Australian Immigration Daily News

The Migration (English Language Requirements for Subclass 476 (Skilled – Recognised Graduate) and Subclass 485 (Temporary Graduate) Visas) Instrument (LIN 24/021) 2024, issued by the Minister for Home Affairs, repeals the previous specification of English language test scores and introduces updated requirements. Effective from 23 March 2024, this instrument aims to enhance the integrity of the temporary graduate visa program in line with the Government's Migration Strategy by increasing the required English language test scores for applicants of Subclass 476 and Subclass 485 visas.

Applicants are now required to achieve higher scores in approved English language tests, including the CAE, IELTS, OET, PTE, and TOEFL iBT, within one year before their visa application. This adjustment from the previously allowed three-year period to one year necessitates more recent proof of English proficiency. For the OET, unlike other tests, required scores for each component do not need to be achieved in a single sitting.

This instrument maintains that citizens holding valid passports from native English-speaking countries (the UK, the USA, Canada, New Zealand, or the Republic of Ireland) do not need to meet these English language test requirements. Furthermore, specific arrangements remain unchanged for Hong Kong or British National (Overseas) passport holders, in line with migration reforms introduced in 2020.

The decision to increase English language proficiency requirements follows extensive cross-government consultation and engagement with stakeholders, including the ELICOS sector, the Education Visa Consultative Committee, and the Council for International Education. These reforms are broadly supported as they aim to ensure graduates are better equipped to engage in the labour market, reducing the risk of exploitation and enhancing their ability to contribute to Australia's economy.

This legislative instrument, exempt from disallowance, is set to apply to visa applications made on or after its commencement date, with the previous instrument IMMI 15/062 continuing to apply to applications not yet finally determined before this date.

Source: LIN24021.pdf and LIN24021-Explanatory-Statement.pdf