5 Years Study in English - ENS Language Exemption for 457 Visa Holders

Since the 1 July 2017 changes to the Permanent Employer Sponsored visas, we have received many questions about the new Competent English requirements (and exemptions), in relation to people holding the Temporary Subclass 457 visas who wish to transition to the Permanent Subclass 186 visa. So we have put together this simple summary to help you assess if you or any friends/family may be eligible for this exemption. 
 
What is Competent English?
 
From 1 July 2017, all applicants wanting to apply for the ENS (186) through the Transition Stream (i.e 457 visa holders) will need to demonstrate Competent English as opposed to the lower standard of Vocational English which was in place before 1 July 2017. This generally, means that you will need to score at least 6 in each of the four test components in the IELTS test or equivalent scores in other approved English tests.

More information on how to achieve Competent English through the different English tests can be found at this link here.
 
In addition, keep in mind that passport holders from the UK, Ireland, New Zealand, United States and Canada are automatically considered to have competent English and are not required to sit any English tests.
 
What are the English test exemptions?
 
Since 1 July 2017, there is now only one (1) legislative exemption which allows you to avoid the English test. This is specifically if you have completed at least 5 years of full-time study in secondary and/or higher education institution where all the tuition was delivered in English.
 
Secondary education (high-school) must consist of full-time study where it is delivered in English. You would typically need a letter from your Secondary school principal or teacher(s) to confirm that you attended the school for a certain amount of years, and confirm that it was taught in English. Please note, this does not mean that you have studied the ‘language/subject/unit’ of English, but rather, all your classes were taught in English specifically.
 
Higher Education Institutions includes tertiary studies at university or equivalent level. This can include undergraduate (Diploma and/or Bachelor) and graduate (Masters and/or Doctoral) studies. Importantly however, Vocational Educational Training (VET) courses (i.e Certificates) where there is a mixture of classroom learning and on-the-job training is NOT accepted. Unfortunately, this may operate to exclude courses such as Certificate III or IV where you attended work placement as part of that qualification. This is most common in Trade specific courses where you are required to complete a practical component in your VET studies.
 
In addition, English language courses are also unlikely to be accepted by the DIBP towards this exemption.
 
Combining Your Studies
 
The minimum 5 years of full-time study can consist of both the Secondary Education and/or High Education Institutions. For example, you may have completed the final 2 senior years at an Australian High School and then completed a 3-year Business degree at an Australian University.
 
Have Questions?

Have Australian immigration/visa questions? Feel free to join our free private Facebook group Salvo Migration Community. In this group our team will provide visa information, let members know of important visa updates as well as answer members visa related questions (as quickly as we can!). It’s also a great place for people to share visa stories, tips and help each other. If you would like to join, please click here – its FREE!

Otherwise, if you require the representation of a Migration Agent, then get in contact with us here.

Otherwise you can find us at the following address:

Salvo Migration
320 Adelaide St
Brisbane QLD 4000
https://goo.gl/Bao5ma