Australia fast-tracks 457 visas, doubles the stay for 457 workers

Australia, 4th November: Australian government is considering fast-tracking of Australian 457 visa system shortly.

Moreover, the government also has announced that it is doubling the stay for 457 workers coming to Australia.

Gillard government announces reforms in Australian 457 visa system--As per the recent reforms to the Australian 457 visa process by Gillard government, employers in Australia will be allowed to employ temporary foreign workers for a period of six years. That’s exactly double the present period for hiring temporary international workers in Australia.

And as part of the changes in Australian immigration, 457 visa applications will be fast-tracked for certain businesses, stated Australian immigration minister Chris Bowen Wednesday. He maintained that on November 7, 2011, a new accreditation scheme will be launched here.

Eligibility for accreditation of businesses—Any business in Australia is eligible for getting accreditation provided –

• Has an active 457 visa sponsor in the past three years;

• Can furnish guarantee about having at least 75 percent Australian workforce; and

• Is taking care of a minimum 30 foreign workers in the past one year period.

Businesses in Australia fulfilling the above eligibility criteria will be permitted to bring in skilled foreign workers for a period of six years as against previous limit of three years. And, they will be given priority for all Australian visa applications.

Reforms aim to assure required temporary foreign workers to Australian businesses--Giving details about the reforms to Australian 457 visa process, Australian immigration minister Bowen maintained that the new changes are aimed to make sure that the Australian 457 visa system is wholly responsive to the Australian economic cycle.

Moreover, it also provides Australian employers with the required supply of foreign workers to fulfill immediate as well as short-term vacant positions of jobs in Australia without robbing Australian workers of employment opportunities, he affirmed.

In the recent past, Australian government has reduced processing times for Australian 457 visa applications, the minister informed. Quoting the latest data, he said that processing times for Australian 457 visa applications have been down to 22 days from the earlier 31 days.

Australia aims to reduce processing time for Australian 457 visa system to 10 days, he maintained. Australia has witnessed an increase of 38 percent in the number of Australian 457 visas as compared to the year 2009-10 and the popularity of these Australian visas is growing.