Temporary visa (SC482 and 494) working rights eased

Some very good news for those in Australia on a sponsored temporary work visa!  And it isn’t often we get to say that…

Coming into effect on the 1st July 2024 are a series of changes around your ability to switch jobs and your work rights.  These are intended to fix some of the power imbalances you have when an employer holds your visa work rights.  As I know from personal experience you can feel trapped when losing your job might mean having to leave the country, so these updates are very welcome.

In short, the changes are:

• Under the old rules, if you left your job, you had either 60 or 90 days to find a new Sponsor.  In the new rules that is now up to 180

• In that 180 day period you can work for any employer and in any role – you are not limited to your nominated position

The drive behind this is to reduce exploitation and allow temporary workers the freedom to change roles with much less fear. 

As with all changes we will need to see how this works in practice.  On the surface though it is a welcome move and one we look forward to supporting our clients with.

You can read the full explained detail on the Government website at this link.  If you are either an Employer or sponsored worker and have questions or require support with a SC482 or SC494 visa please email us on hello@mcdonaghmigrations.com.au and we will be happy to help and advise.

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 If you would like migration advice on this or any other subject we are always happy to help, please send an email to hello@mcdonaghmigrations.com.au and we will schedule a time to chat.

As always this content is considered correct at time of publication (26th June 2024) but may no longer be current through subsequent changes to legislation, regulation or policy. This is generic information provided for context and education and is not specific migration advice. Always consult a Registered Migration Agent for information tailored to your specific circumstances.