Changes to Visa Conditions For Skilled Workers

The changes will impact holders of the following visas:

• Temporary Work (Skilled) visa (subclass 457)
• Temporary Skill Shortage visa (subclass 482)
• Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (provisional) visa (subclass 494)

What are the new changes?

Visa holders who cease working for their sponsoring employer will now have more flexibility and time to find a new sponsor, apply for a different visa, or arrange their departure from Australia. The key changes include:

• Extended periods for finding new employment: 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, to secure new sponsorship or make other arrangements. Previously, visa holders had only 60 days to make these arrangements​.
• Work flexibility: During this period, visa holders can work for other employers, even in occupations not listed in their most recent sponsorship nomination, provided they have ceased working with their sponsoring employer.

Conditions and responsibilities

• While working for their existing sponsor, visa holders must remain in their nominated occupation. They must not undertake work that requires a license or registration they do not hold.
• Sponsors must inform the Department of Home Affairs within 28 days of any changes, such as ceasing sponsorship or if a visa holder resigns.
• Unless exempt, visa holders cannot work for another employer unless they have stopped working with their sponsoring employer.

Applicability

These changes apply to all 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 time periods.

For further information on the new visa conditions and to check your visa details, visit the Department of Home Affairs website.

Stay informed and make sure to review these updates to ensure compliance and take advantage of the increased flexibility in managing your visa and employment in Australia.