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Australian Accredited Sponsor Program for 457 Visa Program Available from 1 November 2011
The Australian Department of Immigration & Citizenship (DIAC) has announced that from 1 November 2011 an accredited status for Standard Business Sponsors will be available. Accredited status will provide an accredited sponsor with priority 457 visa processing (both visa applications and company nominations).
Accreditation will be available for either a new sponsorship application or by varying an existing sponsorship. If accreditation is approved, the sponsorship agreement will last for six years (increased from the existing approval period of 3 years).
DIAC has announced that in order to qualify for Accredited Status, a sponsor must satisfy the following requirements:
• be a government agency, a publicly-listed company, or a private company, with a minimum of A$4 million turnover for year for the last 3 years
• have been an active Subclass 457 visa sponsor for the past three years (with a break of no more than 6 months, not due to any sanction)
• have no adverse information known about them based on DIAC and Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations monitoring; including formal warnings and sanctions
• have had at least at least 30 subclass 457 visa holders granted in the previous 12 months
• have lodged a high level of decision-ready applications over the previous 2 years
• have a non-approval rate of less than 3% for the previous 3 years
• have Australian workers comprising at least 75% of their workforce in Australia and a commitment to maintain this level
• have a valid collective or enterprise agreement which will cover all sponsored Subclass 457 visa holders earning less than A$180,000
An Accredited Sponsor will be required to maintain the above requirements for the duration of the sponsorship. If requirements are not maintained DIAC can revoke priority processing. Stirling Henry expects DIAC monitoring will be a key component of the Accredited Sponsor regime.
Stirling Henry is monitoring developments closely and further information will be provided as it become available.
Should you have any queries please do not hesitate to contact your Australian Immigration Agent at Stirling Henry.
Stirling Henry Global Migration
MARN: 9683856
