Can I start working for my new employer straight away?

No. You must wait until your new employer's nomination is approved before commencing work with them, unless your current visa conditions otherwise permit it. Starting work before the nomination is approved may breach condition 8107.

Does my new employer need to pay the SAF Levy?

Yes. The SAF Levy is payable by each employer at the time of nominating. If you change employers, your new employer must pay the SAF Levy for the period of the new nomination — even if you have only recently transferred.

What if I cannot find a new sponsor within 60 days?

If you cannot find a new sponsor within the 60-day grace period, you may be required to depart Australia. You should seek advice promptly if your employment ends unexpectedly. Do not wait until day 60 to start the process.

Can my new employer be in a different industry?

Yes, provided the nominated occupation appears on the relevant occupation list for your visa stream and the role meets salary and skill requirements. The occupation must match your qualifications and experience.

Will changing employers affect my 186 PR application?

If you are partway through the 2-year qualifying period for the 186 Temporary Residence Transition (TRT) stream, changing employers resets the clock. You would need to work with the new employer for 2 years (in most cases) before a 186 TRT application can be lodged. Seek advice on your specific situation.

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Subclass 482Skills in Demand Visa · Sponsor Transfer

Change of Employer
on a Subclass 482 Visa

If you hold a subclass 482 Skills in Demand visa and your employment ends — or you wish to move to a new employer — you may be able to transfer your sponsorship without leaving Australia. Your new employer must be an approved sponsor.

General information current as at August 2026. Requirements are subject to change — verify with the Department of Home Affairs before lodging.

The Short Answer

Changing employers on a subclass 482 requires your new employer to hold Standard Business Sponsorship and to lodge a new nomination for you. You can remain in Australia while the new nomination is being processed, provided you continue to comply with your current visa conditions. If your employment has already ended, you generally have up to 60 days before departure is required. Nanak Migration Group (MARN 2619467) can assess your situation and help coordinate the transfer process.

Request a discussion Skills in Demand (482) →

Reviewed by Navpreet Aulakh, Registered Migration Agent (MARN 2619467)

Last reviewed: July 2026

Overview Eligibility Process Fees Risks FAQ Related

60 days

Grace period after employment ends

You generally have up to 60 days to secure a new sponsor after your employment ceases.

SBS required

New employer must be approved

Your new employer must hold (or apply for) Standard Business Sponsorship before nominating you.

New nomination

Required for each transfer

A new nomination application must be lodged by the new employer for your nominated occupation.

Stay compliant

Condition 8107 continues

You must comply with condition 8107 until a new nomination and any required visa change is in effect.

Eligibility

Who Can Transfer to a New Employer?

Not every 482 holder can transfer their sponsorship. The following conditions apply.

You hold a current subclass 482 visa

Your visa must be valid at the time the new nomination is lodged. A cancelled or expired 482 visa cannot be transferred — you would need to apply for a new visa.

Your new employer must hold SBS

Standard Business Sponsorship must be current. If the employer is not yet approved, they can apply for SBS concurrently with the nomination, but the nomination cannot be approved until SBS is granted.

The role must meet occupation and salary requirements

The new position must appear on the relevant occupation list for your visa stream and must meet the Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (TSMIT) or the applicable stream salary floor.

You must be within the 60-day period (if employment has ended)

If your employment with your previous sponsor has already ended, you have a 60-day period in which to find and be nominated by a new employer before departure from Australia is generally required.

Process

Steps to Transfer Your Sponsorship

An indicative process only. Individual circumstances may vary — obtain personalised advice from a registered migration agent.

Confirm new employer has SBS

Your new employer must hold current Standard Business Sponsorship (or apply for it concurrently). Check their SBS approval status and renewal date.

Agree on role and salary

Confirm the new role is in the same or a closely related ANZSCO occupation and that the offered salary meets the Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (TSMIT) or the applicable stream threshold.

New employer lodges nomination

The new employer lodges a 482 nomination through ImmiAccount. If you are remaining in the same occupation and your current visa period is sufficient, you may not need a new visa — but confirm with a migration agent.

Await nomination approval

The Department processes the new nomination. During this time you should remain employed with your current employer if still employed, or comply with the 60-day rule if employment has already ended.

Commence work with new employer

Once the new nomination is approved (and any required visa granted), you may commence work with the new employer in the nominated occupation.

Costs

Fees for Changing Employers

Nomination application charge

$330 (indicative, subject to change)

SAF Levy

$1,200 per year (small business) or $1,800 per year (other businesses) — payable by the new employer

New visa application charge

May apply if a new subclass 482 visa application is required (check current VAC on DoHA website)

Professional fees

Variable — contact Nanak Migration Group for a fixed-fee quote

Figures current at August 2026 — confirm on the Department of Home Affairs website before lodging.

Important

Risks and Common Issues

Be aware of the following issues before and during the employer transfer process.

Gap in sponsorship

Working without a valid nomination for your new employer is a breach of condition 8107. Do not start working for the new employer until the nomination is approved (unless a migration agent advises otherwise based on your specific visa grant).

60-day rule

The 60-day period is not a visa — it is an administrative grace period. If you remain in Australia beyond 60 days after employment ends without a new sponsor, you may accrue unlawful status.

Occupation mismatch

If your new role is in a materially different ANZSCO code, a new visa application may be required in addition to the new nomination. Confirm the occupation code before accepting the offer.

SBS renewal

Check that your new employer's SBS has not lapsed. A lapsed SBS means the employer cannot lodge a valid nomination until SBS is renewed.

Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Ready to transfer your 482 sponsorship?

Nanak Migration Group (MARN 2619467) can assess your situation, advise on timing, and coordinate the new nomination with your prospective employer.

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General information only — not immigration advice

About this information

This information is general in nature and does not constitute immigration assistance or legal advice for any individual situation. Requirements including occupation lists, fees and processing criteria change without notice.

No outcome representation

Nanak Migration Group Pty Ltd makes no representation that information on this site is complete, current or applicable to your circumstances. Nothing here guarantees, implies or represents any visa outcome, approval likelihood or processing time.

Get personal advice

Obtain advice tailored to your situation from a registered migration agent or Australian legal practitioner. Navpreet Aulakh, MARN 2619467, is registered with the Office of the Migration Agents Registration Authority.

Information current as at August 2026. Verify all requirements with the Department of Home Affairs (immi.homeaffairs.gov.au) before lodging any application.

Change of Employer
on a Subclass 482 Visa

General information current as at August 2026. Requirements are subject to change — verify with the Department of Home Affairs before lodging.

The Short Answer

Who Can Transfer to a New Employer?

Steps to Transfer Your Sponsorship

Fees for Changing Employers

Risks and Common Issues

Frequently Asked Questions

Related Pages

Ready to transfer your 482 sponsorship?

Who Can Transfer to a New Employer?

Steps to Transfer Your Sponsorship

Fees for Changing Employers

Risks and Common Issues

Frequently Asked Questions

Related Pages

Ready to transfer your 482 sponsorship?