Understand the former Australia Temporary Work Skilled Visa, its replacement pathway and the key considerations for skilled professionals looking to work in Australia.
The Subclass 457 visa was replaced by the Temporary Skill Shortage (Subclass 482) visa in March 2018. The information below explains the former 457 program and its historical connection to Australia's employer-sponsored work visa system.
Australia has long been a popular destination for skilled professionals looking for international career opportunities.
Australian employer-sponsored migration programs have provided businesses with pathways to access skilled workers from overseas where suitable local workers were not available.
The former Subclass 457 visa was one of Australia's major temporary employer-sponsored work visa programs before it was replaced by the Subclass 482 Temporary Skill Shortage visa.
From March 2018, the Australian Government introduced the Temporary Skill Shortage visa (Subclass 482) as the replacement for the Subclass 457 program.
Former temporary employer-sponsored skilled work visa that allowed eligible Australian businesses to sponsor overseas workers.
The Temporary Skill Shortage visa replaced the former Subclass 457 framework in 2018.
Employer-sponsored migration continues to play an important role in Australia's skilled work visa system.
Employer-sponsored work visa pathways can involve requirements relating to the occupation, employer, skills, English language and visa conditions.
The nominated occupation must satisfy the applicable requirements of the relevant visa stream.
An eligible employer generally needs to sponsor or nominate the overseas worker where required.
Applicants may need to demonstrate qualifications, skills and relevant work experience.
English language requirements can apply depending on the relevant visa stream and circumstances.
Applicants may need to satisfy applicable health requirements.
Applicants may also need to meet applicable character requirements.
For some skilled professionals, a permanent residence pathway may offer broader long-term benefits than a temporary employer-sponsored visa.
Permanent residence can provide eligible migrants with broader long-term rights and opportunities.
A temporary work visa generally provides rights according to the specific visa and its conditions.
The following occupations were included in the source content as historical employment figures. They should not be treated as current labour market statistics.
| Rank | Occupation | Jobs |
|---|---|---|
| 01 | Health Professionals | 75,800 |
| 02 | Business, HR & Marketing Professionals | 74,559 |
| 03 | Specialist Managers | 61,878 |
| 04 | ICT Professionals | 55,498 |
| 05 | Design, Engineering, Science & Transport Professionals | 43,038 |
| 06 | Carers & Aides | 38,391 |
| 07 | Sales Assistants & Salespersons | 37,850 |
| 08 | Hospitality, Retail & Service Managers | 34,620 |
| 09 | Numerical Clerks | 28,962 |
| 10 | Education Professionals | 28,685 |
Identify an Australian employer that can potentially sponsor eligible skilled workers.
Check whether the nominated occupation satisfies the requirements of the relevant visa pathway.
The employer completes the applicable nomination process where required.
The applicant submits the visa application and required supporting documentation.