457 Visa News, 457 Visa Updates and Comments
Changes to Subclass 457 occupations
(c) immi.gov.au
From 15 May 2009, Australian standard Classification of Occupations (ASCO) 5-7 can no longer be nominated under the Subclass 457 Standard Business Sponsorship (SBS) arrangements.
This change will particularly affect employers in regional areas as they will no longer be able to nominate activities that have tasks that correspond to the tasks of occupations in ASCO major groups 5 to 7.
2009–10 Budget Immigration
The Australian Government has further cut the permanent skilled migrant intake to 108,100 places for the 2009–10 Migration Program, in response to the continued economic slowdown, the Minister for Immigration and Citizenship, Senator Chris Evans, said today.
700 Jobs to go as Rudd's axe falls
(c) Jewel Topsfield theage.com.au
ONE in 10 jobs is expected to be slashed from the Immigration Department in this month's federal budget.
Despite the recent surge in boat arrivals, about 700 jobs will be cut from the department, which has 7000 staff in 100 locations in Australia and worldwide.
Trends in the Subclass 457 Business (Long Stay) Visa Program to March 2009
© immi.gov.au
Key Points
- Demand for the Subclass 457 Business (Long Stay) (Subclass 457) visa program is reflecting changes in the global and local economic environment. Primary visa applications in March 2009 were 33 per cent lower than September 2008.
- Primary visa grants in March 2009 were 35 per cent lower than February 2009
- The number of permanent visa grants in March 2009 to primary applicants where the person last held a Subclass 457 visa was 89 per cent greater than March 2008.
Building industry pushes for stimulus projects to start
© abc.net.au
The MBA says there is an urgent need for work to begin on projects earmarked in the Federal Government stimulus package.
The Master Builders Association (MBA) says the ACT no longer has a skills shortage in the construction industry but says it is worried a number of people in the sector will leave Canberra as work dries up.
Restaurants declare an end to labour shortage
© thewest.com.au
A South-West restaurant that was forced to temporarily close its doors over summer because of a shortage of labour is now laying off staff as the economic downturn bites.
It comes as the Restaurant and Catering Association declared the sector’s labour shortage over yesterday. But a customer shortage is on the rise in some sections of the market.
Changes to the Subclass 457 Visa Program – English Language Requirements
© immi.gov.au
Do current Subclass 457 visa holders need to meet these requirements?
Current visa holders will not be required to demonstrate their English skills while on their current visa (unless required by licensing or registration).
Current visa holders who apply for a further Subclass 457–Business (Long Stay) visa after 14 April 2009 will need to meet the new English language requirement of IELTS 5, unless they are in an exempted person category described above.
Applicants that do not meet the English language requirement will not meet the criteria to be granted a further Subclass 457–Business (Long Stay) visa and will be required to make arrangements to depart Australia or apply for another visa that is appropriate to their continued stay in Australia.
457 Visa changes a half measure - Failing to address real skills issues
© The Hon Dr Sharman Stone MP Shadow Minister for Immigration and Citizenship
The Federal Opposition applauds any measures to better protect Australian workers, train local workers, and off-shore recruitment into jobs that cannot be filled locally.
Government announces changes to 457 visa program
© immi.gov.au
Today the Government announced changes to the Subclass 457 visa program in order to ensure that it continues to provide industry with needed skills, while not undermining local training and employment opportunities.
These measures were developed through 2008 following the commitment by the Government in last year’s Budget to implement a package of longer-term reforms to the 457 visa program in 2009 to improve both its integrity and ability to deliver the skills needed in the economy.
Govt flags 457 visa changes
© www.abc.net.au
The Federal Government is making further changes to the 457 visa program which it says will balance the needs of employers and local workers.
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