On 18^th April, 2017, the Federal Government announced that it will abolish Temporary Work (Skilled) (subclass 457) visas. Abolition of 457 visas to have no impact on international students and Education providers and their agent networks changes will not directly impact international students.

The visa reforms include:

• Abolishing the Temporary Work (Skilled) visa (subclass 457) and replacing it with a new two-year and four-year Temporary Skill Shortage visa in March 2018.

• Significant immediate changes to the skilled occupation lists: 216 occupations have been removed; 59 caveats to occupations have been introduced.

• Sharpening the scope of eligibility requirements, and improving integrity for employer sponsored temporary and permanent skilled visas; and

• Maintenance of concessions for regional Australia.

With effect from 19 April, 2017, the Consolidated Sponsored Occupation List (CSOL) will be replaced by the Short term Skilled Occupation List (STSOL). The removal of 200 occupations from this list primarily applies primarily to 457 visas.

The Skilled Occupation List (SOL) – which applies to 485 visas as part of the post-study work rights scheme for international graduates – will be replaced by the Medium and Long term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL). Occupations currently listed on the SOL will remain available to 485 visa applicants.

Little to no impact on international students

“The international education sector can take some comfort from the fact that student-related visas do not appear to be affected by this decision.

“However, as with recent announcements coming out of the UK and USA, the messaging to students hoping to study outside of their national borders will be critical. It will be all too easy for students to think that part-time jobs and post-study work rights in Australia are somehow caught up in this 457 visa policy change.”

“Education providers are therefore encouraged to reassure their education agent network that the 457 announcement will not impact on students.

There are currently 95,758 people in Australia on a 457 visa – this accounts for less than 1 per cent of Australia’s workforce. The highest proportion of foreign workers come from India (24.6%), the United Kingdom (19.5%) and China (5.8%).

More information

• Abolition of 457 visas to have no impact on international students
• Abolition and replacement of the 457 visa – Government reforms to employer sponsored skilled migration visas (DIBP)
• Changes to the Skilled Occupation List and Consolidated Sponsored Occupation List (DIBP Fact Sheet)
• Australian government to replace 457 temporary work visa (The Guardian)
• Turnbull talks tough on foreign workers – deer farmers and historians off welcome list (The Conversation)