Released on = April 24, 2007, 5:45 am

Press Release Author = - ABC Radio Australia

Industry = Internet & Online

Press Release Summary =
The Minister Kevin Andrews says students who want to apply for a visa under
Australia\'s skilled migration program will be required to have a stronger
understanding of the English language.

Press Release Body = Australia immigration minister has announced changes, which he
says will ensure higher standards of English are attained by those coming to
Australia to study and work.

The Minister Kevin Andrews says students who want to apply for a visa under
Australia\'s skilled migration program will be required to have a stronger
understanding of the English language.

They will also have to undertake work experience in their chosen trade.

He says the changes will come into force in September, and have been prompted by
concerns about the language skills of people being granted visas under the program.

\"We need to improve that level of English if they\'re going to stay on and work in
Australia,\" he said.

\"It\'s important from the position of the student who wants to stay here and have a
job.

\"It\'s also important from the position of the employer to ensure that somebody
coming here and staying on a skilled migration visa is able to understand English
and therefore do the job.\"

- ABC Radio Australia

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