Some of you may be interested to know that the DIAC have announced plans to overhaul the current system of processing 457 visa applications and to introduce a streamlined, faster system.
According to DIAC the new system will involve:
- 48 hour turn around on applications
- clearing the current backlog by 30 June 2008
- processes to be stramlined
- additional staff to be taken on to help bed in the new system and all staff to be re-trained
- electronic lodgements to take precedence over paper applications
- decisions to be made on the basis of submitted applications and documentation, without any further requests or discussions regarding lodged applications
- trial of the new pilot scheme to commence in the Melbourne Centre on the 1st of July.
