Australia offers more flexibility and security during job transitions by extending the grace period for temporary migrant workers to locate new positions from 60 to 180 days. Holders of a temporary work visa can now investigate a variety of employment prospects for a longer amount of time.

The regulations governing temporary migrant workers looking for new jobs have undergone major revisions, as revealed by the Australian government. This measure extends the grace period for sponsored workers from 60 to 180 days after stopping employment before they risk violating their visa terms, offering significant relief to migrant laborers.

Furthermore, employees are permitted to work in any occupation for a maximum of 365 days during the whole visa grant time without violating the terms of their visa, even if it differs from the last approved occupation they held.

Prolonged Search for New Job

In order to obtain new sponsorship, apply for a different visa, or make plans to depart Australia, holders of the Temporary Work (Skilled) visa (subclass 457), Temporary Skill Shortage visa (subclass 482), and Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional visa (subclass 494) are now allowed to spend up to 180 days at a time, or a maximum of 365 days overall, during the visa grant period. The goal of this modification is to lessen the burden that sudden job loss places on visa holders.

Flexibility in the Workplace

Visa holders are permitted to work for other employers in a variety of occupations during the grace period, so long as those companies do not demand any particular licenses or registrations that the visa holders do not already hold. Because of this flexibility, foreign workers can investigate several job prospects without instantly violating the terms of their visa.

Conditions of Employment

Unless excluded, visa holders must terminate their employment with their existing sponsoring employer before beginning employment with a new one. They must continue in their designated occupation and adhere to all licensing and registration requirements while working with their current sponsor. Sponsors have 28 days to notify the Department of Home Affairs of any changes to a visa holder’s job, including resignations or modifications to their sponsorship status.

Effect on Holders 

Skilled Temporary Work Visas (Subclass 457): Visa holders enjoy the advantage of greater flexibility in terms of job changes, which allows them to look for new sponsorship or alternative visa possibilities without having to worry about their visas being immediately revoked because of unemployment.

Temporary Skill Shortage Visa (Subclass 482): The longer time frame for finding a new job reduces the dangers of an unexpected layoff and guarantees ongoing support while looking for new chances in Australia.

Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) Visa (Subclass 494): This visa type is very advantageous for those living in rural areas, as it gives them plenty of chances to apply for other visa streams or obtain fresh sponsorships within their area, which helps to foster stability and development in the area.

Specifics of Important Visa Programs

Temporary Skill Shortage Visa (Subclass 482):This temporary visa allows employers to sponsor skilled workers for positions they cannot fill with Australian workers.

  Stay: Two years, or four years if an International Trade Obligation (ITO) is applicable; holders of a Hong Kong passport are allowed a maximum of five years.
  Price: Starting at $1,495
  Eligibility: Possession of the necessary abilities for the position, sponsorship from an authorized sponsor, and proficiency in the English language.

Regional (Provisional) Skilled Employer Sponsored Visa (Subclass 494): There are three streams for this visa:

1.  Employer Sponsored Stream: This program enables local firms to sponsor skilled workers in order to address labor shortages.
        Stay : five years
        Price: Starting at $4,770

2.  Labor Agreement Stream: For skilled workers nominated by Australian government-affiliated employers.
        Stay : five years
        Price: Starting at $4,770

3.  Subsequent Entrant: Family members of SESR visa holders who are seeking separately to join the principal visa holder as a subsequent entrant.
        Stay : five years
        Price: Starting at $4,770