2/4/15
The following changes have been made to the 457 visa program:
- 5 year study exemption for English cumulative not consecutive
- Sponsorship approval valid for 5 years instead of previous 3 years
- IELTS English requirement amended to an average score of 5.0 instead of 5.0 in each subtest
- Market salary exemption threshold reduced from $250K to $180K
- The notifiable period for sponsors extended from 10 working days to 28 calendar days