Temporary Work (Skilled) Visa - Subclass 457

The Temporary Work (Skilled) visa (subclass 457) allows skilled workers to come to Australia and work for an approved business for up to four years. 

The applicant must be sponsored by an approved business. A business can sponsor someone for this visa if they cannot find an Australian citizen or permanent resident to do the skilled work. 

Employers can nominate a number of positions for different occupations under the same sponsorship application to employ approved skilled workers for temporary vacancies in particular occupations required in Australia that are listed in the Consolidated Skilled Occupations List (CSOL).

There are 3 stages in seeking to employ an overseas temporary employee under this visa subclass:

Sponsorship

The employer applies to be approved as a Standard Business Sponsor or to employ overseas workers under a Labour Agreement. The business will be assessed for financial standing, proposed benefit to Australia of recruiting overseas personnel, and commitment to training Australian citizens and permanent residents.

Nomination

The employer nominates the position to be filled by an overseas employee.  Salary and conditions commensurate with Australian market rates must be offered. The employee applies for a visa under one of two streams:

    o    Labour Agreement, or

        o    Standard Business Sponsor 

 and will be assessed to determine whether he/she has the qualifications, skills and work experience required for the nominated position. 

 Visa application

The applicant applies for a subclass 457 visa. The applicant can be in or outside Australia when they lodge their application.