The Australian Visa focus: 457 Visa

What is the Australian 457 visa?

The 457 visa Australia is a common name for the Class: UC (Temporary Business Entry); Subclass: 457 (Business Long Stay) Visa. This is the visa type given to individuals who want to do work and have business in Australia and by doing so adding sustainability to Australia's economy. It is a visa that is used for periods of stay from 3 months to four years.

The 457 visa Australia is a working / business type visa that offers semi-long term stay in their territory. It used primarily to draw attention to Australia immigration. This is part of Australia's campaign to having a good populace able to support their growing commercial and industrial entities.

This visa type is also a means to create a work force on the jobs that are lacking. There is a big hole to fill in Australia's working class. With this program, you will be able to do business / have employment inside of Australia. This visa type can also be extended to give you permanent residency.


What are the privileges in having a 457 visa?

This visa type gives you the privilege to conduct a business of your choice pending the approval of course on your visa. It entitles you temporary residence in Australia while conducting your business and the same time promote it.

The 457 also entitles you to find work in Australia. When we say work, we mean that you can have activities that are professionally paying you at a specified rate thus creating a source of personal income. Work can be temporary, part time or full time.

You will be allowed to have a prolonged stay of 4 years depending on what duration of stay was allowed by the Australia Immigration. You may be able to extend this stay if you apply for an extension, or have a permanent residency permit approved.


Who are entitled to a 457 Visa?

Individuals with sponsorship
Foreign nationals are given provisions to stay in Australia under the 457 visa if and only if they have passed all necessary screening by an employer. These are typically individuals who have passed the qualifications of the employer and Australian immigration department.


Individuals seeking to create business in Australia
If a foreigner wishes to establish a business, participate in partnerships, or to conduct international prearranged contract based work, the he may be entitled with the stay in Canada in accordance to the provisions of the 457 Visa.


Service sellers
Under the 457 visa provisions, you can be allowed 6 months of maximum stay on service selling. If you plan at all to move to Australia by offering your services, know that there is only a limited time offered. One of the options you have is to keep track of the duration of your visit and apply for an extension if you think you can fully support your stay through service entrepreneurship.

This also covers the individuals needing to do personal arrangements on Australia. This is a form of short term visit just to satisfy both you and your employer or client.



How do I apply for a 457 Visa ?

There are two modes into which you can apply; You can apply on line by using the internet for your interface or, you can also have the old trusted way of having document applications.


On line Australia visa applications
This is the easier way of applying for the 457 visa. You just need tom complete the forms from immi.gov.au and then submit, via email the Australia visa requirements through scanned copies. The Australia visa requirements should be completed as lacking requirements will not be entertained.
You have to find a way for the application to be done on line, electronic applications are given priority.


Document submission, personal Australia visa application
If you don't have any possible access to the internet for an online application, you may be allowed to submit the application forms, together with the requirements to Australia's department of immigration and citizenship.



What are the Australia visa requirements ?
For the application to proceed, you need to finish all of the requirements. A checklist would be obtained so you don't miss a thing on any of these:


Medical insurance
You need to have medical insurance to be able to qualify. The medical insurance will not be covered by the employer. This is the sole responsibility of the individual wishing to be hired under the 457 visa.


Sponsorship of employer
The employer should have readied an application for foreign employees. This is for applicants whose purpose for the visit is based on work.

For the businessmen seeking to be approved in under the 457 provisions, you need documents that will lay down proof of your business capability, together with financial reports. The financial reports are most important to assess business and your status to comply with the business maintenance prior to its establishment.

For service sellers, you should be able to provide documents certifying your experience and capability of providing services. You should also be able to have the specific service specifications. Australia department of immigration and citizenship will try to evaluate the legitimacy of your claims.



What is the processing time for the 457 Visa applications?
There will be a three month processing period and any incoherencies with your requirements may result to further delays on the process. Always be sure to have all the specific and general requirements.




How much do I have to pay for the visa application?
457 visa application fees don't come cheap. You should pass your applications only when there is a higher rate of possibility for approval. If you are rejected, then you need to pay the charges again. A total charge of $685 may be required from you during the application. $265 for the visa application charge alone, $70 for the nomination charge and $350 for sponsorship charge.




Some pointers on the visa applications
There have been reports of abuse from the employers' side regarding the 457 visa. Before applying for the visa, be sure that you are getting fair rates for your job. You should be getting, on average, the same rate as the locals in Australia will. You have to research on the actual market of rates for your specified applications.
During the visa application process, it is best that you have all the requirements ready. Use the electronic / online method as it is prioritize and faster. Scan the required documents properly and get the recent photos.

For your travel documents; such as the passports, be sure to have enough validity left to cover for your stay.
Know that the 457 visa was made specifically to attract business and workforce in Australia. With all of the requirements, finances should be the key especially if you are going to establish a business. When your purpose is work, you still have to show some financial capability to support your upkeep before the first pay day.