The Australian Government has officially abolished the Subclass 457 Visa and replaced it with the new Temporary Skills Shortage (TSS) Visa, Subclass 482. The new visa was introduced on 18 March 2018, and applications for the Subclass 457 Visa are no longer being accepted.
Category: 457 Visa
Legislation introduced for the Skilling Australians Fund
The Migration (Skilling Australians Fund) Bill 2017 has been read for the first time in the House of Representatives. The Bill introduces for the first time a “Training Contribution Charge”.
Continue reading Legislation introduced for the Skilling Australians Fund
New Skilled Occupation Lists – 1 July 2017
The Australian Government has amended the Migration Regulations 1994 (Cth) with effect from 1 July 2017. The new regulations affect the temporary and permanent skilled migration programs. Some of the changes are retrospective, so they affect applicants who have submitted applications but whose applications have not yet been decided.
Changes to 457 Visa Program with immediate effect
The Australian Government has announced major changes to the subclass 457 visa program with immediate effect. The changes will affect all standard business sponsors and visa applicants.
Continue reading Changes to 457 Visa Program with immediate effect
Condition 8107 Changes Affecting 457 Visa Holders
Effective 19 November 2016, Condition 8107 will be amended in the Migration Regulations 1994 (Cth).
Continue reading Condition 8107 Changes Affecting 457 Visa Holders
Changes to 457 Visa Accreditation Status
Is your organisation eligible for accreditation?
From 1 July 2016, the Department of Immigration and Border Protection is changing the requirements for companies seeking accreditation status in the subclass 457 visa program.
Accreditation enables sponsors to access priority processing and streamlined assessment of subclass 457 (temporary work) nomination and visa applications.
To seek accreditation on or after 1 July 2016, sponsors must:
– be a government agency, a publicly-listed company or a private company with at least AUD four million annual turnover for the last three years;
– have been an active 457 sponsor for at least three years (with no more than a six month break in the past 36 months), with no adverse information (based on monitoring, including formal warnings and sanctions);
– have sponsored at least ten primary 457 visa holders in the 24 months prior to the application for
accreditation;
– meet the Department’s decision-ready and non-approval requirements over the previous three years;
– have Australian workers comprising at least 75% of their workforce in Australia;
– meet the Department’s new employment standard and contract requirements;
Next steps
If your organisation is interested in gaining accreditation status, a well-evidenced sponsorship variation application needs to be submitted. Please contact us for advice from our migration agents.
Disclaimer: This news alert does not constitute immigration advice or assistance and does not take into account your circumstances. We do not guarantee the accuracy of any information in this alert.
Payment for Visa Sponsorship Legislation
On 14 December 2015, new legislation came into force making it unlawful for someone to ask for, receive, or provide a benefit in return for visa sponsorship or employment.
New Rules for Accountant Skills Assessments start 1 July 2015
CPA, ICAA and IPA will change the assessment criteria Migration Skills Assessments starting 1 July 2015.
Continue reading New Rules for Accountant Skills Assessments start 1 July 2015
New English Test Requirements for 485, 476 and 457 Visas
20 April 2015: The Department of Immigration and Border Protection has announced that new English language test scores for Subclass 485, 476 and 457 visa applications have commenced.
Continue reading New English Test Requirements for 485, 476 and 457 Visas
Outcome of 457 Visa Review – Key Changes
The Assistant Minister for Immigration and Border Protection, Michaelia Cash, has announced it will implement recommendations from the 2014 Independent Review into the Subclass 457 Visa Program.