18/04/2017
Changes to the 457 Visa programme. How will the new rules affect you?
The Australian Government have announced today several changes to the Temporary Work (Skilled) visa (Subclass 457).
These changes will start from tomorrow, 19 April 2017 and will be implemented in stages until March 2018.
What are the changes starting on 19 April, and who will they affect?
If you are already the holder of a 457 visa – these changes do not apply to you (unless you apply for a new 457 visa)
If your nomination and/or visa applications have been lodged and you are still waiting on a decision – the new rules will apply to you
If your nomination and/or visa applications will be lodged on or after 19 April 2017 - these new changes will apply to you
Summary of changes implemented from 19 April 2019:
• New occupation lists:
Old SOL – now called Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL)
Old CSOL now called Short-term Skilled Occupation List (STSOL)
A total of 216 occupations have been removed
Caveats (meaning a condition or limitation) added to 59 occupations
Examples of occupations with caveats (conditions): Accountant, Café and Restaurant Manager, Chef, Cook, Customer Service Manager, Marketing Specialist, Sales and Marketing Specialist, etc.
What will this mean for you?
If you have lodged an application but have not yet received a decision, if an occupation is no longer on the list, or it is but it has a caveat (a condition) and therefore you are no longer eligible, you will be able to withdraw the nomination and/or visa application and receive a refund.
Applications lodged on or after 19 April may be able to obtain a refund – this is at the Department’s discretion, and available only for a limited period of time.
• New Visa validity periods
If your 457 visa is granted on or after 19 April 2017, the maximum four year visa period will only be available if your occupation is on the MLTSSL.
If your occupation is not on the MLTSSL (but it is on the STSOL), a maximum visa period of two years is available.
Further changes will be implemented in July 2017, December 2017 and March 2018.
The new Temporary Skills Shortage (TSS) visa, which will replace the current Temporary Work (Skilled) visa (Subclass 457), will have two streams:
1) Short-Term stream – for occupations on the STSOL; it can be granted for up to 2 years, and allows for only one renewal in Australia; does not lead to permanent residence
2) Medium-Term stream – with more demanding requirements; for occupations on the MLTSSL; it can be granted for up to 4 years, allows for visa renewal in Australia, and may lead to permanent residence after 3 years
More information on the other changes to the 457 visa programme be implemented until March 2018, and on the impact of the current changes on other visa subclasses (190, 189, 485) will be available shortly on this page.
For more information about your specific case, how these changes will affect you and options available, feel free to contact me by email [email protected] or by phone 0406 148 868.