The Department of Home Affairs have announced changes in relation to conditions affecting temporary skilled migrants. These changes enable employer sponsored visa-holders have more time to find a new sponsor.
Affected Visas
The legislative changes relate to conditions 8107, 8607, and 8608, which are imposed on the below visa subclasses:
Temporary Work (Skilled) visa (subclass 457)
Temporary Skill Shortage visa (subclass 482)
Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (provisional) visa (subclass 494).
Changes
1. Extended time to find Employment
Visa holders on the above visas will be given a maximum of 365 days across the entire visa period to find a new sponsor, apply for a new visa or leave Australia. Visa holders will be given a maximum of up to 180 days at a time. Previously, visa holders had limited time to find a new sponsor or otherwise leave Australia.
2. Freedom to work for other Employers.
During this time, visa holders can work for other employers, including in positions or occupations not listed in their most recently approved nomination. (i.e., you do not have to work in the occupation included in your most recently approved nomination).
This is great news for visa holders as it allows them to support themselves financially while searching for a new sponsor, or apply for a different visa. However, visa holders cannot work for another employer or in another occupation until they have ceased work with their current employer.
While the visa holder remains employed by their current sponsor, they must continue to work in their nominated occupation.
When will the changes come into effect?
These changes apply for new and existing visa holders from 1 July 2024. Any periods during which a visa holder ceased working for their sponsor prior to 1 July, will not be considered in the newly defined conditions.
All other sponsorship obligations remain in place. This includes informing the Department within 28 days if a sponsored visa holder ceases employment.
Do you require further assistance
If you have further questions about the above, or have any other immigration related query, please get in touch with our experienced team. Contact us by email at hello@canberramigrationservices.com.au or by phone at +61451757287.
This article does not constitute legal advice or create an attorney-client relationship. Please consult an immigration professional for up-to-date information.s delve into the intricacies of Australian visitor visa refusals, shedding light on possible reasons and steps to take in the face of this setback.