Spouse’s Proof of English Proficiency for the 485 Visa
Article 4 taken from Immigration News (Volume 160) dated 2nd February 2010:
All applicants should be aware that for the 485 visa, your spouse does not have to demonstrate any evidence of their English ability!! DIAC has been making unlawful requests to 485 applicants, who are including a dependent spouse in their applications. Such requests include the spouse demonstrating they have Functional English or pay the $3510 second installment fee.
If anyone has paid the $3510 fee for their 485 visa, they should be requesting an immediate refund from DIAC as the request in the first instance was unlawful. If you also made a booking for an IELTS test for your spouse on the basis of the case officer request for an IELTS result you also have the right to ask DIAC to pay for the IELTS test.
This issue was raised to the Minister and a quick reply apologising for such requests being made.
