17 October 2011

The Department of Immigration and Citizenship’s 2010-2011 Annual Report, released last week, confirms that use of the 457 visa program is continuing to increase rapidly. With total visa grants reaching 90,120, the uncapped 457 program now rivals the government’s priority employer sponsored permanent skilled migration scheme, which dropped 10% in application lodgment rates over the same period.

The Report highlighted difficulties with the permanent visa schemes being able to keep up with changes in the Australian economy, being hindered by caps, longer lead times and greater red tape.

To read more click here.

 To read DIAC’s Annual Report click here.