Proposed changed to 457 visas

[Guest TeeTMI]

Some of the proposed changes to the 457 legislation are beginning to filter through. The following has not been made legislation yet but is proposed:

 

1) We are hoping to see an increase in the time in which a visa holder has to seek a new sponsor should their employment cease with their original sponsor. Hopefully from 28 days to 90 days. I am sure that will be a relief to many people currently in Australia on 457 visas.

 

2) It is expected that there will be a stronger emphasis on labour market testing prior to nominations and visas being approved. The downside of this is to the employers as it will increase their costs and may take longer before they are able to show their need for an overseas employee.

 

Tee

[Guest Love Shoes]

I think it is a really good idea to give 457 visa holders more time to find alternative employment 28 days would go in a flash, 90 days would at least be a help to any poor soul having lost their job ..... I can't imagine being in a situation whereas you had been given the push and then find you have 28 days to find alternative employment, which can't be the easiest thing in these tough times .....

[Guest TeeTMI]

I agree, whilst there has been the ability to request longer time it is good to see the extension. The stress of 28 days is not good it can be hard enough to find a job in that time let alone a job with an employer eligible to sponsor you.

 

Whilst it may be relatively easier for a single person to pack their bags and make arrangements to leave many people are here with their families which require a lot more organising. It is especially hard on people where an employer has ceased a position earlier than expected in the original contract.

 

Whilst many people wait out the 2 years on the 457 in order to use the transitional route to PR, they are relying on their employer being in a position to further sponsor them at the end of that initial 2 years. If people are aiming for PR obtaining it earlier can be useful.

[Guest Love Shoes]

And not forgetting the costs involved with moving a family back to their homeland.

I shudder at the thought,

[Guest LKC]

We came out here on a 457 originally, and had we not been coming to work for OH's company (who he had worked for for about 14 years), and had we not had the security of the offer of sponsorship for PR written in to his contract, I don't think that we would have risked coming on a 457. As it was, it worked well for us, but it is a bit of a risk, particularly if you have children. I can only imagine the stress that you must go through if the worst were to happen and you also had the added complication of having to uproot children.