July 15th, 2024 at 05:28 pm

Australia Extended Grace Period for Job Changes on Skilled Visas

It was noted that the Australian government has extended the grace period for holders of specific skilled visas to transition jobs, which will facilitate their ability to adjust to work changes.

Key Updates on Skilled Visas

First, we would like to inform you about the extended grace period that begins on July 1st for Visa holders. To find new sponsorship, apply for a different visa, or make arrangements to leave the country, holders of the Temporary Work Skilled Visa Subclass 457, Temporary Skill Shortage Visa Subclass 482, and Skilled Employer-sponsored Regional Provisional Visa Subclass 494 may now take up to 180 consecutive days or a total of 365 days during their visa period. Compared to the preceding 60 straight days, this is a notable increase.

Flexibility in Employment

The new policy allows visa holders to apply for jobs with other companies, even in fields other than the ones for which they are now sponsored. This policy change affects both those who currently have visas and those who apply for them on or after July 1. It was noted that the sponsor’s obligations don’t alter.

Sponsoring companies are still required to provide 28 days’ notice to the Department of Home Affairs for any changes to the employment status of their sponsored workers, even in light of these modifications. Furthermore, visa holders need to keep up with any obligatory license registrations or memberships related to their professions.

The new visa requirements should be adjusted for immigrants. Visa holders and sponsors need to make sure that work changes are properly planned within the revised timeframes and that the new requirements are followed. By giving foreign workers more flexibility and support during job transfers, this extended grace period hopes to increase Australia’s competitiveness for skilled labor.

Australia 482 Visa Short-Term Stream 2024

Thanks to the Short-Term Stream, firms can mitigate the labor shortage by attracting competent migrants with visas for temporary skilled shortages in Australia. To be eligible for this visa, you have to meet certain requirements, like being nominated for a position that is on the Short-Term Skilled Occupation List and having the support of an authorized sponsor.

Along with meeting the educational, skill, and employment history requirements, you must also be qualified for this visa. You are allowed to study and travel to and from Australia as much as you like, and if you meet the requirements, you can apply for permanent residency while the visa is still active.

When using the Short-term Stream, how long can you stay in Australia?

For as long as your employer nominates you, you are permitted to stay in Australia. The maximum amount of time you can stay with this temporary visa will depend on the particulars that apply to you. If your visa is set to expire and you want to continue working for your employer, they must submit a new nomination, even if in most cases you can stay for up to 2 or up to 4 years.

You may be eligible for permanent residency in Australia through your employer’s sponsorship under the Employer Nomination Scheme Subclass 186. You can find out if you are eligible for any further skilled work visas by using the Department of Home Affairs Visa search.

Eligibility Requirements for the 482 Short-term Stream

To be eligible for the Temporary Skill Shortage Visa’s Short-term Stream, you must meet the requirements listed below.

• Be at least eighteen years old, have fulfilled the previous visa criteria, and, if applying in Australia, have the appropriate visa
• Have your company suggest that you be nominated by a sanctioned sponsor and that you have the training, experience, and certifications required to perform the duties of your position.
• Have two years or more of experience in your preferred field of work, or one that is closely related, and, if necessary, have a favorable skills evaluation
• Have health insurance, be a valid temporary entry, and meet the requirements for character and health

PR Pathway and Other Criteria for 482 Short-term Visas

If your employment with the sponsoring employer continues, you, as a Temporary Skill Shortage Visa Subclass 482 Short-term Stream holder, will be eligible to apply for permanent residency in just two years. In the past, only those with Subclass 482 visas in the Medium-term Stream and Labor Agreement Stream were eligible to apply for the Subclass 186 Temporary Residence Transition Stream.

Candidates must be nominated for a skilled position by an authorized sponsor and have at least two years of work experience in the nominated occupation or a closely related field to be eligible for this visa. Applicants must work exclusively for their sponsor, pass any necessary relevant skills examinations, and, unless there are special circumstances, meet English language proficiency requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which documents do I need?

A few essential documents are needed to apply for this specific category of employer-sponsored visas. Organizing the documents related to your employment history, identity, character, abilities, health assessment, and English proficiency is advised.

Is a skills evaluation necessary?

If your designated occupation requires it, you would have to go through a skills evaluation as part of the TSS visa application process. Refer to 8/39 Mandatory Skills Assessment Subclass 482 Visa for details on this category and the type of assessment required. If you meet the requirements, you will need to take a skills assessment conducted by Trades Recognition Australia or VETASSESS.

For a TSS Visa, is health insurance required?

If you are applying for a primary or secondary visa, you will have to pay for your medical insurance while in Australia. You cannot apply for a TSS visa unless you have adequate health insurance. Many nations have reciprocal healthcare agreements with Australia, and your health insurance should cover medically necessary services, including transportation.