The Temporary Work (Skilled) visa or subclass 457 visa allows skilled workers to live and work in Australia for a period of up to 4 years. Skilled foreign workers may be sponsored for this visa by accredited Australian employers for a that cannot be filled by an Australian citizen or certain jobs or roles permanent resident.
In its effort to deter misuse of this subclass, the Australian government recently introduced changes to the subclass 457 visa program to ensure that only genuine applicants (sponsors and applicants) benefit. One of the major changes is extending powers to the Fair Work Ombudsman (FWO) to monitor key aspects of employers’ compliance such as:
457 visa holders being paid at the market rates specified in their approved visa. The job being done by the visa holder matches the job title and description approved in their visa.
So, while this visa does offer a great opportunity for skilled workers looking to experience life Down Under, it does come with its share of pros and cons.
Pros
Cons
There are certain limitations applicants to this visa should be aware of:
You can read up on the details of the 457 visa here:
Looking for a job in Australia or wondering if you qualify for the 457 visa? Get a FREE VISA ASSESSMENT HERE
Australia has always been a popular destination for British expats for a number of reasons – its job opportunities, lifestyle, quality of life and low crime rate, multi-culturism and its rich biodiversity.
If you are thinking of shifting base, here are a few things you need to know:
Visa types
Australia offers a number of visas and visa sub-classes that are based on an applicant’s education, employment status and other circumstances. Given the number of sub-classes, it can get quite difficult to identify exactly which visa you need to apply for, based on your specific circumstances for migration.
Generally, you can apply for a short-term work permit, a longer visitor’s visa and permanent residency (which is on based of the length of your stay the country) and citizenship (British citizens can hold dual citizenship, which means that they are given the privileges and responsibilities of both countries, and hold passports of both).
Visa application process
A visitor visa is needed to travel to Australia. British citizens can get the following types of electronic visitor visas:
Alternately, depending on the type of visa you are eligible for, you can go through the traditional route of applying for a visa at the Australian immigration office in the UK.
Visa evidencing
A visa label in your passport is not required to travel to or stay in Australia. All records are stored on a central database. When a British citizen checks in to fly to Australia, the airline electronically confirms whether the person has a valid visa to board the plane.
There is an additional charge to have a visa label affixed to the passport, which also entails a separate application process.
Migrate Me experts can help you evaluate your application criteria and identify which sub-class you are best suited to.
The number of British citizens migrating to Australia is on the rise and understandably so. Australia’s economy and culture have much to offer Britishers looking for a rich, fulfilling change of pace. If you’re a British citizen thinking of moving to Australia, you’re probably wondering how your citizenship will be affected. Here are some points you need to be aware of…
Do you need a visa?
Britishers looking to study or work in Australia do need to obtain the relevant visa and paperwork before they fly out. Working in Australia does require that the visa is specific to the type of work to be undertaken, the credentials of the employer and whether the applicant’s skills meet requirements. If you do get your visa, you can remain in the country as a British citizen through your stay.
What about permanent residency?
You can get permanent residency status in Australia visa one of two ways. The first is as a Partner/Spouse of an Australian citizen. The second is if you are granted a skilled immigration visa (permanent visa). Under either of these as well, you can retain your British citizenship.
So that leaves Australian citizenship…
Becoming an Australian citizen means that you will have all the privileges and responsibilities of a person born in the country. You may be conferred citizenship if you (as a British citizen) have migrated to Australia, meet the eligibility requirements and have lived in the country for a long time.
The good news is that both the UK and Australia do support dual/multiple citizenship and you can retain your British citizenship even after you are granted Australian citizenship. This means that you hold passports of both countries, can entry and exit both countries, and function as a full citizen of both.
Thinking of migrating to Australia? Migrate Me experts are standing by to guide you through the visa application process.