Great News for 457 holders!!
On 18 April, Australian Government made serious announcement that the Temporary Work (Skilled) visa (subclass 457 visa) will be abolished and replaced with new Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) visa from March 2018.
Since they announced it, they still did not provide clear guide line for people who hold 457 visa or people who applied 457 visa on or before of 18th of April.
Yesterday, Department of Immigration and Border Protection (DIBP) introduced 2nd Fact sheet which contains clear information for the grand fathering arrangements.
Here is summary of clear information from fact sheet two and our explanation.
People who held, or had applied for, a subclass 457 visa on 18 April 2017 will be able to access certain existing provisions under the Temporary Residence Transition stream:
Occupation requirements remain the same (i.e. there are no restrictions as long as the nominee continues to work in the same position for the same employer as approved for their subclass 457 visa); => Regardless of new occupation list (MLTSSL, STSOL), you can still apply for an ENS and RSMS under TRT stream. Ex) You’ve got 457 visa as a Cook, you can still apply ENS (TRT Stream).
- The age requirement will remain at less than 50 years of age; and
- The work experience requirement, and the requirement to have worked at least two out of the three years prior to nomination on a subclass 457, will remain at two years.=> You only need 2years work in your nominated occupation under same employer to apply Permanent Visa.
- English requirement become “Competent English” which is equivalent to IELTS 6.0 each
See the entire fact sheet from DIBP website:
http://www.border.gov.au/WorkinginAustralia/Documents/reforms-australia-permanent-employer-sponsored-migration-programme.pdf
If you looking for Temporary and Permanent Visa options at your current work place, please contact us to get free eligibility check.