Changes to Visa Conditions for 482, 457, and 494 Visas

Starting 1 July 2024, the Department of Home Affairs has updated visa conditions 8107, 8607, and 8608. These changes are designed to address worker exploitation and enhance productivity as outlined in the Migration Strategy. 

Visa categories impacted 

The changes will impact holders of the following visas: 

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

Key changes  

Extended time to find new employment 

Visa holders who stop working with their sponsoring employer will have more time to find a new sponsor, apply for a different visa, or arrange to depart Australia. Specifically, they will have up to: 

• 180 days at a time, or 
• A maximum of 365 days in total across the entire visa grant period. 

Flexibility in employment 

During this period, visa holders can work for other employers, including in occupations not listed in their most recently approved sponsorship nomination. This flexibility ensures that visa holders can support themselves while seeking new sponsorship. 

Conditions and obligations 

Ceasing work with sponsor 

Unless exempt, a visa holder cannot work for another employer unless they have ceased work with their sponsoring employer. They must remain in their nominated occupation while working for their existing sponsor. 

Sponsor notification requirements 

Sponsors must notify the Department within 28 days of any change in the situation, such as ceasing sponsorship or if a visa holder resigns. Find more information at Sponsorship obligations for Standard business sponsors.  

Work consistency 

Visa holders must not engage in work that is inconsistent with any required license or registration for their nominated occupation. They must comply with all conditions and requirements applicable to their occupation. 

Applicability 

These changes apply to 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 assistance with understanding these new visa conditions, contact one of our migration strategists at aisupport@absoluteimmigration.com. Absolute Immigration’s experts are here to help business sponsors and individuals navigate these updates, ensure compliance, and maximise opportunities.