Work Visa

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Temporary Work Visa (the subclass 457 visa) - The Subclass 457 visa may be granted up to four years and is a multiple re-entry visa for the duration of the visa.  There are a number of sub-categories within the 457 Visa Subclass. The most common being a “Temporary Work Visa”.

An application for a 457 Visa is split into three applications: -

(a) Sponsorship Approval Application – this is an application whereby the organisation applies for approval to act as a sponsor. Part of the application includes the organisation having to show that it is a substantial organisation, capable of paying the Applicant’s salary, has a successful trading record and has a policy of training local staff. Please refer to the gazette attached regarding training benchmarks. Also refer to the following frequently asked questions regarding the training benchmarks.

(b) Nomination Application – the organisation must nominate the Applicant for a particular position. That position must be on a gazette list that is prescribed by the Department of Immigration from time to time. The base salary payable must not be less than $49,330.00 per annum for a 38 hour week (not including any other additional payments, allowances, fringe benefits or superannuation). There are other occupations on this list that attract a higher minimum salary.

For subclass 457 sponsors, there is an obligation to ensure equivalent terms and conditions of employment will mean that they pay market salary rates to their overseas workers. If the applicant’s salary is less than $180,000 then, you will need to explain the Applicant’s salary package in an email or letter. This is explained on the following link:-
http://www.immi.gov.au/skilled/457-market-salary-rates.htm

• If you have another Australian employer in the similar position, his/her recent payslips, the biodata from his/her passport and a copy of his/her Employment Contract will be required.


• If you do not have another Australian employer in the similar position, there is another important link (where the organisation does not have an Australian performing equivalent work in the same workplace)

(c) Visa Application – this application is the Applicant’s visa application. As well as satisfying the health and character requirements, the Applicant must satisfy all of the visa requirements. Included will be evidence that s/he is qualified by way of qualifications and/or work experience to meet the nominated position. They will be able to include with this application any dependant family who will have no work limitations.

Medical Cover:-
From 14 September 2009 it is a requirement for visa grant that applicants have made adequate arrangements for health insurance for themselves and accompanying family members. Subclass 457 visa holders are subject to visa condition 8501. Condition 8501 requires all visa holders to maintain adequate arrangements for health insurance for the duration of their stay in Australia. You are required to maintain an adequate level of insurance cover for the duration of your stay in Australia. This insurance must be at least as comprehensive as the minimum level of coverage required under the subclass 457 visa program. For the minimum level of coverage required, see Attachment A to the health insurance standard template letter on this link:-

The above three applications are substantial applications but if you engage our services we will ensure that the entire process is simplified and made easy for you to follow. The average processing time for 457 Visa Applications can be between one and four months. The timeframe depends on how organised and available your and the Applicant’s paperwork is. Our office will be able to give you further information in this regard once we know more about your organisation and the Applicant.

Click here for some information on the criteria for the Permanent Visa (ENS) linked to the Temporary Work Visa