Updated: 11 October 2026
If you hold a subclass 482 visa and want to change employers, you can generally do so without applying for a completely new visa. However, your prospective employer must usually obtain approval of a new nomination from the Department of Home Affairs before you can commence employment with them as your sponsor.
This process is commonly known as a 482 nomination transfer.
The subclass 482 visa is now known as the Skills in Demand (SID) visa, having replaced the Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) visa on 7 December 2024. The employer transfer process continues to apply to existing TSS visa holders as well as SID visa holders.
Importantly, changes to Australian migration law that commenced on 1 July 2024 have provided greater flexibility to sponsored workers who leave their employment.
In most cases, subclass 482 visa holders now have up to 180 consecutive days to find a new sponsoring employer, obtain another visa or make arrangements to depart Australia, subject to an overall limit of 365 days across the visa period.
This article explains the nomination transfer process, the requirements for changing employers and the obligations that apply to both the employee and their prospective sponsor.
What Is a 482 Nomination Transfer?
A 482 nomination transfer is the process through which an existing subclass 482 visa holder changes from one sponsoring employer to another.
Strictly speaking, the existing nomination is not transferred between businesses. Instead, the new employer submits a fresh nomination application to the Department of Home Affairs.
Once the new nomination is approved, the visa holder can generally commence employment with the new sponsor, provided they continue to comply with their visa conditions.
The important distinction is that the visa holder is not necessarily required to apply for a new subclass 482 visa.
For example, a Marketing Specialist who holds a valid subclass 482 visa sponsored by Company A may receive a job offer from Company B.
If Company B is an approved sponsor and obtains approval of a new nomination for the same occupation, the employee can generally move to Company B without applying for another visa.
However, if the employee wants to change to a different nominated occupation, a new visa application will generally be required.
Can You Change Employers on a 482 Visa?
Yes. A person holding a subclass 482 visa can change employers, provided the appropriate nomination and visa requirements are satisfied.
The process generally involves:
- Finding a new employer willing and eligible to sponsor you.
- Confirming that the proposed position is compatible with your existing nominated occupation.
- Ensuring the employer holds or obtains the appropriate sponsorship approval.
- Preparing and lodging a new nomination application.
- Obtaining approval of the nomination before commencing employment with the new sponsor.
The existing visa ordinarily remains valid following an approved nomination transfer, subject to its original expiry date and the visa holder continuing to meet the applicable conditions.
A nomination transfer does not automatically extend the length of the existing visa.
The 180-Day Rule for 482 Visa Holders
One of the most significant changes to subclass 482 visa conditions commenced on 1 July 2024.
Previously, sponsored workers generally had a much shorter period to find another sponsor after their employment ended.
Under the amended visa condition 8607, eligible subclass 482 visa holders can now cease working for their sponsoring employer for:
- Up to 180 consecutive days during a single period; and
- Up to 365 days in total across the period for which the visa is granted.
These rules provide greater flexibility for visa holders who resign, are made redundant or otherwise cease employment with their sponsoring employer.
For example, a worker whose employment ends may use the permitted period to secure another sponsoring employer and arrange a new nomination.
However, the 180-day rule should not be misunderstood as an automatic extension of the visa. The visa holder must still hold a valid visa, and the permitted period does not extend its expiry date.
The total time spent outside sponsored employment must also be considered, particularly where the visa holder has changed employers more than once.
Can You Work for Another Employer During the 180 Days?
Yes, in certain circumstances.
The changes to condition 8607 permit subclass 482 visa holders to undertake work outside their usual sponsorship restrictions during the permitted period after ceasing employment with their sponsoring employer.
This means that a visa holder may be able to work for another business, including in an occupation other than their nominated occupation, while arranging their next sponsorship.
However, there is an important distinction between temporary work during the permitted transition period and commencing employment under a new sponsorship arrangement.
A new employer seeking to take over sponsorship must obtain approval of its nomination before the visa holder commences employment under that sponsorship.
Visa holders should therefore carefully consider the nature of any proposed employment and the conditions attached to their visa.
Do You Need a New 482 Visa When Changing Employers?
In most straightforward employer transfer cases, a new visa application is not required.
Where the employee already holds a valid subclass 482 visa and the new employer nominates them for the same occupation, the process will generally involve a new employer nomination rather than a new visa application.
However, a new visa may be required where:
- The employee wishes to work in a different nominated occupation.
- The existing subclass 482 visa is approaching expiry and a further period of stay is required.
- The employee is transferring from a Labour Agreement sponsor to a Standard Business Sponsor, where the Department requires a new visa application.
- Other circumstances mean that a fresh visa application is necessary.
Changing employers does not restart the validity period of an existing subclass 482 visa.
For example, if the employee’s existing visa expires in December 2027, an approved nomination transfer in October 2026 will not ordinarily extend that expiry date.
Eligibility Requirements for a 482 Nomination Transfer
Both the visa holder and the new employer must satisfy the applicable requirements.
1. The New Employer Must Be an Approved Sponsor
The new employer must hold the appropriate sponsorship approval, usually as a Standard Business Sponsor (SBS), or obtain the necessary approval before taking over sponsorship.
If the employer is not already an approved sponsor, it will generally need to submit a sponsorship application.
You can read more about the process in our article on Standard Business Sponsorship.
2. The Position Must Be Appropriate for the Visa Holder
Where a nomination transfer is intended to proceed without a new visa application, the proposed employment must generally remain within the occupation for which the employee’s existing subclass 482 visa was granted.
An employee cannot simply transfer their visa to a new employer in an entirely different occupation.
For example, a visa holder nominated as an Accountant may be able to change to another employer offering an Accountant position.
However, transferring into a substantially different occupation, such as Marketing Specialist, would generally require a new subclass 482 visa.
The actual duties of the position are important. Simply giving a role the same job title does not necessarily establish that it falls within the same nominated occupation.
3. The Position Must Meet Salary Requirements
The new employer must satisfy the applicable salary requirements for the nomination.
For Skills in Demand visa nominations lodged between 1 July 2026 and 30 June 2027, the relevant minimum income thresholds are:
- Core Skills Income Threshold (CSIT): $79,423 per annum.
- Specialist Skills Income Threshold (SSIT): $146,576 per annum.
These thresholds are generally indexed annually.
The employer must also satisfy the applicable Annual Market Salary Rate (AMSR) requirements.
This means that meeting the minimum income threshold alone may not be sufficient. The proposed salary must also be appropriate for the role and consistent with applicable Australian market salary requirements.
For example, if the market salary for the nominated position is $95,000, an employer cannot necessarily offer only $79,423 simply because it meets the Core Skills Income Threshold.
4. Labour Market Testing May Be Required
The new employer may also need to undertake labour market testing (LMT) before lodging the nomination.
Labour market testing generally involves advertising the position in Australia to demonstrate that the employer has sought to recruit a suitable Australian worker.
For most standard subclass 482 nominations, this involves at least two advertisements running for at least four weeks within the four months immediately before lodging the nomination.
However, exemptions and alternative arrangements may apply.
Where labour market testing is required, it should be completed before the nomination application is lodged.
What Documents Are Required for a 482 Nomination Transfer?
The documents required will depend on the business, the occupation and the circumstances of the visa holder.
The new employer will commonly need to provide:
- Evidence of its sponsorship approval.
- Details of the nominated position and its duties.
- An employment contract or formal offer of employment.
- Evidence supporting the proposed salary and Annual Market Salary Rate.
- Labour market testing evidence, where required.
- Business records supporting the position and the employer’s operations.
- Relevant information about the visa holder and their existing visa.
The employee will generally need to provide their passport details, visa grant notice and information about their existing nominated occupation.
Because a nomination transfer ordinarily does not involve a new visa application, the employee will not necessarily need to repeat the full documentation process associated with their original visa application.
However, additional documents may be requested depending on the circumstances.
How Long Does a 482 Nomination Transfer Take?
There is no single processing timeframe that applies to every nomination transfer.
The processing period may depend on factors including:
- Whether the new employer is already an approved sponsor.
- Whether labour market testing is required and has been completed.
- The completeness of the nomination application.
- Whether the Department requests additional information.
- The Department’s processing workload and priorities.
Where a business already holds Standard Business Sponsorship approval and has completed the necessary nomination requirements, the process may be more straightforward.
However, the new employer should not assume that the nomination will be approved within a particular timeframe.
The employee and employer should carefully coordinate the proposed commencement date to avoid unnecessary delays or breaches of visa conditions.
What Happens if You Resign Before the Nomination Is Approved?
A subclass 482 visa holder is not necessarily required to remain with their existing sponsor while their new employer’s nomination is being processed.
The 180-day provisions provide a period during which an eligible visa holder may cease working for their sponsor while arranging new employment or another immigration outcome.
However, resigning before the new nomination is approved carries practical risks.
For example, the proposed nomination might be delayed or refused, or the visa holder may be approaching the end of their existing visa period.
Before resigning, employees should consider:
- How much time remains on their existing visa.
- Whether they have previously used any of the 180-day or 365-day periods.
- Whether the new employer has obtained sponsorship approval.
- Whether the proposed occupation and salary meet the nomination requirements.
- Whether any additional visa application is required.
Where possible, it is sensible to have the nomination process well advanced before ceasing employment with the existing sponsor.
Does Your Current Employer Need to Agree to the Transfer?
No. A subclass 482 visa holder does not generally need the consent of their existing employer to change sponsors.
The existing employer does not have a veto over the new employer’s nomination application.
However, the employee must still comply with applicable contractual obligations, including any lawful notice period.
The former employer also has separate notification obligations under Australian migration law.
When a sponsored employee resigns or otherwise ceases employment, the sponsor must notify the Department of Home Affairs within 28 days.
The requirement to notify the Department rests with the sponsoring employer and is separate from the new employer’s obligation to lodge a nomination.
What Are the Costs of a 482 Nomination Transfer?
A nomination transfer generally involves government charges payable by the new employer.
These may include:
- A Standard Business Sponsorship application charge, where the employer does not already hold approval.
- A subclass 482 nomination application charge.
- The applicable Skilling Australians Fund (SAF) levy.
- Professional fees associated with preparing and lodging the sponsorship or nomination applications.
The SAF levy is calculated according to the employer’s annual turnover and the applicable period of sponsorship.
Employers must not recover prohibited sponsorship and nomination costs, including the SAF levy, from the visa holder.
Because a straightforward nomination transfer does not generally involve a new visa application, the employee may avoid the government visa application charge that would otherwise apply to a fresh subclass 482 visa application.
However, where a new visa is required, additional government charges may apply.
Does Changing Employers Affect Permanent Residency?
Changing employers does not necessarily prevent a subclass 482 visa holder from subsequently applying for permanent residency.
Many subclass 482 visa holders seek permanent residency through the Employer Nomination Scheme (subclass 186), particularly the Temporary Residence Transition (TRT) stream.
Under the current requirements, applicants generally need at least two years of eligible sponsored employment during the three years before applying, together with the other relevant criteria.
Importantly, eligible sponsored employment with more than one employer may be counted towards this requirement.
Accordingly, changing employers does not automatically mean that the employee must restart the entire employment period required for a subclass 186 visa.
However, eligibility depends on the nature and timing of the employment, the visas held and the applicable legislative requirements.
Employees considering permanent residency should assess the potential implications of changing employers before making the move.
Common Mistakes When Changing Employers on a 482 Visa
Some common mistakes include:
Commencing sponsored employment before nomination approval
A new employer cannot simply take over sponsorship because the employee already holds a subclass 482 visa. The new nomination must be approved before employment commences under the new sponsorship arrangement.
Assuming a new visa is always required
In many cases, an existing subclass 482 visa holder can change employers through a new nomination alone.
Confusing the 180-day rule with an extension of the visa
The 180-day provision gives eligible workers greater flexibility after employment ends, but does not extend the expiry date of their visa.
Changing occupations without considering visa requirements
A transfer to a different occupation generally requires a new subclass 482 visa rather than just a nomination transfer.
Failing to consider labour market testing
A new employer may be required to undertake labour market testing before lodging the nomination. This can affect the proposed commencement date.
Overlooking the impact on permanent residency plans
Although employment with multiple sponsors may count towards a future subclass 186 application, not every period of employment will necessarily qualify.
Frequently Asked Questions About 482 Nomination Transfers
Can I Transfer My 482 Visa to Another Employer?
Yes. An existing subclass 482 visa holder can generally change employers if the new employer obtains approval of a new nomination and the visa holder satisfies the relevant conditions.
In many cases, a new visa application is not required.
How Long Can I Stay in Australia After Leaving My Sponsor?
Eligible subclass 482 visa holders can generally cease working for their sponsor for up to 180 consecutive days, subject to a maximum of 365 days in total across the visa period.
However, the visa must remain valid, and the visa holder must continue to comply with the applicable conditions.
Can I Work While Waiting for My 482 Nomination Transfer?
Visa condition 8607 permits certain work outside the usual sponsorship restrictions during the permitted period after sponsored employment ends.
However, commencing employment under a new sponsorship arrangement requires the new employer’s nomination to be approved.
The distinction is important, and employees should check their particular visa conditions before commencing work.
Does My Current Employer Have to Approve My Transfer?
No. The existing employer generally does not need to consent to the new nomination.
However, the employee must comply with any applicable employment contract and lawful notice obligations.
Can I Change My Occupation When Transferring My 482 Visa?
Generally, not through a nomination transfer alone.
If the employee wishes to work in a different nominated occupation, they will generally need to apply for and be granted a new subclass 482 visa.
Will My 482 Visa Expiry Date Change After a Transfer?
No. An approved nomination transfer does not ordinarily extend the validity period of the existing visa.
If the employee requires a further period of stay, a new visa application may be necessary.
Does a 482 Nomination Transfer Reset My Time Towards Permanent Residency?
Not necessarily.
Under the subclass 186 Temporary Residence Transition stream, eligible sponsored employment with different employers may be counted towards the relevant work experience requirement.
However, the employee must satisfy all applicable eligibility criteria.
Getting Assistance With a 482 Nomination Transfer
Changing employers on a subclass 482 visa can be relatively straightforward where the new employer is already an approved sponsor, the occupation remains unchanged and the nomination satisfies the relevant requirements.
However, complications can arise where the visa holder has already ceased employment, the new employer is not yet an approved sponsor, the position involves different duties or the existing visa is approaching expiry.
At PocketLegal, our migration lawyers assist both employers and employees with subclass 482 nomination transfers, including:
- Assessing eligibility to change sponsoring employers.
- Obtaining Standard Business Sponsorship approval.
- Preparing and managing labour market testing.
- Preparing and lodging nomination applications.
- Advising on visa conditions and employment transitions.
- Assessing the implications for future permanent residency applications.
If you are considering changing employers on a subclass 482 visa, or your business wishes to sponsor an existing 482 visa holder, contact PocketLegal to arrange a consultation.
