Australia is a country that welcomes skilled overseas workers to its shores.
U.S. migration to Australia increased by more than 50 percent between 2000 and 2006, according to Migration Policy Institute data. With the right qualifications and experience, U.S. workers can live and work in Australia through employer sponsorship.
The Facts
A Temporary Business (Long Stay) - Standard Business Sponsorship (Subclass 457), known as a 457 visa, entitles you to work in Australia for four years for your sponsoring employer. If you change jobs, you need a new visa sponsored by your new employer.
Eligibility
Eligibility for the 457 visa requires an offer of employment in Australia for an occupation on the Employer Nominated Scheme Occupations List, a government list of all occupations eligible for Australian sponsorship. You also must have appropriate qualifications and experience for the job, and demonstrated English proficiency.
Dependents
Sponsored workers may bring immediate family--spouse/partner and dependent children--with them on a 457 visa.
Applying
The application process involves submitting an application form and required documents and application fee to the Australian Department of Immigration and Citizenship. As at July 2010, it costs $260 for a visa application; $70 for nomination; and $340 for sponsorship.
Considerations
Most reputable employers have a preferred immigration agent and will pay agent fees. The Australian government requires immigration agents to have a license.
Tags: qualifications experience, work Australia