Australia - 457 - Temporary Long Stay Business Visa


457 - Temporary Long Stay Business Visa
This visa can be applied for in Australia or overseas. The visa allows an Australian or overseas business to sponsor skilled individuals to fill a specific full-time skilled position for up to 4 years. The visa allows the employee (and their immediate family) to live and work in Australia and to travel as required. The visa conditions require the employee to remain working for the sponsoring employer in the nominated position.

There is no points test for this visa.

Main Criteria

There are 3 main stages to applying for a Temporary Long Stay 457 visa;

1. Sponsorship - Australian Company Sponsorship
The employer has to get DIAC’s approval to be a sponsor. To do this the company must be able to show that:
  • - It will be the direct employer of the employee. This includes situations where the head company of a group holds approval as a sponsor while a subsidiary company is the direct employer;
  • - It is a lawful and actively operating business;
  • - That the employment of a skilled overseas worker will benefit Australia and that the company is committed to introduce, use or create new business skills or technology in Australia or that they have a satisfactory record of training Australian residents and citizens;
  • - It is compliant with Australian legislation and will also be able to meet its sponsorship obligations.

Overseas Company Sponsorship
If you are an overseas business that does not have an operating base or representation in Australia, you may apply to sponsor employees to work in Australia in one of the following areas:
  • - To meet obligations of a contract or other business activity in Australia.
  • - To set up a branch or to undertake other business such as a joint venture or agency in Australia.
Regional Company Concessions
There are concessions available in regard to the minimum salary and skill level requirements for the nominated position if you are an employer in a regional area in Australia.


2. Nomination
As the employer, once you have the sponsorship approval you must then nominate the position you want to sponsor. The position must meet the following criteria;
  • - The position must be full-time
  • - It must be on the DIAC 457 Occupations List;
  • - The position must be paid the required minimum base salary which is currently $43,440 for all positions on the list except for IT positions which are a minimum base salary of $59,480.

3. Visa Application
As the prospective employee you can then apply for your visa. You must show that;
  • - You are sponsored by an employer for a nominated position;
  • - You have the appropriate level of skills, qualifications and experience required for the position;
  • - You meet the English language requirements;
  • - You are to be paid at least the minimum salary level that applies;
  • - You would be able to obtain any relevant licences or registration required for the nominated position;
  • - You meet health & character requirements
It is possible to get extensions of this visa.