Australia Extends Renewal Window For Skilled Worker Visa Holders

Australian Department of Home Affairs has announced a significant update to its visa regulations, granting a 6-month renewal window to skilled worker visa holders.

Gatekeepers News reports that this change aims to address labor market mobility and unfair labor practices for temporary migrants holding specific visas, including the Temporary Work (Skilled) visa, Temporary Skill Shortage visa, and Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (provisional) visa.

Starting July 1, 2024, visa holders who lose their jobs with their sponsoring employer will have 180 days (6 months) to secure new sponsorship, apply for a new visa, or leave the country.

During this grace period, they can work for other employers in various occupations, enabling them to sustain themselves while seeking new opportunities.

The update also mandates sponsors to notify changes in visa holders’ employment status within 28 days and prohibits visa holders from engaging in work inconsistent with their nominated occupation’s license or registration requirements.

This change is part of Australia’s comprehensive migration strategy, announced in December 2023, which aims to attract international talent, address labor shortages, and align migration with the country’s economic and social needs.

The government has set the planning levels for the 2024-25 permanent Migration Program at 185,000 places, prioritising visa processing for regional Australia to address labor gaps and distribute migration benefits evenly across the country.