Employers

Australian or overseas businesses (with a base in Australia), which have been unable to recruit skilled staff from the Australian workforce, can sponsor foreign skilled workers to meet their workforce requirements under the 457 visa program.

There is a three-stage process to employ an overseas skilled worker. As part of this process, the business must apply to the Australian Government to seek sponsorship status and then nomination approval. The final stage involves an assessment of the proposed nominee for the actual 457 visa. 
457 Australia provides services to help employers with the initial hurdles and in the final stages after securing a candidate; facilitating a smooth transition from nomination to an application.