The Japan-Australia Economic Partnership Agreement (“JAEPA”) officially enters into force on the 15th January 2015, and we have received the following advice from the Department of Immigration:

“The effect of the obligations under the JAEPA is that labour market testing will not be applied to Japanese nationals or to employees of businesses in Japan transferring to an Australian branch of that business being nominated under the 457 programme.

It should be noted that, for the purposes of the JAEPA, the category commitment for “Investors of Japan” is defined, and should be treated, the same as “Independent Executives”.”

We encourage you to contact us should you have any specific questions on the affect of the JAEPA on your visa applications.