Replacement of temporary work visa 457: Understanding the Changes

On 18 April 2017, the Government announced the abolishment of the Temporary 457 Work (Skilled) visa and replacement with a new Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) visa in March 2018.

This new visa is part of the Government’s strategy to focus temporary and permanent employer sponsored skilled migration on skills shortages and gaps.

Immediate changes (from 19 April 2017)

  • 216 occupations were removed from the Consolidated Sponsored Occupation list (CSOL). The list was also renamed to Short-term Skilled Occupations List (STSOL). The maximum duration for 457 visas issued for occupations on this list will be 2 years. The STSOL will be updated every 6 months based on advice from the Department of Employment.
  • The Skilled Occupations List (SOL) was renamed the new Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL). The maximum duration for 457 visas issued for occupations on this list remains 4 years.

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Planning to leave America? Here is why you should add Australia to your shortlist

With the outcome of last year’s election, we saw many people thinking about leaving America. The number of Google searches by Americans asking, “how to move to another country” continue to rise. If you have been looking outward and wondering if it is time to venture overseas for good, chances are that you have been researching potential countries that you’d like to call home. We’ve put together a few reasons why you should add Australia to your shortlist.
Australia is a vibrant multicultural country, with a population of 24.3 million and one of the world’s strongest economies. As home to the sixth largest American population in the world, there is no doubt Australia is regarded as a great place to live, work and raise a family. But what exactly makes Australia so worthwhile to be added to your shortlist? Read more