Additional Funding for 457 Visa Processing
As part of Budget 2011–12, the Government has announced additional funding of $10 million for the 457 program, which aims to halve processing times for 457 visas from the current median of 22 calendar days.
While processing times for 457 visas have reduced by thirty per cent over the past five years, the Government will establish a new processing centre in Brisbane to support the initiatives announced in the Budget and to reduce processing times even further.
The 457 visa program benefits Australian industry by providing access to the global supply of workers when suitably skilled workers cannot be found locally.
The program is uncapped, demand-driven and highly responsive to the economic cycle. It provides a flexible avenue for employers to fill immediate and short-term skill vacancies where Australian workers are not available.
Why is the Government providing more funding?
Application rates for 457 visas are increasing as economic conditions continue to improve, mining projects expand and reconstruction efforts associated with flood damage get underway.
As skill shortages emerge in some parts of the economy, it is critical that business can gain access to overseas labour for genuine skill vacancies which cannot be filled from the Australian labour market.
The department is committed to providing the best possible processing times for all our clients. This additional funding will ensure that processing times remain low as the program grows with improving business conditions.
Does this include changes to 457 requirements?
This measure is about processing 457 applications more quickly and disseminating information about the program more effectively.
All current program requirements will remain in place, including requirements for visa applicants to demonstrate they have the skills and experience necessary to perform the job in Australia.
More information about the 457 visa program is available.
See: Temporary Business (Long Stay) - Standard Business Sponsorship (Subclass 457)