visa subclass 457 is getting harder and harder

Well...this is just my own opinion. Compare to 2-3 years ago, the working visa subclass 457 seems to be harder and harder, since 1 July 2013. Now, we have the labour market testing mandatory from 23 November 2013. That will be just add more paperwork into that. Of course, guess that it is for the integrity of the immigration program which I am 100% support the change. It's amount of paperwork and time spend on the case. That is all. Not many people clients or people who plan to lodge the visa subclass 457 by themselves realized that.

Since 1 July 2013, the employer really needs to show that the position is a genuine position. It is not a position that someone in the family just created for his/her family members or close friends..etc... The position need to be justified. The photo of the premises need to be submitted...etc...

Since 1 July 2013, the employer also needs to ensure that the terms & conditions of the employment is not less favour than the local employees (citizens or residents). As there were a few protests this year that local people protested at the mining company that the company employs people from overseas on visa 457 while the local people can't really get a job. Therefore, the government needs to ensures that the terms & conditions of the visa 457 holders are not less favour than local employees. So that, visa 457 holders won't be exploited. Therefore, the full "Contract of Employment" need to be signed and submitted as well. That will be a huge job for someone who are not familiar with the law or not a HR personnel that good with this kind of "Contract of Employment" letter and so forth.

I must admit that since 1 July 2013, the amount of paperwork has been increased tremendously (for me...anyway). Anyone plan to do this on your own, you really need to rethink. I have had a client who came to see me because his employer couldn't get the nomination done and I actually don't like to redo and solve other people mess. I rather prefer a fresh application.

If you or your employer plan to do this on your own, please plan it nicely and start thing a bit early.