The Australian temporary business visa, otherwise known as the 457 long term business visa is the governments answer to fast tracking skill shortages for Australian based companies or for overseas companies wishing to have representation in Australia. The visa can be valid for periods from 3 months to 4 years and is renewable.

This temporary business visa is processed in two phases. Companies; based either overseas or in Australia, submits an application to the Australian Immigration Department to be recognized as being able to sponsor employees. The Australian Immigration Department compares the companies need to have an employee based in Australia against immigration policy and legislation. On approval the company may then advertise and/or find potential applicants within their company for employment positions in Australia. The submission for company sponsorship approval and the nominated applicant application may be submitted at the same time.

The nominated employee may also wish to submit their application after receiving company sponsorship approval. The Immigration Department will examine the nominated candidates qualifications and experience to determine if the nominated applicants skills and qualifications meet basic skill level criteria and if there is a genuine need for that employee to be based in Australia.

Even though a company may have a skills shortage and perhaps have an identified candidate, approval for either the company sponsorship or the application is not assured. Generally only those applications where there is good evidence of unique skills and qualifications will be approved.

With the approval of company sponsorship and individual sponsorship, the company is then required by policy and legislation to meet certain minimum salary and employment conditions. The visa remains in existence so long as the employee remains with the company (there are situations where a sponsored employee can change employers) and visa conditions are maintained . The visa granted to the main applicant is also granted to accompanying dependent family members."

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Potential applicants are advised to contact Noel Hewitt Associates LLC concerning any issue that may have implications for their application. These issues may be evidentiary requirements showing the strength of the relationship, Police clearances, health issues or processing issues. From our experience we can assess this 'strength' and identify possible alternative options. Delays in processing can occur where issues concerning any application are not identified at an early stage. It is in everyone's interest that issues be identified at an early stage so that if it is possible to obtain a visa, these issues can be addressed by policy and legislation.

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