Big news for temporary migrants in Australia! From 1st July 2024, the rules for certain work visas are getting a major update. These changes, part of the Australian Government’s Migration Strategy, aim to protect workers and boost productivity.

The new rules apply to these visas: Temporary Work (Skilled) visa (subclass 457), Temporary Skill Shortage visa (subclass 482), and Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (provisional) visa (subclass 494).

If you have one of these visas and stop working for your sponsoring employer, you will have more time to find a new sponsor, apply for a different visa, or make plans to leave Australia. 

You will now have up to 180 days at a time, or a maximum of 365 days in total during your visa period.

During this time, you can work for other employers, even in jobs not listed in your original sponsorship nomination. This will help you support yourself while you look for a new sponsor.

However, unless you are exempt, you cannot work for another employer until you have stopped working for your sponsoring employer. You must stay in your nominated occupation while working for your current sponsor.

Sponsors must inform the Department of Home Affairs of any changes within 28 days, including if they stop sponsoring you or if you resign.

For all enquiries about visas, contact Registered Migration Agent Enda O’Callaghan MARN 138553. Enda provides a personal service, tailored to each client’s individual circumstances – an agent, not an agency. You can ring him on  02 8095 6406, email Enda@WorkPermitsandVisas.com.au.

You’ll also find Enda O’Callaghan online at www.WorkPermitsandVisas.com.au and www.facebook.com/WorkStudyTravelVisas.

Cover picture: The Sydney CBD as seen from Sydney International Airport. Credit: Wikimedia Commons

Main picture: Enda O’Callaghan’s offices in Bondi Junction, Sydney. Credit: https://workpermitsandvisas.com.au/