Australia Expands Job Flexibility for Temporary Visa Holders | Australia Immigration News
From 1 July 2024, visa conditions 8107, 8607, and 8608 will undergo significant changes as part of the Australian Government's Migration Strategy aimed at tackling worker exploitation and enhancing productivity.
These adjustments will primarily benefit 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)
Key changes include:
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Extended Job Search Period: Visa holders who leave their sponsoring employer will now have up to 180 days at a time, or a maximum of 365 days in total throughout their visa grant period, to find a new sponsor, apply for a different visa, or arrange to leave Australia.
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Flexibility to Work for Other Employers: During the permitted period, visa holders can work for other employers, including in occupations not listed in their most recent sponsorship nomination, to support themselves while seeking a new sponsor.
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Conditions on Employment:
- Visa holders must cease working with their sponsoring employer before taking up employment with another.
- They must stay in their nominated occupation while employed by their existing sponsor.
- Visa holders must not engage in work inconsistent with any required license or registration for their nominated occupation.
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Sponsor Obligations: Sponsors are required to inform the Department of any changes within 28 days, such as the cessation of sponsorship or if a visa holder resigns.
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Applicability: These changes apply to both current visa holders and those granted a visa on or after 1 July 2024. Any periods of unemployment before this date do not count towards the new time allowances.
These revisions aim to improve the mobility and security of temporary workers, allowing them to maintain their livelihood while transitioning between employers.
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