Released on = July 3, 2007, 1:47 am

Press Release Author = former Immigration Minister

Industry = Internet & Online

Press Release Summary = The former Minister noted that this would help to protect
both foreign and Australian workers, particularly in situations where a lack of
English language skills can pose an occupational health and safety risk.

Press Release Body = The former Immigration Minister announced on 1 May 2006 that
further improvements would be made regarding English language to ensure temporary
skilled workers under 457 visas have at least functional levels of English, subject
to consultation with industry. The former Minister noted that this would help to
protect both foreign and Australian workers, particularly in situations where a lack
of English language skills can pose an occupational health and safety risk.

On 26 April 2007, the Minister for Immigration and Citizenship, the Hon Kevin
Andrews MP, announced that an English language requirement would commence from 1
July 2007.

From 1 July 2007, employers who seek to sponsor must ensure that overseas workers
they employ have functional English language skills equivalent to an overall band
score of 4.5 in an International English Language Testing System (IELTS) test OR
where a higher level is required for licensing/registration, that level of English
language skills.

From 1 July 2007, Subclass 457 primary visa applicants will be required to provide
evidence of their English language skills. The department may seek formal
demonstration of the applicant's English language skills through an International
English Language Testing System (IELTS) test, based on information provided in the
application and other risk factors. The methodology to establish when formal IELTS
testing will and will not be required is yet to be determined.

The English language requirement applies to all sponsorship applications lodged but
not decided before 1 July 2007 and all sponsorship applications lodged on or after 1
July 2007. It also applies to all Subclass 457 primary visa applications lodged but
not decided before 1 July 2007 and all Subclass 457 primary visa applications lodged
on or after 1 July 2007.

The changes do not impact existing visa holders while they remain on their present
Subclass 457 visa. Should a Subclass 457 visa holder seek to apply for a further
Subclass 457 visa, they would be required to meet the new English language
requirement along with all other relevant regulatory criteria.

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