据澳大利亚移民局移民代理协会最新消息，2015年3月18日澳政府接受的关于457签证的建议，将于近期实施！

    1.除了雅思和职业英语考试，还接受其他英语考试，包括TOEFL IBT，PTE和CAE（需是在2015年1月1日当天或之后参加测试的结果）；
    2.英语考试的分数要求为，听说读写的单项分降低到不低于4.5，而平均总分不可低于5分；
    3.对于英语考试的豁免，如果申请人可以提供证据证明在英語授课的中学或大学累计读满5年就可以，以前是连续读满5年；
    4.对于公司经营一年以上的雇主担保资格由获批日起的三年延长到五年；
    5.对于公司经营不到12个月的雇主担保资格由获批日起的12个月延长到18个月；
    6.将市场工资豁免标准从之前的$25万澳币年薪降低到$18万澳币年薪，这样就与边际税率保持一致；
    7.将雇主向移民局通报任何改变的期限从原来的10个工作日延长到28天。

邮件原文：

Dear Registered Migration Agent,

This e-mail is to notify you that the Government has made changes to the Temporary Skilled (Subclass 457) visas.  These changes action the recommendations in the 457 Integrity Review.  Assistant Minister Cash announced the Government Response to the 457 Integrity Review on 18 March 2015.

The Government:

·        has expanded the list of English language providers, to include test of English as a Foreign Language internet – based test (TOEFL IBT), Pearson Test of English (PTE); and Cambridge English Advanced (CAE) test (conducted on or after 1 January 2015);

·        will accept an overall test score with minimum scores of each test component (reading, writing, speaking and listening); and

·        will grant an exemption when an applicant can provide evidence of five cumulative years of study in English at the secondary or tertiary level, rather than proof of five years consecutive secondary or tertiary study in English.

·        has extended the term of standard business sponsorship to 5 years commencing from the date of approval.

·        has extended the sponsorship period for start-up businesses from twelve (12) months to eighteen (18) months.

·        has reduced the market salary exemption threshold from $250,000 to $180,000, this is now in line with the marginal tax rate.

·        has extended the notifiable period for sponsors from 10 working days to 28 calendar days.

For more detailed information on the changes please refer to the Department’s website at:www.immi.gov.au/Visas/Pages/457.aspx

These changes will increase flexibility and reduce restrictions on 457 programme users while maintaining integrity in the programme.   In particular, amending the English language requirements to an average test score will benefit both applicants and sponsors, without diminishing the English language standards of 457 holders. This change will support 457 programme users by allowing applicants to score more highly on the test competencies that they will need in their jobs and daily lives in Australia.

If you have any questions, please provide feedback via the Agents Gateway or complete the web form for the Global Feedback Unit.

Regards

457 Policy and Sponsor Monitoring Section

Department of Immigration and Border Protection