If you’re currently working in Australia on a Subclass 482 Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) visa, you may be wondering whether you can change employers — and how to do it legally and safely. Whether you’re considering a new job opportunity, facing redundancy, or needing to leave a workplace, understanding the legal requirements is critical to avoiding a breach of visa conditions.

This guide from AIM Lawyers breaks down everything you need to know about changing employers on a 482 visa, including legal obligations, the step-by-step nomination process, and practical tips to help you transition smoothly.

Can You Change Employers on a 482 Visa?

Yes — but not without formal approval. Under Australian migration law, a 482 visa is tied to a specific sponsoring employer and a nominated occupation. If you want to work for a different employer, that new employer must be:

  1. An approved sponsor, and
  2. Willing and eligible to nominate you for the same (or another eligible) position.

Until the new nomination is approved, you cannot lawfully commence work with the new employer — even if you’ve resigned from your current job.

Learn more about the core visa structure on our Employer Sponsored Visa 482 page.

Step-by-Step Process: Changing Employers on a 482 Visa

The process to change employers involves several stages and must be managed carefully to remain compliant with immigration laws.

Step 1: Confirm Your Visa and Role Details

Start by checking:

  • Your current visa subclass and expiry date
  • The occupation you were nominated under
  • Your visa stream (Short-term, Medium-term, Labour Agreement)
  • Any visa conditions, such as condition 8607, which requires you to work in your nominated occupation

Step 2: Receive a Job Offer from a New Sponsor

Before initiating any legal changes, you must first secure a job offer from a new employer who:

  • Is an approved Standard Business Sponsor, or
  • Is willing to apply to become one

The new job must also:

  • Be in the same occupation or another eligible occupation listed on the relevant Skilled Occupation List
  • Meet the Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (TSMIT) and market salary requirements
  • Be a genuine full-time position

If the role or salary differs significantly, additional assessments may be required.

Step 3: New Employer Lodges a Nomination

Your new employer must lodge a new nomination with the Department of Home Affairs, including:

  • The nominated occupation
  • Evidence of Labour Market Testing (if applicable)
  • Proposed salary and employment conditions
  • A genuine need for the role within their organisation

This step is critical and must be approved before you can legally start working with the new employer. If your occupation or stream changes, the nomination may also need to be supported by additional documentation or a new skills assessment.

For employers seeking to understand their obligations, refer to our guide on sponsoring an employee.

Step 4: Wait for Nomination Approval

The Department of Home Affairs will assess:

  • Whether the employer is eligible and compliant
  • Whether the role meets nomination criteria
  • Your current visa status and conditions

Importantly, you cannot begin work with the new employer until the nomination is approved. Starting early could breach your visa conditions and lead to cancellation.

Step 5: Start Work Under the New Nomination

Once the new nomination is approved, you can commence employment with the new sponsor. There’s no need to apply for a new visa if:

  • You remain in the same visa subclass (482)
  • The nomination has been approved within your current visa validity
  • Your occupation and stream remain unchanged

However, if you are changing occupation or your visa is about to expire, you may need to lodge a new visa application.

To understand how this transition could affect your permanent residency plans, visit our 482 to PR pathway page.

What Happens to Your Visa During the Transition?

Your 482 visa remains valid only while you are working in your nominated role for your approved sponsor. Once you stop working:

  • You have up to 60 days (or the remainder of your visa, whichever is shorter) to find a new sponsor and have a nomination lodged
  • If no new nomination is made within this period, you may need to leave Australia or apply for another visa

Note: The 60-day grace period applies after the employment relationship ends, not after the visa expires. This time should be used wisely to avoid a gap in lawful status.

You can learn more about compliance on our 482 Visa Requirements page.

Employer and Employee Obligations During the Change

For Employees:

  • You must not start work with a new employer until their nomination is approved
  • You must stay in your nominated occupation under your visa conditions (typically condition 8607)
  • You must ensure your visa remains valid throughout the transition

For Employers (New Sponsor):

  • Must be an approved sponsor
  • Must comply with Labour Market Testing and salary requirements
  • Must meet all sponsorship obligations, including accurate reporting and record-keeping
  • Must not employ the visa holder until the nomination is approved

Risks of Non-Compliance

Changing employers without following the correct process can lead to serious consequences:

  • For Employees:
    • Visa cancellation for breach of conditions
    • Risk of becoming unlawful in Australia
    • Ineligibility for future visas or permanent residency pathways
  • For Employers:
    • Fines or sanctions for employing visa holders without valid nomination
    • Suspension or cancellation of sponsorship approval
    • Inability to sponsor workers in the future

Even a small administrative error can delay the nomination or result in refusal, so it’s critical that all parties understand their responsibilities.

Key Tips for a Smooth Employer Transition

Changing employers on a 482 visa is legally permitted, but it must be handled with care. Here are some tips to help you avoid delays or issues:

  1. Don’t resign too early – Wait until the new employer has committed to nominating you
  2. Maintain valid visa status – Keep track of expiry dates and visa conditions
  3. Communicate clearly – Keep both employers informed of your plans (where appropriate)
  4. Document everything – Keep records of job offers, nominations, and communications
  5. Seek legal advice early – Complex cases (e.g. occupation change, visa expiry, redundancy) require strategic planning

Ensure a smooth transition to your new role with expert legal guidance from AIM Lawyers.

How AIM Lawyers Can Help

At AIM Lawyers, we help skilled workers and sponsoring employers navigate the 482 visa process with confidence. Whether you’re considering switching jobs, experiencing employment termination, or planning a transition to permanent residency, we provide:

  • Strategic legal advice tailored to your visa conditions and occupation.
  • Assistance with new employer nominations and compliance.
  • Risk management advice to protect visa status during the transition.
  • Ongoing support with skilled visas and immigration services.

Understand your options when changing employers on a 482 visa — speak to an immigration lawyer today.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change employers on a 482 visa?
Yes, but you must be nominated by a new approved sponsor before starting work. The nomination must be approved by the Department of Home Affairs.

What happens if I leave my employer without a new nomination?
You may breach your visa conditions. You have up to 60 days to find a new sponsor. If no new nomination is lodged, you may be required to leave Australia.

Do I need a new skills assessment to change employers?
Generally, no — unless you’re changing to a new occupation or applying under a different visa stream.

How long does the process take?
Nomination approval can take several weeks, depending on the complexity and supporting documentation. Avoid starting work until formal approval is granted.

Where can I get help when changing employers on a 482 visa?
Contact AIM Lawyers to discuss your employment change and get advice on the best way forward.

Final Thoughts

Changing employers on a 482 visa is possible, but it’s not automatic. Both employees and employers must understand their obligations under migration law and take the necessary legal steps to ensure compliance.

A poorly managed transition can put your visa — and your future in Australia — at risk.

Contact AIM Lawyers to discuss your 482 visa employment change and ensure the process is handled correctly from start to finish.