From 1 July 2024, visa conditions 8107, 8607 and 8608 will be changed for holders of the Temporary Skill Shortage (subclass 482) and Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (provisional) visa (subclass 494). These changes aim to combat worker exploitation and enhance productivity.
What Are the Changes for Sponsored Work Visa Holders?
The Department has announced that workers who stop working with their sponsoring employer will have more time to find a new sponsor, apply for a different visa, or arrange to depart Australia. These adjustments to sponsored work visas are significant and affect current and future visa holders. TSS 482 visa and Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional visa holders will have up to:
- 180 days at a time, or
- a maximum of 365 days in total across the entire visa grant period.
This is a very significant increase from the current 60-day period.
New Working Conditions for Sponsored Work Visas
During this time, visa holders can work for other employers (this is not permitted under the current rules). This includes working in occupations not listed in their most recently approved sponsorship nomination, allowing visa holders to support themselves while they look for a new sponsor.
Restrictions and Requirements
Unless exempt, a visa holder cannot work for another employer unless they have ceased work with their sponsoring employer. Visa holders must remain in their nominated occupation while working for their existing sponsor.
There is no change to the fact that sponsors must still notify the department of any changes in situation within 28 calendar days, including ceasing sponsorship or if a visa holder resigns.
Applicability of Changes to Sponsored Work Visas
These changes apply to existing visa holders and those granted a visa on or after 1 July 2024. Any periods a visa holder stopped working for their sponsor before 1 July 2024 will not count towards the new timeframes outlined above.
These changes to the sponsored work visas are significant, and we are anticipating a high volume of queries from sponsors and visa holders. If you would like to discuss any of these changes, please feel free to reach out to our team.
