Australian Immigration Daily News

The Australian Government has introduced the Migration (Language Test Requirements for Subclass 482 Visa) Instrument 2024 (LIN 24/099), effective 7 December 2024. This amendment updates the English language requirements for the new Skills in Demand (SID) Visa, ensuring alignment with Australia’s skilled migration framework.

Revised English Test Requirements
The language test requirements for the Specialist Skills and Core Skills streams of the Subclass 482 (Skills in Demand) visa are consistent with those previously applied to the Medium-Term stream of the Subclass 482 Temporary Skill Shortage visa.

Approved English Language Tests
Applicants can demonstrate proficiency through the following approved tests:

• International English Language Testing System (IELTS)
• Occupational English Test (OET)
• Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL iBT)
• Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE Academic)
• Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE)

Test Validity
Test results must be achieved in a single sitting and be no more than three years old at the time of the visa application.

Exemptions
Applicants may be exempt from the language test requirement if they:

• Are citizens of Canada, New Zealand, Ireland, the UK, or the USA.
• Have completed at least five years of full-time study in English.
• Earn a minimum annual salary of AUD 96,400 with a standard business sponsor.

Purpose of the Amendment
This update ensures that the English proficiency requirements for the Skills in Demand visa are practical, rigorous, and aligned with Australia’s workforce needs.

Implications
For employers, the amendment provides clear guidelines for nominating skilled migrants with verified language proficiency. For visa applicants, it offers a transparent framework and reasonable exemptions, ensuring the requirements align with their professional and educational backgrounds.

This reform reflects the Australian Government’s commitment to upholding high standards in skilled migration while addressing critical labour market demands.

Source: Migration-Language-Test-Requirements-for-Subclass-482-visa-Instrument-2024.pdf and Migration-Language-Test-Requirements-for-Subclass-482-visa-Instrument-2024-explanatory-statement.pdf