Changing Employers on a 482 Visa: New Nomination or New Visa?

One of the most common questions from Subclass 482 visa holders is whether they can move to a different employer — and if so, exactly what steps are required. The good news is that changing employers on a 482 visa is permitted. The critical point is that you cannot simply start working for a new employer without a new approved nomination in place first. Understanding the process, timing, and the 180-day rule can mean the difference between a smooth transition and a visa compliance problem.

Can You Change Employers on a 482 Visa?

Yes — a Subclass 482 visa holder can change employers during the validity period of their visa. The 482 visa is tied to a specific nomination (which specifies a sponsor, occupation, and position), but the visa holder is not permanently locked to one employer for the life of their visa.

To work for a new employer, the new employer must lodge and have approved a fresh nomination — and in some circumstances, the visa holder must also lodge a new visa application. The distinction between when a new nomination only is sufficient versus when a new visa is also required depends on the occupation involved.

Nomination Only vs New Visa Application: What Is the Difference?

Same Occupation — New Nomination Only

If the new role is in the same ANZSCO occupation as the occupation on your current 482 visa, your new employer only needs to lodge a new nomination. Once that nomination is approved, you may commence work for the new employer under your existing 482 visa. Your existing visa continues to run until its original expiry date — the nomination approval does not extend it.

For this to work, the new employer must first become a standard business sponsor (if they are not already), then lodge a nomination for you in the same occupation. The nomination must meet all standard requirements including Labour Market Testing (unless an exemption applies), salary at or above the Core Skills Income Threshold, and position genuinely matching the nominated ANZSCO occupation.

Different Occupation — New Nomination AND New Visa Application

If the new role is in a different ANZSCO occupation from the one on your current visa, you cannot simply rely on a new nomination. You need both a new nomination (approved) and a new 482 visa application. You must not commence work in the new occupation until the new visa is granted. Commencing work before the new visa is granted — even with an approved nomination — constitutes a visa condition breach.

Visa Condition 8607 — What It Means in Practice

Most 482 visa holders are subject to Condition 8607, which restricts the visa holder to working in the nominated occupation for the sponsoring employer. This condition is what creates the obligation to obtain a new nomination before commencing work with a new employer.

Working outside the conditions of Condition 8607 — including working for an employer who has not had a nomination approved — is a breach of visa conditions and can lead to visa cancellation. The obligation applies from the first day with the new employer, not after a grace period.

The 180-Day Rule

If a 482 visa holder’s employment ceases — whether through resignation, redundancy, or the employer ceasing to operate — the visa holder has 180 calendar days from the date their employment ends to either:

Have a new employer lodge an approved nomination for them in the same occupation; or
Lodge a new visa application (if a change of occupation is involved); or
Depart Australia; or
Transition to another substantive visa

During the 180-day period, the visa remains valid and the holder can remain lawfully in Australia. However, they cannot work for a new employer during this period without a new nomination — the 180-day window is not a general work authorisation. It is simply a period during which the visa is not immediately cancelled solely because employment has ceased.

If the 180-day period expires without a new nomination, a new visa application, or departure, the visa holder’s circumstances may trigger visa cancellation considerations by the Department of Home Affairs.

The Step-by-Step Process for Changing Employers

Confirm the new employer is a standard business sponsor — or has lodged a sponsorship application. The new employer must have approved sponsorship before lodging a nomination.
New employer lodges a nomination — in the same occupation as your current visa (or a different occupation if a new visa will also be lodged). The nomination must include LMT evidence, salary documentation, and position details.
Wait for nomination approval — do not commence work with the new employer until the nomination is approved. Processing times for nominations vary but are typically 3 to 8 weeks for straightforward cases.
Commence employment — once the nomination is approved (and a new visa granted if required), you may begin working for the new employer under the conditions of the new nomination.
Notify your migration agent — ensure your agent updates your file and advises you on any obligations, particularly regarding the expiry date of your current visa and whether a new visa application is advisable.

The Skills in Demand Visa: What Has Changed from 7 December 2025

On 7 December 2025, the Subclass 482 visa was replaced by the Skills in Demand (SID) visa for new applications. Existing 482 visa holders are not automatically converted — their visas remain valid until their expiry date and operate under the same conditions.

For existing 482 holders seeking to change employers, the process described above continues to apply to their current visa. However, if the new employer lodges a nomination that triggers a new visa application, that new visa will be assessed under the SID visa framework (not the 482 framework). This may affect occupation list eligibility, income thresholds, and conditions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I start working for a new employer while the new nomination is being processed?

No. You must wait for the new nomination to be approved before commencing work with the new employer. Working for an employer without an approved nomination is a breach of Visa Condition 8607 and can result in visa cancellation.

What happens to my 482 visa if I resign from my employer?

Your visa remains valid for 180 days after your employment ends. During this period you may remain in Australia but cannot work for a new employer without an approved nomination. After 180 days, your visa may be subject to cancellation considerations if you have not secured a new nomination, lodged a new visa application, or departed Australia.

Does the new employer need to conduct Labour Market Testing for my new nomination?

Generally yes, unless an LMT exemption applies — for example, if you are a citizen of a country with which Australia has a relevant free trade agreement, or if the position meets the Specialist Skills income threshold. The new employer cannot rely on LMT conducted by your previous employer.

How long does a new employer nomination take to be approved?

Processing times vary. Standard nominations currently process in approximately 3 to 8 weeks. Nominations that require additional assessment, are missing documentation, or involve complex occupations may take longer. Priority processing is not typically available for nominations alone.

This article provides general information only and does not constitute migration advice. Always consult a MARA-registered migration agent about your specific visa conditions and circumstances.

Questions about changing employers on your 482 visa? Book a consultation with Umar Ashraf (MARA #2619222) →

Changing Employers on a 482 Visa: Nomination vs New Visa Application