Temporary Business Long Stay Visa (Subclass 457)
Working for a non-Australian Company in Australia
The Temporary Business Long Stay Visa (subclass 457) is primarily intended to provide for entry to Australia of skilled employees of overseas (non-Australian) businesses who will:
fulfill obligations for a contract or other business activity in Australia; or
establish an Australian branch of the overseas business operation.
This visa allows applicants to work between 3 months and 4 years for the sponsoring employer.
Detailed information about this visa is available. Download Booklet 11 - Sponsoring a temporary overseas employee to Australia (PDF)
See: Temporary Business Long Stay (Subclass 457)
There are three steps in applying for this visa:
Step 1 - Employer Applies to be a Sponsor
The employer must complete an application to become a sponsor.
Step 2 - Employer Nominates a Position
The employer must nominate the positions to be filled.
Step 3 - Employee Applies for a Visa
The employee must apply for a visa to be allowed to work in Australia according to the instructions given below.
How to apply for Sponsorship
1. Please complete, sign and date Part A of Form 1196:
Download form 1196 - DIAC Website (PDF)
Please provide a short company profile (or Website reference) with information relating to the company's activities, turnover and number of employees. Based on this information, an assessment will be made as to whether the company has the financial capacity to sponsor the number of employees requested.
Questions 7 - 10 and 25 - 32 relate only to businesses operating in Australia.
2. Sponsorship Application Charge
See: Visa Application Charges
How to apply for Nomination
1. Please complete, sign and date Part B of Form 1196:
Download form 1196 - DIAC Website (PDF)
Part B should be completed by the employer for each nominated employee.
Question 34. Please refer to the following website when determining the occupation of the employee (ASCO code).
See: Find your occupation
Please provide information relating to the current salary of the employee. Employers must pay at least the minimum salary level to primary subclass 457
visa holders in their employ.
See: Minimum Salary Level
Question 37. Please make sure to include the full address where the member of staff will be located in Australia.2. Nomination Application Charge
See: Visa Application Charges
3. Embassy Address
The Sponsorship and Nomination applications should be sent to the Embassy address below.
How to apply for a Temporary Business Long Stay Visa (Subclass 457)
1. Please complete, sign and date Form 1066.
Download form 1066 - DIAC Website (PDF)
2. Visa Application Charge
The Visa Application Charge is levied per application, any accompanying family members are included. The Visa Application Charge is a processing charge and cannot be refunded irrespective of the outcome of the application.
3. Documents to be included with your application
Nomination approval (if you are not lodging your visa application together with the company's Sponsorship and Nomination applications);
CV [Curriculum Vitae] including your highest qualification and work reference from your most recent employer;
If you have a de facto (common law) spouse who is included in your application, provide evidence of cohabitation. This should be in the form of a joint rental agreement or local registration document (e.g. Anmeldebescheinigung in Germany, Personbevis in Sweden)
Proof of English language ability (if required).
4. Health Clearance
Please refer to the Health Requirements to see if your circumstances and the nature/duration of your visit require you to undergo any medical examinations.
See: Health Requirements - DIAC Website 5. Valid Passport
Your original passport should be enclosed with your visa application. It must contain at least one blank page.
If you require your passport for travel while your application is being processed, please include a clear photocopy of your passport with your application. We will notify you once your visa is ready to be placed in your passport. Please note that this can increase the time taken for you to receive your visa.
6. Embassy Address
Please mail your application or deliver personally to the following address:
(Visa Counter Opening Hours: Monday, Wednesday, Friday 9.00 - 11.00 hrs):
Australian Embassy
Visa Office
Wallstrasse 76-79
D-10179 Berlin
Germany
7. Processing Times
Processing times can vary according to the volume of applications on hand. Generally the processing times for Overseas Business Sponsorship including
the Temporary Long Stay business visa (457) application will be up to two months. We process visa applications as fast as possible and in the order of receipt. You should not make binding commitments before the visa has been granted.
You can do the following to help us process your case quickly:
Ensure that your application is complete and that all the required documents are provided at the time of application.
Send any documentation requested by your case officer as quickly as possible.
Lodge your application as early as possible before your expected date of travel.
8. Privacy and your Application
Under the terms of the Australian Privacy Act, we cannot provide information about applications in progress to any third party (including your sponsor) without your permission. If you wish us to communicate with your sponsor about your application, please complete form 956. Download form 956 - DIAC Website (PDF)