On 1 August 2008 a new Legislative Instrument (Gazette Notice) was issued, increasing the Minimum Salary Level (MSL) by 3.8 per cent. This instrument applies not only to new sponsored worker visa applicants, but to all sponsored workers. This means that the formula for calculating the MSL will apply to every sponsored worker who is paid in accordance with an MSL.

For more details: http://www.immi.gov.au/skilled/whats_new_457.htm

About 457 Visa:

- nominated skilled position in Australia
- pay a non-refundable application charge
- duration between three months and four years
- secondary applicant can be included (to work and study)
- multiple entry visa

Requirements for 457 Visa:

For Employer (employers in a regional area in Australia you may be eligible for concessions in meeting the minimum salary and skill level requirements)
- apply to be a sponsor to recruit overseas workers
- nominate the positions you want to fill
- recruit the overseas workers to fill your nominated positions
- act as a sponsor for your employees applying for a visa
- cooperate with department’s monitoring requirements
- meet costs and other obligations as part of the program
For Employee
- accepts the offer of employment from the employer
- applies for a visa
- meets all conditions on their visa

What is the validity of 457 Visa:

- sponsorship is 2 years
- nomination is 12 months
- visa is between 3 months and 4 years.

The requirements of the 457 Business Visa for an employee include:

- be sponsored by an employer to fill a nominated position
- have skills, qualifications, experience and an employment background which match those required for the position
- have English language skills equivalent to an average band score of 4.5 across the four test components in an International English Language Testing System (IELTS) test, or higher where required for licensing/registration/membership. You may also be required to demonstrate these skills through a formal test, unless you have been exempted under the regulations
- be eligible for any relevant licences or registration required for the nominated position
- demonstrate that you are to be paid at least the minimum salary level that applies at the time a decision is made on your visa.

If an employee wishes to change employer, a new sponsorship and visa application will be required.

Applying for the 457 Visa - Standard Business Sponsorship

Step 1 - Employer Applies to be a Sponsor
The employer must complete an application to become a sponsor

Step 2 - Employer Nominates a Position
The employer must nominate the position to be filled

Step 3 - Employee Applies for a Visa
The employee must apply for a visa to be allowed to work in Australia

The information provided here is based on information on the Official Immigration website:
http://www.immi.gov.au/skilled/skilled-workers/sbs/index.htm

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