457 visa - basics

The 457 visa is the most commonly used work visa program by employers to sponsor and recruit overseas skilled workers on a temporary basis for a period between 3 months to 4 years.

The 457 visa is primarily intended to provide streamlined temporary entry arrangements for Australian and Overseas businesses to fill skill shortages that cannot be met from the local labour market.

The 457 visa is valid for up to 4 years and work experience gained in Australia on this visa may lead to permanent residency, usually after 2 years if the visa holder continues to be sponsored by the same employer.

Basic Requirements

To qualify for a 457 visa, the applicant must have an employer who is willing to sponsor them. There are three steps involved in the application process:

Step 1: Business sponsorship

An employer must lodge an application to become a business sponsor. Once approved , the sponsorship is usually valid for 3 years. Among other things, an employer must:

• Demonstrate that It is a lawfully operating business
• Agree to the number of 457 overseas workers to be nominated within 3 years
• Satisfy the training benchmark by demonstrating recent expenditure (equivalent to 1% of the annual payroll) allocated to training Australian employees
• Overseas businesses are not required to meet training benchmark but must seek to employ overseas worker to establish a business operation in Australia and/or will fulfill obligations for a contract in Australia.

Step 2: Nomination 

The employer must then:

• Nominate an eligible skilled occupation on the 457 occupation list
• Provide evidence that  labour market testing has been undertaken  (if applicable)
• Demonstrate that the nominated employee will be paid a minimum salary (currently) of $53,900 per annum, and at a level consistent with the market rate salary applicable to an Australian employee within the Australian labour market

Step 3: Visa application

The individual must then apply for a visa application inside or outside Australia, and demonstrate that they have:

• The requisite skills, qualifications, experience and employment background to match the nominated position
• (Certain trade occupations may require a formal skills assessment) 
• Vocational English language ability (exemption available for certain passport holders)
• Any relevant licenses or registration required for the nominated position (if applicable)
• An adequate level of health insurance in Australia
• Satisfied certain health and character requirements