The Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC) have made some changes to the Australian Immigration Temporary Business (Long Stay) (Subclass 457) visa program.

The 457 visa is the most common Australian working visa, and allows overseas skilled workers to obtain sponsorship and employment within Australia for up to 4 years. The sponsoring employer can be either an Australian or overseas business with available nominated skilled positions in Australia.

The 457 visa program allows the visa holder to be employed in Australia for a period of up to four years, and to bring their partner or children with them to Australia for the duration of their visa validity period.

DIAC provides a list of the occupations which are eligible for nomination under the subclass 457 visa program, and have amended this Eligible Occupation List effective from the 15th February 2011.

Seven occupations have been removed from the list, while four new occupations have been added to it. English language exemptions regarding some occupations on the list have also been slightly modified. These changes also come into operation from the 15th February, 2011.

The seven occupations removed from the subclass 457 Eligible Occupation List are;

• Hospitality, Retail and Service Managers (ANZSCO Code – 149999)
• Private Investigator (ANZSCO Code – 332214)
• Beauty Therapist (ANZSCO Code – 451111)
• Bookmaker (ANZSCO Code – 552311)
• Insurance Consultant (ANZSCO Code – 552312)
• Production Assistant (Film/Television/Radio/Stage) (ANZSSCO Code – 599912)
• Motion Picture Projectionist (ANZSCO Code – 711912)

The four occupations which DIAC have added to the subclass 457 Eligible Occupation List are;

• Sugar Cane Grower (ANZSCO Code – 121217)
• Small Engine Mechanic (ANZSCO Code – 321214)
• Real Estate Agency Principal (ANZSCO Code – 612113)
• Wool Buyer (ANZSCO Code – 639212)

Further to these removals and additions, DIAC has clarified certain limitations relating to two more occupations;

The occupation of Café or Restaurant Manager (ANZSCO Code – 141111) now excludes all positions in fast food or takeaway restaurants. 
The occupation of University Lecturer (ANZSCO Code – 242111) has also been amended to include only the positions of Research Associate and Research Fellow.

Changes to the 457 eligibility list can be introduced by the Australian Government without notice and Sponsors and visa applicants should always check that the nominated occupation for which they wish to apply is included on the eligibility list at the time of lodging their application for an Australian 457 working visa.