The English language requirement for applicants nominating a trade occupation will be increased to a minimum of 6.0 (Competent English) in each of the four components of the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) test. This increase in the IELTS score brings the English language requirement for trade occupations in line with other occupations for GSM visas, with trade occupations previously exempt from GSM changes introduced in September 2007.
The increased English language requirement will apply to all new offshore GSM applications lodged after 1 July 2009 for Level 4 nominated trade occupations.
The increased English language requirement for onshore GSM applicants will apply from 1 January 2010.
Will there be transitional arrangements for overseas students?
There will be no transitional arrangements for overseas students enrolled in trade courses.
Given that overseas students must have studied for a total of two years in Australia before being eligible to apply for GSM, government says that it is reasonable to expect most students to improve their English to IELTS 6.0 over this period.
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