Your 482 visa is tied to a specific employer and occupation — but changing jobs is possible. Here's what happens when you change employers on a 482 and what steps you need to take.
Can You Change Jobs on a 482 Visa in Australia?
Yes, you can change jobs while holding a 482 Temporary Skill Shortage visa — but not freely. The 482 is tied to a specific employer and a specific occupation. Changing employers requires a new nomination and in most cases a new visa application. Understanding the rules protects you from inadvertently falling out of your visa conditions.
What Your 482 Visa Conditions Require
Your 482 visa specifies:
The employer who sponsored you
The occupation you were nominated for
Any other specific conditions attached to the visa
You are required to work for the sponsoring employer in the nominated occupation. If you stop working for that employer, you are technically in breach of your visa conditions — even if you start work with another employer immediately.
How Long Do You Have After Leaving Your Employer?
The Australian government provides a 60-day grace period when you leave your sponsoring employer. During this 60-day window, you can:
Find a new sponsoring employer
Apply for a new visa
Depart Australia
Apply for a different visa subclass (such as a Bridging Visa while another application is processed)
After 60 days without a new arrangement in place, you may be in breach of your visa and at risk of cancellation.
Steps to Change Employers on a 482 Visa
Step 1: Find a new sponsoring employer. The new employer must be a Standard Business Sponsor or must apply to become one. This takes 2–4 weeks.
Step 2: New nomination. The new employer lodges a nomination application for your role and occupation. This is assessed by the Department of Home Affairs.
Step 3: New visa application. Once the nomination is approved, you lodge a new 482 visa application. Some applicants choose to lodge the nomination and visa application concurrently to save time.
The new visa will be assessed from scratch — including a new labour market test, salary check, and in some cases, new skills documentation.
Can I Change to a Different Occupation?
If your new employer wants to nominate you in a different occupation, this is possible if the new occupation is also on the eligible list and you have 2 years of relevant experience in it. Changing occupation is not unusual for professionals who have developed skills in adjacent areas.
What If I Cannot Find a New Sponsor Within 60 Days?
If you are approaching the 60-day mark without a new employer, your options include:
Applying for a Bridging Visa while any pending application is processed
Applying for a different visa subclass that does not require employer sponsorship
Departing Australia and re-entering when a new arrangement is in place
Do not simply remain in Australia after the 60 days on a 482 without a new arrangement — the consequences include visa cancellation and a potential bar on future Australian visas.
New World Immigration advises 482 holders on their obligations throughout their stay in Australia and helps arrange new sponsorships when employment situations change.