Starting from 1 July 2024, the Department of Home Affairs has announced significant updates to visa conditions 8107, 8607, and 8608. These changes are designed to tackle worker exploitation and drive productivity, aligning with the goals outlined in the Migration Strategy.
What are the changes?
– Temporary Work (Skilled) (Sc 457), Temporary Skill Shortage (Sc 482), and Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (provisional) (Sc 494) visa holders who stop working with their sponsoring employer will now have more time to secure a new sponsor, apply for a different visa, or arrange to depart Australia.
– Visa holders will be granted up to 180 days at a time and a maximum of 365 days in total across the entire visa grant period to make these arrangements.
– During this period, visa holders can work for other employers, even in occupations not listed in their most recently approved sponsorship nomination. This flexibility ensures that visa holders can support themselves while seeking a new sponsor.
– Visa holders cannot work for another employer unless they have ceased working with their sponsoring employer, unless exempt.
– While working for their existing sponsor, visa holders must remain in their nominated occupation.
– Sponsors must inform the department of any changes in the situation within 28 days, including cessation of sponsorship or if a visa holder resigns.
– Visa holders must not undertake any work that is inconsistent with the licensing or registration requirements of their nominated occupation. This includes adhering to all relevant conditions or requirements.
How does it apply to current or future relevant visa holders?
– These changes apply to both existing visa holders and those granted a visa on or after 1 July 2024.
– Any periods during which a visa holder stopped working for their sponsor before 1 July 2024 will not count towards the new time periods.
Need Expert Visa Advice?
If you have any questions or need further assistance, book an appointment with one of our registered migration agents in Canberra, Cairns, Brisbane, Sydney, and Melbourne for expert visa advice. We are here to help you navigate these changes and ensure compliance with your visa conditions.
