The 482 and 457 Visa Changes You Need to Know About

COVID-19 has impacted many businesses employing international workers on 482 Temporary Skilled Visas and 457 Visas. Some businesses had to operate on reduced hours, some were forced to close their doors altogether, while others were fortunate to experience an increased workload.

If you are working in Australia on a 482 Temporary Skilled Visa or 457 Visa, your work arrangements may have changed as a consequence of this – perhaps you’ve been stood down, laid off, or the role you are performing has been changed.

While ordinarily these changes may place you in breach of your visa requirements, the Federal Government has introduced the following changes to 482 Temporary Skilled Visas and 457 Visas, to increase flexibility surrounding existing arrangements:

  • If you’re on a two or four year Temporary Skilled Visa and you have been stood down, but not laid off, your visa is valid and your employer can extend your visa as per normal arrangements,
  • Your employer is entitled to reduce your hours of employment without you being in breach of your visa condition,
  • If you have been laid off due to COVID-19, you have 60 days to leave the country or find a new sponsor,
  • If you’re on a four-year visa, you have been laid off and you are able to find a new sponsor, the time you’ve already spent in Australia will contribute to your eligibility for permanent residency,
  • You are able to take leave without pay for a maximum of three months,
  • Although Temporary Skilled Visa holders are normally expected to work within their nominated occupation, your work conditions can currently change for a period of up to 60 days without you being in breach of rulings.
  • If you are a 457 visa holder and you wish to change your occupation for more than 60 days, you will need to seek approval before officially commencing the role.
  • If you are a 482-visa holder seeking to change your occupation for more than 60 days, you will need to have an approved nomination and visa in the revised/new occupation.
  • You can access up to $10,000 of your superannuation this financial year.

Need help?

As one of few companies approved by the Australian Department of Immigration to hire and on hire international workers, the Ayers Group maintains up to the minute knowledge of current visa rulings.

If you need further advice about your existing temporary skills visa arrangement, contact an expert at the Ayers Group.