Starting November 1, 2011, qualifying employers will be able to apply for a new accredited sponsor status that will provide priority processing for subclass 457 nominations and visa applications. Employers will be able to apply to the Department of Immigration and Citizenship DIAC for accreditation as an amendment to an existing sponsorship agreement or as part of a new sponsorship application. If approved, the accreditation will remain valid for the duration of the sponsorship agreement, typically six years. DIAC has not confirmed exactly how quickly subclass 457 applications will be processed under the program.