Certain student visas require applicants to demonstrate a certain level of English language ability. Prior to 5 November 2011, only the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) test was the only test accepted by the Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC) as proof of English language ability.

On 3 November 2011, the new legislative instrument regarding alternative English language testing came into effect. This allows for alternative English language proficiency tests to the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) test to be accepted in certain situations.

According to the instrument, the following English language proficiency tests may be considered an alternative to the IELTS test:

1. the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) Paper-Based test;
2. the TOEFL Internet-Based test (also known as TOEFL iBT);
3. the Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE) test (also known as Certificate in Advanced English);
4. the Pearson Test of English Academic; and
5. the Occupational English Test.

Specifications apply to each test which are set out in legislative instrument number IMMI 11/070 signed on 3 November 2011.

Should you require advice regarding student visa arrangements, please contact us for further information.

This is general information only and does not constitute legal advice.

Disclaimer:

The information on this website is intended only to provide a summary and general overview on relevant matters. It is not intended to be comprehensive nor does it constitute legal advice. You are advised to seek legal or other professional advice before acting or relying on any of the content contained in this website.

As of 20 September 2011, the list of eligible passport holders able to apply for the online e676 electronic tourist visa has expanded to include citizens of Chile and Turkish Special, Service and Diplomatic passport holders.

The e676 visa is an online tourist visa which enables people to visit Australia for a holiday or to visit family and friends. This visa may also be used for other short-term non-work purposes including study for less than three months. The advantage of the e676 visa is that it is lodged online and granted and recorded electronically so that no visa label is required and visa processing is relatively fast.

The e676 visa can be granted for three, six or twelve month periods and can allow for a single entry or multiple entries to Australia depending on the purpose of the visit and the visa applicant’s personal circumstances.

Aside from Chile and diplomatic staff from Turkey, passport holders from the following countries are currently eligible to apply for an online e676 tourist visa: Andorra, Austria, Bahrain, Belgium, Brunei, Bulgaria, Canada, Chile, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hong Kong (SAR), Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Kuwait, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Maldives, Malta, Monaco, The Netherlands, Norway, Oman, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Romania, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, San Marino, Singapore, Slovak Republic, South Korea, Spain, Slovenia, Sweden, Switzerland, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom – British Citizen, United States of America and Vatican City.

Should you have further enquiries about the e676 online tourist visa, please contact us for further information.

This is general information only and does not constitute legal advice.

Disclaimer:

The information on this website is intended only to provide a summary and general overview on relevant matters. It is not intended to be comprehensive nor does it constitute legal advice. You are advised to seek legal or other professional advice before acting or relying on any of the content contained in this website.

Legislative instrument IMMI 11/051 introduced on 29 August 2011 specifies alternative English language testing to the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) examination for the purposes of student visas. The acceptance of alternative testing arrangements by the Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC) will commence on 1 November 2011.

According to the legislative instrument, the acceptable alternative English language proficiency tests include the following:

1. the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) Paper-Based test;
2. the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) Internet-Based test (also known as TOEFL iBT);
3. the Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE) test (also known as Certificate in Advanced English);
4. the Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE Academic); and
5. the Occupational English Test.

Please contact us for further information regarding changes to English proficiency testing for student visas, or for general assistance regarding Student visas.

This is general information only and does not constitute legal advice.

Disclaimer:

The information on this website is intended only to provide a summary and general overview on relevant matters. It is not intended to be comprehensive nor does it constitute legal advice. You are advised to seek legal or other professional advice before acting or relying on any of the content contained in this website.

The New South Wales (NSW) State Migration Plan comes into effect on 3 March 2011. The NSW Government will nominate applicants with high level skills and experience required in Sydney for subclasses 176 and 886 visas and in regional NSW for the subclass 475 and 487 visas.

Skilled occupation eligibility lists are provided on the NSW Government Trade and Investment website and are subject to change. Information on NSW sponsorship lists can be accessed at here. The NSW State Migration plan currently includes 138 occupations, 18 occupations of which are not listed on the Department of Immigration’s new Skilled Occupation List.

In order to be eligible for NSW State sponsorship, in addition to nominating an occupation on the NSW skilled occupation list, applicants must meet the following criteria:

• be under 50 years of age
• have qualifications and experience in the NSW skilled occupation list
• attain 65 points on the DIAC skills test
• have had your skills assessed by the appropriate Australian assessing authority.
• have the English language skills specified for your occupation.
• have been in paid employment on a full time basis in your nominated occupation for the period specified.

Applicants should be aware that a cap exists on the number of skilled migrant places that the NSW Department of Trade and Investment will sponsor each year.

If you are a skilled worker interested in applying for sponsorship by the NSW Government, please contact us for assistance.

This is general information only and does not constitute legal advice.

Disclaimer:

The information on this website is intended only to provide a summary and general overview on relevant matters. It is not intended to be comprehensive nor does it constitute legal advice. You are advised to seek legal or other professional advice before acting or relying on any of the content contained in this website.

As of 15 February 2011, a new Skilled Occupation List for subclass 457 Temporary Business and subclass 442 Occupational Trainee visas will apply.

The major changes are as follows:

1. The following occupations have been removed from the Skilled Occupation List:

• Beauty Therapist
• Bookmaker
• Hospitality, Retail and Service Managers
• Insurance Consultants
• Motion Picture Projectionists
• Private Investigators
• Production Assistants for Film, Television, Radio or Stage

2. The following occupation have been added to the Skilled Occupation List:

• Real Estate Agency Principal
• Small Engine Mechanic
• Sugar Cane Grower
• Wool Buyer

For more information regarding applying for a subclass 457 Temporary Business (Long Stay) visa or a subclass 442 Occupational Trainee visa, please contact us for assistance.

This is general information only and does not constitute legal advice.

Disclaimer:

The information on this website is intended only to provide a summary and general overview on relevant matters. It is not intended to be comprehensive nor does it constitute legal advice. You are advised to seek legal or other professional advice before acting or relying on any of the content contained in this website.

The Minister for Immigration and Citizenship, The Honourable Chris Bowen MP, has capped the number of visas to be granted in relation to Other Family (Residence)(Class BU) visas and Other Family (Migrant)(Class BO) visas. This includes onshore and offshore Aged Dependent Relative, Remaining Relative and Carer visa.

It has been determined that the maximum number of these visas that may be granted in the financial year 1 July 2010 to 30 June 2011 is 750.

This is general information only and does not constitute legal advice.

Disclaimer:

The information on this website is intended only to provide a summary and general overview on relevant matters. It is not intended to be comprehensive nor does it constitute legal advice. You are advised to seek legal or other professional advice before acting or relying on any of the content contained in this website.