For the provisional GSM visa subclasses, the threshold English language standard will be raised from an average score of IELTS 5.5 to an average score of IELTS 6. The change will affect applicants for the subclass 475 Offshore Skilled - Regional Sponsored and subclass 487 Onshore Skilled - Regional Sponsored Visa.
The increased English language requirement will apply to all new offshore GSM applications lodged after 1 July 2009 with Australian Standard Classification of Occupations (ASCO) Level 4 nominated trade occupations.
The increased English language requirement for onshore GSM applicants will apply from 1 January 2010
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