457 Visa Changes effective as of 1 July 2012

What are the 457 visa changes as of 1st July 2012?

Significant visa changes have been made to the subclass 457 visa which will affect all applications lodged after 1 July 2012. Some of the key visa changes include:

• An increase in the Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (TSMIT) from $49,330 to $51,400;
• An increase in the Department of Immigration and Citizenship’s (DIAC’s) fees. The sponsorship application fee is now $420, the nomination fee is $85 per nomination and the visa application fee is $350; and
• The 457 occupation list has now been replaced with one consolidated sponsored occupation list has been introduced that covers the 457 occupation list, the Employer Nomination Skilled Occupation List and the State and Territory Occupation List.

Furthermore, the Australian Government has recognised the important economic and social contributions skilled workers on 457 visas make to Australia. As a result, the 457 visa has now been officially identified as a pathway to permanent residence for eligible skilled workers.

What is a 457 visa?

457 visas are for skilled workers who have been sponsored or nominated by a business to work in Australia on a temporary basis. A business can only sponsor a skilled worker who is not an Australian citizen or permanent resident if they cannot fill the position with an Australian citizen or permanent resident. There are three main steps involved in a 457 visa application:

1. An Australian business needs to become a standard business sponsor or negotiate a labour agreement;
2. The business then needs to nominate a skilled worker for a position in their business; and
3. The skilled worker needs to apply for a 457 visa.

Our team of Registered Migration Agents will assist both businesses wishing to become a sponsor of a skilled worker and skilled workers wishing to apply for a 457 visa. If you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact our Migration Team.