New changes to employer-sponsored visas make changing jobs easier

Great News! The Australian government is now making life easier for people on employer-sponsored visas. New changes to several visa types will make it a lot easier to change employer when you’re sponsored. Here’s the professional low-down from our immigration expert, Susan Power at Power Visas.

From 1 July 2024, visa holders on employer-sponsored visas will have six months to find a new sponsor or apply for another visa if they decide to leave their job.

The new rule allows 180 days at a time and 365 days over the course of the visa term, to find a new sponsor applies to 482 (Temporary Skill Shortage) 457 (Temporary Work Skilled) and 494 (Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional) visas.

Sponsorship visa holders can work for other employers in Australia

Under current rules, if you stop working for your sponsoring employer, you cannot work for another employer until they take over your nomination and it has been approved, making the process stressful and uncertain.

From 1 July 2024, you can now work for other employers while you look for someone to take over your nomination or apply for another visa.

This will ensure visa holders can support themselves while looking for another sponsor and can even work in an occupation not listed on their most recently approved sponsorship nomination during this time.

These changes apply to existing visa holders and those who apply after 1 July 2024.

3 recent changes to Australia’s employer-sponsored visas:

The new rules are just the latest positive move by the Australian government to improve conditions for visa holders on employer sponsored visas. Here they are in summary:

1. From 1 July 2024 changing jobs for employer-sponsored visa holders will become easier and less stressful with the extended timeframe to apply for another visa (above);
2. In November 2024, the 2-year work experience requirement for 482 visas will reduce to 1 year making it easier for applicants and employers;
3. The Australian government announced in 2023 that all 482 visa holders have a pathway to PR after 2 years.

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If you need advice on which visa pathway is best suited to you, or to begin the process, book a free consultation through NexVentur. If you’re looking for a job, flights, or any other migration advice, our relocation consultations are also free.

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