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
