Changes to visa conditions 8107, 8607 and 8608 from 1 July 2024
Starting 1 July 2024, the Australian Government is implementing significant changes to visa conditions 8107, 8607, and 8608 as part of its Migration Strategy. These changes aim to support labour market mobility for temporary migrants who hold the:
- Temporary Work (Skilled) visa (subclass 457)
- Temporary Skill Shortage visa (subclass 482)
- Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 494)
For official guidance on conditions, see Home Affairs: Visa conditions overview, and the specific pages for condition 8107, condition 8607 and condition 8608. Migration Strategy materials are available at Home Affairs – Migration Strategy.
Here’s what you need to know
1. Extended time for job transition:
- Visa holders who stop working with their sponsoring employer now have:
- Up to 180 days at a time, or
- A maximum of 365 days in total across the visa grant period to find a new sponsor, apply for a different visa, or arrange to depart Australia.
2. Work flexibility:
- During this period, visa holders can work for other employers, including in occupations not listed in their most recent sponsorship nomination. Check your work rights via VEVO.
3. Sponsor notification:
- Sponsors must inform the Department within 28 days of any changes, including ceasing sponsorship or if a visa holder resigns. See sponsor obligations for approved sponsors.
4. Occupational consistency:
- Visa holders must stay in their nominated occupation while working for their current sponsor and hold any required licences, registrations or professional memberships (for example, health practitioners via Ahpra registration).
These changes apply to both existing visa holders and those granted visas on or after 1 July 2024. For individual advice on your options (including change of sponsor, bridging visas or alternative pathways), speak with our immigration lawyers or contact Jameson Law on (02) 8806 0866.
