Temporary 457 visa

The 457 visa program allows employers to bring skilled overseas workers into Australia to fill skill shortages on a temporary basis for any period between 1 day and 4 years.

Members are encouraged to visit the official homepage of the 457 visa program  which contains some important background reading about the process, eligibility requirements and your obligations. 

As a starting point, it is important to understand that employers may only sponsor overseas workers into a selected number of occupations. It is important that prior to commencing the 457 application process employers check that the occupation they wish to fill appears on the approved 457 visa occupation list.

Members are also encouraged to download a free copy of Booklet 9 a helpful guide to assist employers understand the 457 visa program and successfully bring skilled workers into Australia.

Prior to lodging any applications employers should consult the following checklists to ensure they have prepared the documentation correctly.

Step 1: Sponsorship Checklist
Step 2: Nomination Checklist
Step 3: Visa Application Checklist

The Department of Immigration and Citizenship undertakes to process these applications within 2 - 3 months. In many occasions employers who lodge complete applications can expect faster processing.