Changing Employers on an Australian Subclass 482: Wait for the New Nomination
A new job offer does not by itself let a subclass 482 holder start working for another employer. Check the current visa conditions and have the proposed employer complete the required nomination process. Home Affairs states that the new employer’s nomination must be approved before the holder starts work for that employer.
Record the last work date and visa expiry
If the sponsored employment has ended, keep the written notice, last day worked and relevant payroll records. Home Affairs says an unemployed holder may have up to 180 days to find a new employer or make arrangements to leave Australia. That is a maximum period, not an automatic visa extension. Check the individual visa conditions, any transition time already used and the visa expiry. Travel, further applications and the exact work arrangement may affect the case, so do not calculate the deadline from a new offer date alone.
The proposed employer checks its nomination route
The new business should confirm that it can sponsor or nominate the worker and that the role fits the applicable 482 stream or labour agreement. The nominated occupation, the applicant’s skills, salary and other requirements depend on the relevant pathway. A previous employer’s approval does not transfer to a new business.
The proposed employer lodges the nomination required by Home Affairs. The worker should obtain the nomination transaction reference number and check that the nominated position, employing entity, work location and duties match the actual offer. A lodgement receipt only shows that an application was submitted; it does not establish that the nomination has been approved.
Do not start before the nomination is approved
A signed contract, an agreed departure date or a lodged nomination does not change the visa conditions on its own. Check the grant notice and VEVO, confirm approval of the new nomination and make sure the work is permitted before agreeing a start date. If the actual duties differ from the nominated occupation, the employer is an associated entity, or the current visa is close to expiry, check the specific conditions first.
A nomination does not renew the visa
Changing employer and extending lawful stay are separate matters. If the current 482 is expiring and the holder wants to continue working in Australia, Home Affairs says the employer will need to submit a new nomination and the worker must apply for a new visa. A nomination alone does not extend the current visa. Eligibility for subclass 186 or another visa must be assessed separately.
Keep a dated transition file
Keep the previous employer’s cessation notice and final work date, the proposed employer’s sponsorship and nomination progress, the nominated role and salary information, current visa expiry, VEVO conditions and formal Home Affairs correspondence. Label each document with its date and source. Identify missing evidence early and do not describe a verbal assurance as an approval.
If work has already ceased, calculate the individual timeline promptly and obtain advice from a properly qualified Australian migration professional. If the worker is still considering a move, have the new employer verify the nomination steps before fixing the final day and start date. PremierVisa Group’s subclass 482 service information can be used as a consultation contact, but it does not replace a decision by Home Affairs.
Official sources and date checked
20 October 2026
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