Subclass 457 Visa Reforms - 14 September 2009 Changes

From 14 September 2009 major reforms to the Subclass 457 visa program came into effect. These reforms include:

• a new sponsorship obligations regime which provides greater clarity on sponsorship requirements
• a new market salary rates system that ensures Subclass 457 visa holders received the same terms and conditions as Australian workers
• a stronger sanctions regime, including civil penalties for sponsors who are found to have failed to satisfy their sponsorship obligations
• new arrangements for the payment of health costs for Subclass 457 visa holders
• improved information sharing across all levels of government

• expanded powers to monitor and investigate possible non-compliance by sponsors.

The reforms are designed to enhance the integrity of the program and ensure the program continues to provide industry with the necessary skills while not undermining local training and employment opportunities.

The following information package regarding these reforms was distributed in October 2009 by post to onshore sponsors of Subclass 457 visa holders.
See:
Letter to Subclass 457 Sponsors – September 2009 (34KB PDF file)
Fact Sheet - Subclass 457 Sponsor Obligations (267KB PDF file)