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482 Temporary Work Visas


The Temporary Work Visa (Subclass 457 visa) is a renewable Sponsor Visa in Australia which can be  granted for up to four years in validity. The purpose of the 457 Visa is to allow Australian employers to fill skill shortages in the workplace by employing and sponsoring skilled migrant workers into certain positions within the business.  Importantly, in order for this visa to be granted by the Australian Government, there are three distinct stages that must be approved.

Stage 1 - Standard Business Sponsorship
In order for Australian employers to sponsor skilled migrant workers, they must first be approved as Standard Business Sponsors. Accordingly, in order for a business to become an approved 457 sponsor, they must be able to demonstrate:

1. That they are legally established

2. That they are operating

3. They have a strong record of employing local labour and non-discriminatory employment practices

4. If the business has operated for more than 12 months, that they have continued to meet 
legislated training benchmarks

5. If the business has operated for less than 12 months, that the business has an auditable training 
plan to meet legislated training benchmarks

Stage 2 - Nomination
At the Nomination stage the Australian employer must nominate to fill a skilled position within the 
workplace. Importantly, only occupations listed on the Consolidated Skilled Occupation List can currently be nominated under the 457 Visa with a minimum salary of $53,900 (AUD) a requirement. Employers must also be able to demonstrate that there is a genuine need for the position being nominated, that the sponsored worker will enjoy equivalent terms to other Australian employees and in some cases, that they have been unable to find any suitably qualified Australians to fill the position.

Stage 3 – Visa
If both the Standard Business Sponsorship and Nomination have been granted, then the overseas worker will be in a position to have the visa granted if they meet the final criteria. Specifically, visa applicants will often need to demonstrate minimum English language levels as well as meet skill and qualification requirements for the occupation they are being sponsored under. Additionally, visa applicants will also need to meet health and character requirements prior to having the visa granted.