Recommendation 15 - Pathways to permanent residence
15.1 That 457 visa holders be required to work for at least two years in Australia before
transitioning to the Employer Nomination Scheme or Regional Sponsored Migration
Scheme, and that consideration be given to the amount of time required with a nominating
employer being at least one year.
To reduce the potential for 457 workers who wish to transition to permanent status being in a ‘bonded’ relationship to their employer, we recommend that changes be made to enable 457 visa holders to be required to work for two years in Australia before transitioning to ENS or RSMS permanent residence visas, but only a minimum of one year with the nominating employer. We also suggest that consideration be given to increasing the points under the General Skilled Migration program for permanent residence for time worked in Australia.