Mid-way through 2012, the department identified that the subclass 457 program was growing at a record rate and that a significant component of this growth has been in industries and geographical regions that do not appear to be experiencing skills shortages. While most employers are using the subclass 457 appropriately, there is a concern that certain employers in some industries are sourcing their skilled labour needs outside of Australia without first checking the availability of labour locally. While not unlawful, these actions are not in line with the principles of the subclass 457 program.

A number of improvements to the subclass 457 program were introduced on 1 July 2013. These improvements help to ensure that the intent of the subclass 457 program respected by users of the program.
The reforms to the subclass 457 visa program improve the integrity of the program without adversely impacting on businesses who are using the program to fill genuine skill shortages.

For summary of the changes to the Temporary Work (Skilled) (subclass 457) visa program please click the link below:
https://www.immi.gov.au/skilled/changes-457-program.html

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Regina Shrestha