Any news on the 457 Changes

[Guest Kate]

Just wondered what the news was in regards to changes to the 457 system, and if any, when will they be implemented

[Guest TeeTMI]

There was a lot of news back and forth yesterday relating to whether the new proposed legislation would get through in time. It just got through the lower house (73 votes to 72), I have not heard whether it has passed Senate yet?

[Guest TeeTMI]

Update on this - the bill has now cleared Senate.

 

The amendments contained in the Bill, will introduce the following:

 

Key areas:

- Under the amended legislation, sponsors must undertake Labour Market Testing (LMT) in relation to subclass 457 nominated occupations. To demonstrate LMT, the sponsor will be required to show that they have sought a suitable qualified Australian citizen or permanent resident within 6 months prior to submission of an application.

This will impact on companies hiring trade occupations immediately (ANZSCO Skill level 3 and under - Skill level 1 & 2 will be exempt initially although specific occupations from these may be listed as requiring LMT).

 

- This also included is the change permitting visa holders 90 days (previously 28) to seek a further sponsor or leave the country should their employment with the sponsoring employer cease for any reason.

 

I'm sure we will hear more in the coming days.

 

Tee

[Guest Kate]

Thanks Tee

I think both are great news, the first one to protect people already here, Aussies or visa holders and the 2nd one for all those who are being sent home because the sponsor stitches them up.

[Guest Kate]

Just another quickie as I know you are the expert here Is there anywhere where we can see all the changes coming in to effect in one place?

[Guest TeeTMI]

Is there anywhere where we can see all the changes coming in to effect in one place?

 

It is not good to rely on the news reports although those are often the first things we see but they can get things incorrect.

 

http://www.minister.immi.gov.au/media/bo/2013/bo204902.htm this is the ministers official announcement

 

The legislation can be found at http://www.comlaw.gov.au/

 

e.g. http://www.comlaw.gov.au/Details/C2013B00152 the latest - they do get updated

 

The policy which backs up the legislation is not publicly available.

 

Tee