Crackdown on payments for skilled visas

Employers offering to get visas for foreign workers if they pay up could face jail time or fines of up to $340,000 under a federal government crackdown.

The government has put legislation to parliament to stop employers offering to sponsor 457 skilled worker visas in exchange for a payment from the worker, or exploiting employees by requiring payment in return for ongoing visa sponsorship.

Immigration Minister Peter Dutton says payment for visas isn't currently illegal but it is unacceptable.