Temporary Skill Visas (457,482,494) updates
Starting from 1 July 2024, visa conditions 8107, 8607, and 8608 are set to change as part of the Australian Government's Migration Strategy. These adjustments aim to combat worker exploitation and enhance productivity.
Enhancements have been made to facilitate the labour market mobility of temporary migrants holding the following visas:
Temporary Work (Skilled) visa (subclass 457)
Temporary Skill Shortage visa (subclass 482)
Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (provisional) visa (subclass 494)
Visa holders who cease employment with their sponsoring employer will have extended time to either find a new sponsor, apply for a different visa, or arrange to leave Australia. Specifically, they will be allowed:
Up to 180 days at one time, or
A total of up to 365 days over the entire duration of their visa grant.
During this period, visa holders can work for other employers, including in occupations not covered by their previous sponsorship nomination. This flexibility is intended to help them support themselves while seeking new sponsorship opportunities.
However, unless exempt, visa holders must have stopped working with their sponsoring employer before they can take up other employment. While working for their existing sponsor, they must remain in the occupation specified in their sponsorship nomination.
Sponsors are required to notify the department of any changes, such as ceasing sponsorship or a visa holder resigning, within 28 days.
Visa holders must also ensure that their work complies with any necessary licenses or registrations related to their nominated occupation, including any specific conditions or requirements.
These changes apply to both current visa holders and those who receive a visa on or after 1 July 2024. Any period during which a visa holder was not working for their sponsor before 1 July 2024 will not be included in the new time limits mentioned above.
