Sponsoring & timeframes (subclass 457)

Sponsoring an applicant

There are two steps in the 457 application process.

The Recruitment Services team has created a 457 Nomination Checklist (see Reference documents) to assist with the sponsorship process.

Step 1 - University nominates the visa

Submission for the temporary resident visa nominations should be made online (Temporary Work (Skilled) visa (subclass 457))

You will require the following information for the sponsorship:

  • the University's ABN (52234063906)
  • the University's current approval number - please contact the Recruitment Services team if you wish to obtain this number.

When prompted to select a nomination stream, please select the 'Standard Business Sponsor' option, not the Labour Agreement option. 

You will be required to pay a nomination fee for the sponsorship, credit card details must be provided with the application. See Employer Sponsored Nomination Fee. You will automatically receive a receipt for the payment.

Upon submission of the nomination the system generates a Transaction Reference Number (TRN). This number should be emailed to the applicant, please use the template email (see Reference documents).

At the end of the nomination application, the following documents will need to be submitted online* at The Department of Immigration and Border Protection.

  • Signed copy of the offer letter
  • The applicants resume
  • The position description

Information on how to upload the documents

The University's sponsorship obligations will be extended to dependants of the visa applicant. The names of the dependants must be listed in the sponsorship nomination. If the sponsorship nomination has already been submitted and the dependants were not listed in the nomination, Department of Immigration and Border Protection must be advised by email to include the dependants in the nomination. The email should be sent to 457@border.gov.au including the names and date of birth of the dependants. Dependants are able to work and study during their stay in Australia.

The HR practitioner who submitted the nomination will receive a nomination approval email. This email should be forwarded to the applicant so that they can submit a visa application.

Step 2 - Nominee applies for the visa

Once the nominee receives the TRN reference number from the HR Practitioner, they are able to apply for the visa. Nominees should read the preparing your visa application information on the DIBP website before lodging your application and refer to the Temporary Work (Skilled) Visa (Subclass 457) Document Checklist For Visa Applicants.

Applications can be lodged online at The Department of Immigration and Border Protection electronic visa application or in a hard copy at the nearest Australian office of the Department of Immigration and Border Protection.

The applicant must provide either the Transaction Reference Number (TRN ) or Nomination Approval Number to start the online application. The applicant must attach supporting documents listed in the applicant checklist.

Processing times

Processing times vary, but in most cases the full sponsorship and subsequent visa approval process may take up to three months and possibly longer if there are medical, dependants or other issues relating to the appointee and family.

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