The Prime Minister has just announced that the government is getting rid of the 457 visa.
When: Some changes effective tomorrow, 19 April 2017, others by March 2018
What: The 457 visa will be replaced with the new Temporary Skills Shortage Visa
Why: The new reforms are aimed at better balancing genuine skill shortages and giving "Australians workers...the priority for Australian jobs"
What does this mean for me? The key changes are as follows:
Your occupation may no longer be eligible (the occupation lists have significantly reduced, over 200 occupations have been removed)
The eligibility requirements will tighten (e.g. greater English proficiency, minimum 2 years' work experience, age limit lowered to 45, higher minimum salary for offshore workers etc.)
You must work for your sponsor on a 457 visa for 3 years before being eligible for transition to PR, instead of just 2 years
There is still time to work out your options! Book in a 1-to-1 consultation our principal migration agent to discuss your options and start planning today.
More information will be released in the coming weeks and we will keep you updated.
Watch the PM's announcement here: https://www.facebook.com/malcolmturnbull/videos/10155311599176579/
For more details, please see: http://www.border.gov.au/Trav/Work/457-abolition-replacement