Temporary visa applications to Australia are being processed faster and more efficiently since the setting up of three dedicated centres, Immigration Minister Senator Chris Evans says.

Accountants had called for restrictions on work visas to be eased to cope with demand in their profession.

However, Senator Evans said 81 per cent of all 457 visa holders were being employed in professional occupations and highly skilled jobs, including accounting.

http://news.theage.com.au/national/457-visas-being-proc...s-20080820-3yoz.html

Hi Alan

Are you seeing this speed-up actually happening as yet, please? All the people currently waiting for 457s seem to be grumbling about delays with them? I'm hearing two conflicting messages but it could be that the new arrangements will need a bit of time to "bed in" before the promised efficiencies become noticeable?

Best wishes

Gill

To be honest Gill, so far as I recall we have never experienced the delays with 457 visa processing mentioned by many ...

Best regards.