia. Seats are limited so registration is essential!

Contact us NOW to reserve a meeting or attend our seminar – for FREE!

Clients are usually charged a fee when they seek Australia migration advice. Chris will be providing consultations at the meetings and seminar at NO COST to the attendees. Please contact us via email, WeChat ID or phone details below to reserve your exclusive consultation now!

Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

WeChat ID: Sean_CW_Choong

Phone: +61 8 7225 5091

About Work Visa Lawyers and our Services

Established in 2011, Registered Migration Agent and Lawyer Chris Johnston (MARN: 0640686) has more than 9 years of Australia Migration work experience. The firm provides services including:

• Business Skills Migration
• General Skilled Migration
• Employer Sponsored Migration
• Family Migration
• MRT and Judicial Reviews
• Australian Citizenship Applications

Work Visa Lawyers is committed to provide excellent service to our clients, which include:

• Honest and accurate advice based on the current migration laws
• Maintaining the confidentiality of our client’s affairs
• Quality customer service

We minimise the time you have to spend on applications and risks of mistakes you may experience because of the lack of experience in Australia visa applications.

This is the news that many have been waiting for. The Department of Immigration and Border Protection (DIBP) has amended English requirements for the Subclass 457 (Temporary Work (Skilled)) visas. The change will affect all new applications lodged on or after 18 April 2015, and also existing applications in progress that have not been finalised. Here are the new scores requirement:

Additionally the exemption to the English requirement has now changed to requiring an applicant to have at least 5 years of cumulative full-time study in a secondary and/or higher education institution where the instruction was delivered in English. Previously the studies needed to be completed consecutively for 5 years.

Comments by Chris Johnston – Principal Lawyer and Registered Migration Agent at Work Visa Lawyers

Along with the changes announced for the 476 and 485 visas (read the news here), the 457 visa programme now has lower English requirements as well. There are no changes to the OET test scores requirement, and CAE exams need to be completed on or after 1 January 2015.

While this will allow more applicants to meet the 457 visa requirements, it is important to know that there are other criteria that need to be fulfilled prior to lodging an application, as well as important obligations to fulfil after a 457 visa is granted, for both the applicant and business sponsor. Failing to meet the criteria and obligations thereafter may cause invite monitoring and sanctions from the Department.

Source:

1. http://www.comlaw.gov.au/Details/F2015L00563

This information is accurate on the 21 April 2015

Do you need help with an Employer Sponsored work visa application?

At Work Visa Lawyers we are experienced in assisting applicants for the Employer Sponsored work visa applications, which include business sponsorship application, nomination and visa application. We are also experienced in general skilled migration visas, business skills visas and family visas.

If you require further information regarding your Australia visa options you can contact us through:

(08) 7225 5091 or +61 8 7225 5091

or   This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

The Department of Immigration and Border Protection (DIBP) has announced lower English requirements for the Skilled – Recognised Graduate (subclass 476) and Temporary Graduate (subclass 485) visas. Originally applicants needed to meet “competent English” requirements for the 476 and 485 visa applications. For new applications lodged on or after 18 April 2015, applicants will now need to show one of the following:

• an overall score of at least 6, with nothing below 5 in each of the four test components (speaking, reading, listening and writing) in an International English Language Testing System (IELTS) test
• a score of at least 'B' in each of the four test components (speaking, reading, listening and writing) of an Occupational English Test (OET)
• a total score of at least 64, with nothing below 4 for listening, 4 for reading, 14 for writing and 14 for speaking, in a Test of English as a Foreign Language internet-based test (TOEFL iBT)
• an overall score of at least 50 with nothing below 36 in each of the four test components (listening, reading, writing and speaking) in a Pearson Test of English Academic
• an overall score of at least 169 with nothing below 154 in each of the four test components (listening, reading, w​​​​riting and speaking) in a Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE) test taken on or after 1 January 2015
• evidence of holding a valid passport issued by the United Kingdom, the United States of America, Canada, New Zealand or the Republic of Ireland.

Comments by Chris Johnston – Principal Lawyer and Registered Migration Agent at Work Visa Lawyers

In recent times the English requirement for visa applications has been increased after the findings of correlation between English ability and employment outcomes for new migrants. This new change is a win-win for international students and the government as students will get a try-out at working and living in Australia for a period of up to 18 months. After fulfilling criteria such as 12 months employment and better English test results, which indicates a compatibility between the graduate and Australia, the 476 or 485 visa holder can then apply for permanent visa options.

Source:

1. http://www.immi.gov.au/News/Pages/el-change.aspx

This information is accurate on the 20 April 2015

Do you need help with a Skilled Migration visa application?

At Work Visa Lawyers we are experienced in assisting applicants for the skilled migration visa applications, which include the 476 and 485 visas. We are also experienced in the employer sponsored work visas, business skills visas and family visas.

If you require further information regarding your Australia visa options you can contact us through:

(08) 7225 5091 or +61 8 7225 5091

or   This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.