Possible increase to 457 visa fees
Employers and foreign workers may have to pay more for a 457 visa in future, as Bill Shorten yesterday backed a Senate inquiry to explore an increase to 457 visa fees.
Federal Opposition Leader Bill Shorten indicated his support for raising the 457 visa application fee to reportedly allow for greater government investments in TAFE and technical educational institutions that train people locally.
“Last year the Immigration Minister issued over 10,400 visas for trade and technician jobs yet apprenticeships in these exact sectors are in decline,” Mr Shorten said.
Mr Shorten said overseas workers were being used as a ‘low-cost substitute for Australian workers’, with the media reporting that a sponsoring employer pays a fee of $380 for a 457 visa application and workers pay $1,060.
This however does not include the cost of managing compliance with sponsorship obligations associated with employing 457 visa holders. Read our post on Atlassian co-founder, Mr Cannon-Brooke’s warning regarding myths about 457 visas in the media.
Mr Shorten’s support for increased 457 visa fees reflects Labor’s announcement last year that it would explore an increase of the sponsorship fee by $1500 for each additional visa for organisations with more than half the workforce made up of 457 visa holders.
For more information about work visas and sponsorship, contact Immigracious’ Registered Migration Agents at hello@immigracious.com.au
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