457 visa
Encyclopedia
The 457 visa is the most commonly used program for Australian or overseas employers to sponsor skilled overseas workers to work in Australia temporarily. The full title of this subclass of visa is Temporary Business (Long Stay) - Standard Business Sponsorship (Subclass 457).
Employers must be approved by the Australian government
as an eligible employer. Employees must obtain a new visa and sponsorship if they wish to move to another sponsor.
Employees must also meet minimum levels of qualifications and English language skills, in addition to character and health requirements.
Whilst the employer can nominate a person for the particular position they are trying to fill, it is the Department of Immigration and Citizenship that assess and determine whether the criteria for visa grant have been met.
There has been a recent increase in the number of grants of permanent residence visas to people who last held a Subclass 457 visa.
However there is Australian parliamentary concern regarding overseas agents falsely marketing permanent residency to Australia.
Requirements
Holders of this visa may be employed for a period of between one day and four years and may bring any eligible family members, including same-sex partners, who have unrestricted work and study rights in Australia. Holders of the Subclass 457 visa have no limit on the number of times they travel in and out of Australia.Employers must be approved by the Australian government
Government of Australia
The Commonwealth of Australia is a federal constitutional monarchy under a parliamentary democracy. The Commonwealth of Australia was formed in 1901 as a result of an agreement among six self-governing British colonies, which became the six states...
as an eligible employer. Employees must obtain a new visa and sponsorship if they wish to move to another sponsor.
Employees must also meet minimum levels of qualifications and English language skills, in addition to character and health requirements.
Whilst the employer can nominate a person for the particular position they are trying to fill, it is the Department of Immigration and Citizenship that assess and determine whether the criteria for visa grant have been met.
Conversion to permanent residency
457 visa holders can convert to Australian permanent residency status. It is common for 457 visa holders to apply for a permanent Australia residents visa with a view to permanently settle in Australia and become Australian citizens.There has been a recent increase in the number of grants of permanent residence visas to people who last held a Subclass 457 visa.
However there is Australian parliamentary concern regarding overseas agents falsely marketing permanent residency to Australia.