The government has announced fast-track processing of 457 visa applications specifically for reconstruction jobs in flood-affected areas, providing quick access to skilled overseas labour where local supply is insufficient.

The subclass 457 visa provides a fast and flexible route for the entry of skilled workers to Australia. Under the program, a wide variety of skilled construction and engineering occupations are available for sponsorship, and employers can sponsor skilled workers for up to four years with no limit on the number of workers they sponsor.

The government is offering personalised assistance with visa applications to employers involved in reconstruction work so that they provide assistance to the reconstruction effort.

The 457 program is available to businesses of any size – in fact, the vast majority of sponsors approved for the 457 program are small to medium enterprises.

Available occupations

The 457 visa is part of Australia's broader skilled migration program. There is a wide range of occupations that can be sponsored including professionals such as engineers and tradespeople including electricians, plasterers, and builders. The full list of eligible occupations is available on the ComLaw website.
See: Subclass 457 Visa Eligible Occupations (275KB PDF file)

State Government Certification

To qualify for priority processing for flood recovery work in Queensland, sponsors must obtain certification from the state government. Sponsors will need to fill out the template below and follow the instructions.
See: Request for Priority Processing of Subclass 457 Workers for Flood Recovery Work ( 58KB PDF file)
Note: Similar arrangements may be rolled out for other flood-affected states. Please check the website regularly for updates.

How you can sponsor someone

The process is straightforward. There are three key steps:

·             you apply to be a business sponsor

·             you nominate the position you need from the list of eligible occupations for the 457 program

·             overseas skilled workers apply for 457 visas under your sponsorship.

Processing times

The department will give you priority processing at each stage of the application process. When we have received completed applications at each step along the way, we will process them within five working days for each application.

Assuming that these applications meet our requirements you should have access to skilled workers in a matter of weeks.

For the documents you need to provide to the department to lodge a complete application, please see the following checklists.
See:
Sponsorship Application Checklist ( 47KB PDF file)
Nomination Application Checklist (123KB PDF file)
Visa Application Checklist ( 67KB PDF file)

Where the department requests further information from an employer, the processing time will depend on how long it takes for the employer to provide this information.

Skills assessment

All applicants for a 457 visa are required to demonstrate that they have the skills and experience necessary to perform their nominated occupation in Australia. A formal skills assessment is only required for workers in certain trade occupations from select countries who have not worked in Australia on a 457 visa previously.
See: Trades Recognition Australia

Overseas workers who are required to complete a skills assessment should do so before lodging their visa application.

More information

The department has dedicated officers ready to help those employers who are involved in flood reconstruction use the 457 program. Specifically, employers can contact the department to speak directly to an immigration officer who can explain the requirements and what evidence will be required.
Telephone: 131 881

You can also find out more information on the department's website.
See: Temporary Business (Long Stay) – Standard Business Sponsorship (Subclass 457)