Employer demand for the temporary skilled migration visa (subclass 457) has eased in the past six months, according to statistics released this week.
The Department of Immigration and Citizenship’s (DIAC) latest monthly report for 457 visas confirms downwards movement in temporary skilled migrants, a trend which has been developing since June last year.
“Temporary work visa applications have been heading downwards since June 2012 and have now declined for the last three consecutive months,” a DIAC spokesman said.
“Reinforcing this trend has been a drop in actual 457 visa grants since August. This movement demonstrates the 457 visa program’s responsiveness to the changing needs of the Australian economy.”
From July to November 2012, the number of applications fell by four per cent, while the number of visas approved also fell, by 12 per cent, over the same period.
“While the subclass 457 visa stock figure is still high, new take-up of the program is declining, particularly in the construction and mining industries that have driven much of the recent growth in the program,” the department’s spokesman said.
“Use of the program has fallen across a number of industries that have traditionally been among some of the other big users of the program including health care and social assistance, information media and telecommunications.
“For example, in the 2012-13 program year to November, 3900 applications were lodged in construction, representing a fall of three per cent from the same period last year. A similar trend is evident in mining where 2400 applications were lodged, representing an 11 per cent fall.”
The subclass 457 visa program is uncapped, demand-driven and designed to respond to the needs of the Australian economy.
“The November 457 report also shows that Western Australia is now the second largest user of the program in 2012-13 after New South Wales, which reflects Western Australia’s strong labour market,” the spokesman said.
“While trade occupations have grown, the program remains concentrated on highly skilled managers and professionals. For example, of those 457 visa holders who were in Australia on 30 November, 64 per cent were working in occupations that typically require a bachelor degree or higher qualification."
