New scheme doubles stay for 457 workers
The amount of time a skilled worker on a 457 visa can stay in Australia will be doubled from three to six years for selected businesses under recent updates to the 457 visa system.
Under the new accreditation scheme, Australian Immigration is also fast-tracking 457 visa applications for qualified businesses.
In order to qualify for the benefits of the new scheme, a business must:
- Have a local workforce that is 75% Australian
- Have been an active 457 visa sponsor over the past three years,
- Have taken care of at least 30 overseas workers over the past 12 months
Immigration Minister Chris Bowen says: "This will continue to ensure that the 457 program provides a flexible avenue for employers to fill immediate and short-term skill vacancies, while maintaining opportunities and conditions for Australian workers.”
Bowen said the department was aiming to reduce the average processing time for 457 visa applications to 10 days. The average process time at present is 22 days.
A total of 54,360 457 visas were granted in 2010-11 – 38% more than for the same period over the previous year. Britain is Australia's most popular source country, with 11,820 citizens granted 457 visas.
What next?
- Look for jobs in Australia
- Find out more about the 457 visa
- Find out about the latest changes to the Skilled Migration Program
- See what types of skilled visas are available if you're living outside Australia