Immigration SA has conducted a mid-year review that resulted in an updated occupation list for the General Skilled Migration (GSM) visas.

Five tips for the IELTS test by English tutor Fran Reid.

1.      Know what the examiners want for each section of the test.

Each section of the test is marked according to certain criteria, knowing what the examiner is looking for will help you to target your responses.

2.      Speak, listen, read and write English as much as possible.

‘Using’ English in your everyday life will improve your confidence in using English in a relaxed way.

3.      Practice the test on a regular basis.

Practice gives you a feel for the timing of the test and increases your self confidence by giving you a realistic idea of your English capabilities.

         4.   Manage your time so you have a quiet space for practice.

Make sure you are in a good position to prepare for the test. Work and family responsibilities often get in the way of studies so plan for this study period.

5.      Engage a tutor or not?

Taking IELTS preparation classes provides you with a controlled environment where a tutor will monitor your work and give you feedback to help you understand where you need to improve.

Do You Need Help with the IELTS Test?

At MarketPlaceEnglish I assist people with the IELTS Test using authentic practice materials and providing constructive feedback.

I am a qualified and experienced tutor having helped hundreds of people gain their desired band score.

I provide English tuition in the city of Adelaide in South Australia.

If I can be of assistance or you require further information and would like to make a booking please contact Frances on:

Phone: 042 117 8286

Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. 

Further details of 457 changes

Further details on the planned changes for 457 visas have been released by DIAC on their website.

“The measures being brought forward include:

• the introduction of a genuineness criterion under which the department may refuse a nomination if the position does not fit within the scope of the activities of the business
• an increase in market salary exemption threshold from $180 000 to $250 000 to ensure that higher paid salary workers are not able to be undercut through the employment of overseas labour at a cheaper rate
• the removal of English language exemptions for certain positions. Many long-term 457 workers go on to apply for permanent residence, and  this change will ensure that the 457 program requirements are brought into line with the permanent Employer Sponsored program which requires a vocational English ability. This change will benefit visa holders by ensuring that 457 visa holders, who have an ongoing position with their employer and want to apply for permanent residence in the long-run are not disadvantaged because of their language ability. Applicants who are nominated with a salary greater than $92 000 will continue to be exempted from the English language requirement
• enhanced regulatory powers for the department to ensure that the working conditions of sponsored visa holders meet Australian standards and that subclass 457 workers cannot be exploited or used to undercut local workers
• amendments to existing training benchmark provisions to clarify that an employer’s obligation to train Australians is ongoing and binding for the duration of their approved sponsorship, including for newly established business
• amendments to clarify that 457 workers may not be on-hired to an unrelated entity unless they are sponsored under a labour agreement
• amendments which will allow the department to refund a visa application fee in circumstances where an employer nomination has been withdrawn.”