Major Changes Ahead: Australian Government Updates Visa Conditions 8107, 8607, and 8608

Starting 1 July 2024, the Australian Government is implementing significant changes to visa conditions 8107, 8607, and 8608 as part of their Migration Strategy. These changes aim to support the labour market mobility of temporary migrants who have the following visas:

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

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

3. Sponsor Notification:

• Sponsors must inform the Department within 28 days of any changes, including ceasing sponsorship or if a visa holder resigns.

4.Occupational Consistency:

• Visa holders must stay in their nominated occupation while working for their current sponsor and adhere to any required licenses or registrations.

These changes apply to both existing visa holders and those granted visas on or after 1 July 2024.