Migration News

From 14 September 2009 major reforms to the Subclass 457 visa program came into effect. These reforms include:

• a new sponsorship obligations regime which provides greater clarity on sponsorship requirements
• a new market salary rates system that ensures Subclass 457 visa holders received the same terms and conditions as Australian workers
• a stronger sanctions regime, including civil penalties for sponsors who are found to have failed to satisfy their sponsorship obligations
• new arrangements for the payment of health costs for Subclass 457 visa holders
• improved information sharing across all levels of government

• expanded powers to monitor and investigate possible non-compliance by sponsors.

The reforms are designed to enhance the integrity of the program and ensure the program continues to provide industry with the necessary skills while not undermining local training and employment opportunities.

Increases to Fees and Charges for 1 July 2009

Fees and charges are reviewed on 1 July each year.

A number of Visa Application Charges (VACs) and other fees will increase on 1 July 2009 in accordance with recent decisions made by the Australian Government. A number of other VAC and fees will increase in accordance with changes in the Consumer Price Index, or in the case of the second instalment of the visa application charge for the Contributory Parent visa category, by the Contributory Parent Visa Composite Index.

The Government will provide $0.1 million in 2009-10 to extend the Retirement Visa (Subclass 410) validity period from four to 10 years, and to remove the current statutory limit on work rights for holders. Currently, Retirement Visas (Subclass 410) are valid for four years and do not allow holders to work for more than 20 hours per week.

The measure will provide applicants with more certainty regarding their length of stay in Australia, and allow paid and volunteer work to be undertaken. Around 8,700 visa holders will be affected by these changes. The Retirement Visa (Subclass 410) closed to new primary applicants from July 2005.