Australia visa changes

Australia visa changes 2007-08-22

Run-up to Australian General Skilled Migration changes

From 01 September 2007, the Australian General Skilled Migration (GSM) stream will change. The number of visa categories will be reduced from the current fifteen to nine. Five of the categories can be applied for in-country (referred to as Onshore Visas), and four categories can be applied for from outside of Australia (Offshore Visas). More stringent English language skills will now be required, with the minimum score under the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) being raised from 5 to 6. A bonus of 25 points will be awarded to applicants who score a minimum of 7 in all categories of the IELTS. From 01 September 2007, the Australian General Skilled Migration (GSM) stream will change. The number of visa categories will be reduced from the current fifteen to nine. Five of the categories can be applied for in-country (referred to as Onshore Visas), and four categories can be applied for from outside of Australia (Offshore Visas). More stringent English language skills will now be required, with the minimum score under the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) being raised from 5 to 6. A bonus of 25 points will be awarded to applicants who score a minimum of 7 in all categories of the IELTS.