Flexible Work Arrangements
From 14 September 2009 the Subclass 457 visa will also support the same flexible working arrangements for medical practitioners that are available under the Subclass 422 visa. After this date, doctors holding a Subclass 457 visa may work:
- for the employer who sponsored them in the position nominated in the nomination application
- for multiple unrelated employers
- as an independent contractor.
Recognition of the special needs of International Medical Graduates (IMGs) under the Subclass 457 visa program will result in a better outcome for our clients in the health profession, as it provides a more simplified pathway for sponsorship of IMGs including:
- access to e-lodgement and streamlined processing
- flexibility for IMGs to work as an independent contractor or for several employers whilst being sponsored by the one sponsor, and
- reduced confusion as to the appropriate choice of visa.
Permanent residency
Overseas trained doctors or IMGs who hold a Subclass 457 visa and are working under flexible working arrangements from 14 September 2009 will not be eligible to apply for permanent residence through the Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) or Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme (RSMS).
IMGs must be directly employed by an employer in order to be eligible for the ENS or RSMS. Arrangements for IMGs to work as independent contractors or with several employers will not be accepted under the ENS or RSMS.