Australia Extends Grace Period for Migrant Workers to Find Jobs

Great news for migrant workers in Australia! The Australian government has relaxed rules for temporary workers seeking new jobs. Here’s what’s changed:

Extended Grace Period:

• Sponsored workers now have 180 days (up from 60) to find new employment without breaching visa conditions.
• Total allowable time across the visa period is now 365 days.

Flexibility in Employment:

• During this period, visa holders can work in any reasonable occupation, even if not their last approved one.
• No working in jobs requiring specific licenses/registrations unless qualified.

Key Changes:

• Temporary Work (Skilled) Visa (Subclass 457): More time and flexibility to find new sponsors or visa options.
• Temporary Skill Shortage Visa (Subclass 482): Reduced risk from sudden job loss, providing support while finding new opportunities.
• Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) Visa (Subclass 494): Extra time to secure regional sponsorship or explore new visa paths, boosting regional stability.

Sponsor Responsibilities:

• Sponsors must inform the Department of Home Affairs of any employment changes within 28 days.

Employment Conditions:

• Visa holders must stop working with their current sponsor before starting with a new one unless exempt.
• Must remain in their nominated occupation while with the current sponsor.

These updates are part of the amendments to visa conditions 8107, 8607, and 8608 under the Australian Government’s Migration Strategy.