Employee Eligibility

As an employee, you must meet all the following requirements:

• be sponsored by an employer to fill a nominated position
• have skills, qualifications, experience and an employment background which match those required for the position
• demonstrated English language proficiency  
• be eligible for any relevant licences or registration required for the nominated position
  See: Nomination Eligibility
• you can apply for this visa while you are in Australia, only if the last visa you held is not a Transit visa (Subclass 771) or a Special Purpose visa.

Health requirements

There are a number of health requirements that must be met by health industry workers and their accompanying family members.
See: Information Form 1163i Health requirements for temporary entry to Australia ( 55KB PDF file)

Further information regarding health requirements for visa applicants.
See: Health Requirements

Health examinations for visa applicants outside Australia must be conducted by an approved overseas doctor.
See: Immigration Panel Doctors

Health insurance requirements

Subclass 457 visa holders granted visas after 14 September 2009 will be required to maintain arrangements for health insurance. 
See:
Employee Obligations > Health insurance
Subclass 457 – Health Insurance Frequently Asked Questions – Sponsors
Subclass 457 – Health Insurance Frequently Asked Questions – Visa Holders

English language proficiency requirements

From 14 September 2009, all primary Subclass 457 visa applicants who are sponsored by a Standard Business Sponsor must demonstrate that they have English language proficiency that is equivalent to an International English Language Testing System (IELTS) test score of at least 5 in each of the four test components of speaking, reading, writing and listening.  Prior to 14 September 2009, applicants required an average test score of at least 5 across the four test components.

Where the nominated occupation requires a higher level of English (equivalent to IELTS test score of more than 5 in each of the four test components) because it forms part of that occupation’s registration, licensing or membership requirement, the visa applicant must have at least the standard of English language proficiency required for the grant of that registration, licence or membership.

This requirement affects all new subclass 457 visa applications from 14 September 2009, as well as visa applications which were made before but not decided by 14 September 2009.
See:
Changes to the Subclass 457 Visa Program – English Language Requirements
Requirements Frequently Asked Questions About English Language Requirements

Character requirements

You must meet all character requirements.
See: Character Requirement

Limitation of applications

If you are in Australia, your current visa may have restrictions which will prevent you from applying for this visa.
See: Information form 1026i Limitation on applications in Australia ( 52KB PDF file)

Skills assessment

Australia requires visa applicants to have the skills required for their nominated positions. Where necessary for safety or to prevent fraud, Australia will undertake more extensive skills assessments to confirm skills claimed by applicants.

Australia requires formal skills assessments of some trade occupations. This arrangement commenced on 1 July 2009 and will be extended as capacities are increased.

More information on this new skills assessment process is available on the Trades Recognition Australia website.
See: Trades Recognition Australia

Australian Values Statement

If you are aged 18 years or over, you must declare that you will respect Australian values and obey the laws of Australia. For this visa, the values statement is included in the general declaration section of the application form. When you sign the application form it means you will also be signing the values statement. You will not be required to have read the Life in Australia book, but may do so if you wish.

You are also encouraged to gain an understanding of Australia, its people and their way of life, before applying for this visa.
See: Australian Values - Overview

Before lodging an application, please read all related requirements.
See: Eligibility