The 457 Visa is no longer available, but there are other sponsorship visa options such as the 482, 186, 494, and DAMA.
Click here to learn How to Find a Sponsor for 482, 186, 494, and DAMAs Visas.
If you would like to go ahead with an employer-sponsored application, you will have to secure a job offer from an employer.
The job offer will have to be for an acceptable role on the CSOL list and you will have the required qualifications, skills and experience to fill the role.
How do I find a 457 Sponsor?
You will need to consider the usual pathways for finding employment, which could include:
- Employment: Online Employment Advertisers
- Jobs advertised in the major papers for the parts of Australia you are interested.
- Recruitment Agents
- Follow up any personal contacts or networks you may have in Australia.
No Payment for Sponsorship - 457 Requirements
The Department of Immigration announced on 14 December 2015 new criminal and civil penalties and visa cancellation provisions in relation to payments for sponsorship. \
The legislation imposes for sanctions on a person who asks for, receives, offers or provides a benefit in return for a visa sponsorship or employment that requires visa sponsorship .
The aim is to:
· Prevent employers asking potential employees for money or other benefits for a sponsored visa position.
· Prevent applicants from offering employes money or other benefits for a sponsored visa position.
The penalties for payment for Sponsorship:
The maximum civil penalty for individuals is $43,200 for an individual person. The maximum criminal penalty for individuals is two years imprisonment and up to $64,800.
The maximum fine for corporations is currently to $324,000 for each criminal conviction. The maximum criminal penalty for bodies corporate is currently $216,000.
The visa holder can have their visa cancelled.
The sponsor can have their Standard Business Sponsorship cancelled. If the employer has multiple employees on 457s, then if their sponsorship is cancelled, none of the 457 holders can work for the employer. This can be highly disruptive for an employer.
Do you need help?
Our team of experience Immigration Lawyers and Migration Agents look forward to assisting you with your Australian visa or appeal.
Based in Adelaide South Australia, we provide Australian Immigration advice to people and businesses from all over the world.
