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View Full Version : Raising the bar: Changes to the 457 Visa Program effective July 1, 2013



Newshound
12-08-2013, 12:28 PM
DIAC recently announced changes to the Temporary Work (Skilled) (subclass 457) Visa program which may affect many employers.

In essence the qualification tests for a Visa are more stringent, the application process is more expensive and the sponsoring employer has greater responsibilities and obligations.

This is a summary of the changes;


Ongoing requirement to train Australian citizens and permanent resident workers
Demonstrating a genuine skill need
Indicating how many workers an employer will sponsor
Skills assessments for generalist occupations
Market salary rate assessment expanded to regional locality
Market salary rate assessment exemption lifted to $250 000
Employment must consist of a direct ‘employee-employer' relationship
Sponsors are obligated to pay certain costs
English language requirement must be met when new nomination is lodged
Occupation based exemptions to the English language requirement are removed
Definition of English language now aligned with the Employer Nomination Scheme
Restricted terms of sponsorship for start-up businesses
Mandatory electronic lodgement
Requiring visa holders to begin work within 90 days of arriving in Australia
Requiring mandatory registration, licensing or membership
Extend the period in which a visa holder can seek new sponsored employment
Enshrining the kinds of sponsorship obligations which must be prescribed in the Migration Regulations
Enhancing the enforcement framework to include enforceable undertakings between the Minister and a sponsor and former approved sponsor
Fair Work Inspectors as Inspectors under the Migration Act and exercise of powers for Migration Act purposes



More detail on each of these changes can be found on the DIAC site here (http://www.immi.gov.au/skilled/changes-457-program.htm)