Amendment to Time of Decision Criteria for Subclass 457 (Business (Long Stay)) Visas to Require English Language Proficiency
1 July 2007 - Legislation change
Client summary
From 1 July 2007 the Migration Regulations 1994 (‘the regulations’) will be amended to provide that:
- primary applicants for a Subclass 457 visa must have a specified level of English language proficiency, except in certain special circumstances
- the Minister may test the applicant’s level of English language proficiency.
Technical details
The following provision of the regulations will be amended:
- Subclauses 457.223(4) and (5)
The following provisions will be inserted:
- Subclause 457.223(6)
- Sublause 457.223(11)
Additional information:
These amendments give effect to announcements made by Minister Andrews on 26 April 2007.
Transitional arrangements:
The amendments apply to applications made on or after 1 July 2007.
Forms: E-forms will include, from 1 July 2007, new questions seeking information about the English language skills of the primary applicant. Paper form 1066 will be updated from October 2007. Applicants who apply on paper between 1 July and 1 October 2007 may be separately requested to provide information about their English language skills.
Instructions: PAM3
PAM3: Sch2Visa457 has been amended to reflect the regulatory amendments.
Effect on delegations: Nil
Effect on systems: Minor