Australia: Changes to Subclass 457 Employer Sponsorship Program

The Australia Government’s Department of Immigration and Citizenship has announced changes to its Subclass 457 employer sponsorship program. Effective May 15, 2009, Australian Standard Classification of Occupations (ASCO) major groups 5 to 7 no longer can be nominated under the Subclass 457 Standard Business Sponsorship (SBS) arrangements. If an employer is interested in employing a temporary overseas worker in ASCO groups 5 to 7, the employer may seek to enter into a labor agreement. Further details about the changes are available on the department’s webpage entitled “Frequently Asked Questions about changes to Subclass 457 program – Change to pathways for ASCO 5-7 Occupations.”