Effective 1 July 2024
As part of the Australian Government’s Migration Strategy, significant changes are being implemented to visa conditions 8107, 8607, and 8608. These changes aim to address worker exploitation and enhance productivity, ensuring better support for temporary migrants in the labour market.
Key Improvements
The changes will benefit holders of the following visas:
New Provisions for Visa Holders
Visa holders who cease employment with their sponsoring employer will now have:
- Up to 180 days at a time
- A maximum of 365 days in total during the visa grant period
During this period, visa holders are allowed to work for other employers, including in occupations not listed in their most recent sponsorship nomination, ensuring they can support themselves while seeking new sponsorship.
Compliance Requirements
- Visa holders must stop working for their sponsoring employer before starting with another employer unless exempt.
- Visa holders must remain in their nominated occupation while working for their existing sponsor.
- Sponsors are required to inform the department of any changes within 28 days, including cessation of sponsorship or if a visa holder resigns.
- Visa holders must adhere to any licensing or registration requirements for their nominated occupation.
Applicability
These changes apply to both 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. You can find the full news release here.
Changes to the migration program can occur without notice. The above information is not intended to be legal advice and is correct as of the date of writing this article.
Contact Migrations Affairs to speak with our immigration experts for tailored advice on the circumstances and eligibility.
