Understand visa condition 8107—learn working limitations, rule changes, and how to stay compliant while on a temporary skilled visa in Australia.

Step-by-Step Guide: Understanding Visa Condition 8107 Working Limitations

Visa condition 8107 carries crucial working restrictions for temporary skilled migrants. This guide walks you through how visa 8107 work restrictions affect employment, explains the 2024 rule changes, and outlines your practical steps to compliance and flexibility.

Introduction

Visa condition 8107 strictly limits where and how you can work in Australia. Recent changes offer skilled visa holders more flexibility, but breaches can risk your stay. Follow these clear steps to understand and manage your working limitations on visa 8107.

Step 1: Know What Visa Condition 8107 Means

Visa condition 8107 applies to most temporary skilled visas (including subclasses 457, 482, and 494). Under this rule, you must:

  • Work exclusively for your sponsoring employer (the one who nominated you for your visa grant).
  • Perform your nominated occupation only—no switching roles or employers without formal process.
  • Avoid additional jobs unless your main employment with the sponsor ends.

Purpose: This limitation ensures migrant workers support Australia’s skills needs while protecting against exploitation.

Step 2: Understand 2024 Changes—More Flexibility During Employment Changes

From 1 July 2024, visa condition 8107 work restrictions have become more flexible:

  • If you cease working for your sponsoring employer, you now have up to 180 days at a time, or 365 days in total during your visa stay to find a new sponsor, get a new visa, or make plans to depart.
  • During this period, you can work for any employer and even outside your nominated occupation to support yourself financially as you transition.
  • However, while still employed by your sponsor, you must only work in your nominated occupation for that employer.

Important: These changes apply retrospectively to existing visa holders and all future grants from 1 July 2024. Any breaks in employment before this date do not count towards your new limit.

Step 3: Maintaining Compliance with 8107 Working Limitations

To stay compliant and avoid risking your visa:

  • Never work for another employer unless you have officially ceased employment with your sponsor.
  • Inform the Department: If you resign or are terminated, ensure your sponsor notifies the Department of Home Affairs within 28 days. You must also keep your visa records updated.
  • Watch total time out of sponsored work: If you go over 180 days at one time, or more than 365 days in total without a new sponsor or visa, you become noncompliant and may face cancellation.
  • Maintain required licenses/registrations: Your work must match any industry and occupation-specific requirements.
  • Start work within 90 days of arriving in Australia or your visa being granted.

Step 4: What To Do If Your Employment Ends

If your employment with your sponsor ends:

  • You have up to 180 days at a time (or 365 days in total) to:
    • Secure a new sponsoring employer and nomination,
    • Apply for a different type of visa,
    • Or arrange to leave Australia.
  • During this period, you can lawfully work in other roles or for different employers.
  • Begin your job search early and consult with a migration agent if you face challenges.

Step 5: Common Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them

  • Overstaying grace periods: Set calendar alerts to track your 180/365-day limits.
  • Ignoring licensing or registration rules: Check your occupation’s requirements before starting work.
  • Failing to notify authorities about changes: Prompt updates safeguard your status.
  • Working multiple jobs without ending sponsorship: Strictly avoid until sponsorship formally ends.

Conclusion

Visa 8107 work restrictions may seem tough, but recent changes provide valuable breathing room. Understand the limits, track your status carefully, and use your flexibility wisely if employment changes. Staying proactive ensures both your compliance and your peace of mind under visa condition 8107.