457 delays - not great news :(
 

I got this on a email today from a contracting company that supplies resources to a programme I am currently working on in Australia I thought many people on this site might be interested in it's contents. Sorry to be the bearer of bad news but it least it might help you plan a bit better and manage expectation

GLOBAL IMMIGRATION CLIENT ALERT
19 September 2007
AUSTRALIA – 457 Visa Processing Times Extended
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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY: The Australian Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC) is facing a substantial increase in the number of 457 (Skilled Temporary) visa and related business sponsorship applications. As a result, processing times have extended to six weeks, and sometimes longer, from the date of filing at most DIAC offices in Australia. Businesses are advised to plan accordingly in preparing and filing applications.
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The growth of the Australian economy coupled with a shortage of skills is driving many Australian businesses to sponsor skilled foreign nationals as Temporary Residents under the provisions of the 457 (Skilled Temporary) visa. Accordingly, the Australian Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC) is facing a substantial increase in the number of 457 visa and related business sponsorship applications. The increased volume of applications, together with enhanced security and character checks and the processing of medical clearances, has slowed visa processing considerably at most DIAC offices in Australia. Processing times have extended to six weeks, even longer in some cases, and are expected to remain at this level for the foreseeable future. Businesses are advised to plan accordingly in preparing and filing applications.

Fragomen is closely monitoring related developments and liaising with officials to facilitate rapid processing. The Australian government has announced that it intends to introduce expedited processing for reputable employers; however, we understand that the introduction of such a program is at least a few months away. Fragomen will release updates about visa processing times and details on the expedited processing system when they become available.
Officials have stated that requests for expedited processing will be considered in very limited circumstances and only on a case-by-case basis.

The content of this alert is provided for informational purposes only. We will continue to monitor the situation and issue updates as more information becomes available.