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The 457 Temporary Work (Skilled) visa is meant for skilled workers coming to Australia. It gives visitors the right to work in the country and bring their families to Australia. In 2017, the 457 was changed and in 2018, it will be removed entirely and replaced with a completely new visa class called the Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) visa.
As of 19 April the approved occupations list for 457 visas has changed. Many occupations have been removed and new conditions now apply to some occupations. Some occupations have also been divided into different groups for short- and long-term visas. The Australian government will introduce other changes throughout 2017. By March 2018 there will be no more 457 visas.
Previously there were 651 approved skilled occupations that let people work in Australia. After the changes there are fewer occupations, which are divided into two categories.
Formerly the Consolidated Sponsored Occupation List (CSOL), this is now the Short-term Skilled Occupations List (STSOL).
Formerly the Skilled Occupations List (SOL), this is now called the Medium- and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL).
There will be further changes for both Australian businesses and visa applicants until 2018.
LegalVision have a range of migration agents and lawyers available to assist with your specific needs
By March 2018 the 457 visa will end. It will be replaced with the new TSS visa. The following conditions will apply to the TSS visa. Some of these also apply to the old 457 visa, and some of these are being introduced before the TSS visa comes out.
There will also be some changes which may affect your chances of being offered a job in Australia and the number of TSS visas which will be offered. Australian businesses will also have some additional requirements.
Visa conditions | 457 visa | TSS visa |
---|---|---|
English language requirements | Vocational English | Vocational English |
Eligible occupations | 651 eligible occupations | 435 eligible occupations |
Employer requirements | Able to bring in overseas workers when needed | Strict requirements for bringing in overseas workers |
Residency pathways | One visa type, with a pathway to permanent residency | There is no residency pathway for Short-term TSS visas. Medium-term TSS visas have a pathway to permanent residency |
English language salary exemptions | As of July 2017 visa holders earning over $96,400 are no longer exempt from English language requirements | All visa holders must meet English language requirements regardless of salary |
If you're thinking of migrating to Australia and find the recent visa changes confusing, a migration agent can make the whole process much simpler. A migration agent can help you:
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If you’re applying for the new TSS visa to work in Australia, we explain what’s changed from the old 457 visa and help you find Overseas Visitors Health Cover (OVHC).
Learn all about 457 visas, including eligibility requirements and recent changes to the visa.
Learn about the new TSS visa, its conditions, and how it differs from the 457 visa.
A guide to student visas in Australia. Learn about visa conditions, eligibility and the application process.
Migration figures for March put India in the spot.
A guide to Australia's work visas, their rules and conditions, which jobs are eligible and how to apply.
Studying in Australia just became far less attractive.
Many of the job categories being adjusted are in low-wage jobs. Which ones pay the least?
Lending rules are expected to change.
If I am currently on a 457 visa, am I eligible for PR? I am looking to move businesses and have only had my visa for 6 months, will i lose out if i move or will i be able to apply for PR either way?
Thanks
Hello Katherine. Unfortunately we cannot give you specific advice about visa eligibility on this website. If you’re concerned about the visa changes and permanent residency you should contact the Australian department of immigration or talk to a registered migration agent. Good luck!