Applying for a 457 sponsored visa

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Created on Thursday, 22 November 2012 13:44

Written by Editorial staff

As the year quickly draws to a close and you're thinking about working in another country - consider coming to Australia as a sponsored employee.

If you are able to find an employer who is willing to sponsor you for an immigration visa, then you should consider applying if you're interested in a new year change.

As part of a temporary business visa (subclass 457), the employer must first apply to be a sponsor then nominate a position that can be filled by you - then as the employee, you apply for the 457 visa.

The visa allows you to bring your family, live and work in Australia for up to four years and travel in and out of the country as often as you wish. In order to be eligible, you have to be able to fulfil the duties of the role and possess the qualifications, training and experience to ensure that you can do well in the job.

Your future role must also be on the list of Australian and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations.

The federal minister for foreign affairs will recommend your entry, which is another requirement in addition to being proficient in English.

To be approved entry under the 457 visa, you must score at least 5 in four components of the International English Language Testing System (IELTS). However, if you are a passport holder from the UK, Canada, New Zealand or the US then it isn't necessary to participate in the test.

You will also be subject to health examinations, which vary depending on your country of origin - family must also take part in these medical checks.

In addition, all applicants and their family members who are over 18 must sign an Australian Values Statement.

You must also fill out a declaration regarding your character to provide the Commonwealth government with assurance that you have no serious criminal history and that your background won't affect your position within Australian society.

In order to remain in Australia, you must continue to stay in the role you were hired to perform - should you resign or have your employment terminated, there are a number of options. You can either depart Australia within 28 days, find another employer to sponsor your visa or apply for a different visa that will allow you to remain in the country.