457 Visas - Hiring Overseas Workers On The Temporary Long Stay Business Visa

The current skills shortage in Australia has resulted in many employers looking abroad and sponsoring overseas workers to work in Australia. One of the most common arrangements for such sponsorship is for the employee to obtain a temporary long stay business visa (subclass 457) (457 visa).

The regulatory regime for this type of visa is set out in the Migration Regulations 1994 (Cth). The 457 visa is available to employers wanting to sponsor and employ overseas workers who have recognised qualifications and skills in particular occupations on a temporary basis.

These workers are able to bring any eligible secondary applicants (family members) with them to Australia. Secondary applicants can work or study while they are here. A 457 visa will allow the holder of the visa to work in Australia for a period from anywhere between three months and four years.