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Federal Government abolishes the 457 visa

On 18 April 2017, the Australian Federal Government announced the abolition of the subclass 457 visa program, to be replaced by two streams of ‘temporary skill shortage’ work visas for skilled foreign workers. Under the government’s plan, foreign skilled workers would be eligible for one of two visas – a ‘short-term’ two-year visa extendable for a further two years, and a ‘medium-term’ four year visa.

As part of the overhaul, the government plans to substantially reduce the number of eligible occupations and positions subject to work visas. Occupations slated for elimination include farmers, actors, musicians and artists, journalists and media presenters, commissioned fire and police officers, and a variety of administrative managerial positions. [...]  READ MORE →