The Australian government has recently implemented a new legislation which makes numerous changes to the Subclass 457 visa program. These policy changes are a reflection of the government's overall goals that aim to streamline the visa application process and protect the local workforce in Australia.
Some of the amendments include:
- Banning employers from engaging in discriminatory recruitment practices to ensure the Subclass 457 visa program is not being misused. Employers who do not comply with this new rule may be subject to fines;
- Requiring visa applicants to input the details of a nomination by a sponsor or proposed sponsor when submitting online visa applications in order to streamline the overall processing of Subclass 457 visa applications; and
- Cease the English language proficiency requirement for Subclass 457 visa applicants
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