Temporary Work Visa (Subclass 457)

The Temporary Work (Skilled) visa, also known as subclass 457, offers skilled workers the opportunity to work in Australia for up to four years, sponsored by an approved Australian business. The primary goal is to aid businesses in addressing labor shortages within their industries by allowing them to sponsor skilled workers when no Australian citizen or permanent resident is available.

Key Features:

• Duration: Allows work in Australia for up to four years.
• Family Inclusion: Permits bringing family members for work or study and allows unrestricted travel in and out of Australia.

Basic Requirements: To apply, candidates must:

• Be nominated for an approved occupation on the Skilled Occupation Lists.
• Meet skill requirements and undergo a skill assessment process.
• Fulfill registration and licensing obligations.
• Demonstrate vocational English proficiency.
• Obtain nomination from an approved business.
• Meet health and character requirements.

Employee Rights: Employees under this visa are entitled to fair pay and workplace rights, covered by the Fair Work Act 2009. Sponsors must provide the same terms and conditions as Australian workers in the same location.

Sponsor Requirements: For businesses intending to sponsor employees:

• Must be a lawfully operating business.
• Meet training requirements (for Australian businesses).
• Agree to the nominated number of subclass 457 workers.
• Have no adverse information against the business.

Becoming a Sponsor: There are two pathways to become a sponsor:

• Apply to be a standard business sponsor.
• Negotiate a labor agreement.