Changing a 482 Nomination: What a Nomination Variation Is
What a nomination variation is
In the subclass 482 system, each nominee must have a nomination approved by the Department — setting out the occupation (by ANZSCO code), the salary, the work location, and the sponsor. A nomination variation is the process that lets a sponsor change some information in an approved nomination without having to withdraw the old nomination and lodge an entirely new one.
However, not every change can be handled by variation. Some changes are significant enough that the Department treats them as a “different nomination” and requires a new application.
Changes that can be handled by variation
According to the Department’s guidance, some changes may be considered by variation if they do not alter the core nature of the nomination:
Change of work location: If the nominee moves from one office to another of the same sponsor, within the same state or city, this can often be handled by a notification of change. However, moving to a different state, or a location materially different in labour-market conditions, may require a new nomination.
Salary increase: A pay rise to reflect the AMSR or a normal promotion generally does not require a new nomination, but the sponsor should keep records of the contract change.
Minor title change: If the job title changes but the ANZSCO code and the nature of the work do not, this may be handled internally without a new nomination.
Changes that require a new nomination
Some changes are treated as fundamental and require an entirely new nomination:
Change of ANZSCO (occupation code): This is the most significant change. If a nominee moves from a software engineer position (ANZSCO 261313) to ICT project manager (ANZSCO 135111), this is not the same nomination — a new one must be lodged.
Change of sponsor: If the nominee wants to move to work for a different business, a variation is not possible — the nominee needs a new nomination from the new sponsor, and usually a new visa (or a change of employer process under certain conditions).
Reducing salary below the level in the nomination: If a sponsor wants to lower the nominee’s salary, the Department usually requires a new nomination because this affects a core condition.
Change of sponsor due to a business sale: If the sponsoring business is acquired and the ABN changes, a new nomination under the new business name is usually required.
The variation process in ImmiAccount
For minor changes that do not require a new nomination, the sponsor acts through ImmiAccount:
Step 1: Log in to ImmiAccount with the sponsor account (the sponsor account, not a personal account).
Step 2: Navigate to “Manage nominations” and find the nomination for the nominee to be changed.
Step 3: Select “Vary nomination” if this option is available. Not every nomination has a variation option.
Step 4: Enter the details of the change and attach supporting documents.
Step 5: Lodge and wait for the Department to assess.
Fees and processing time
New nomination fee: Lodging a new nomination requires payment of the nomination fee (usually a few hundred AUD, plus the Skilling Australians Fund levy if it applies).
Variation has no separate fee: In many cases, a variation of an existing nomination does not attract a separate fee, but the sponsor should check with the Department as fee policy can change.
Processing time: A new nomination can take from a few weeks to a few months depending on the Department’s current processing position. A variation is usually faster if the change is simple.
Note: the risk of not notifying a change
Some sponsors mistakenly think that if there is no new nomination, nothing needs to be done when the nominee’s role changes. This is a dangerous misconception:
- If the Department finds the nominee is doing work different from what was nominated (even with the same sponsor), this is a breach of the nomination condition
- The nominee’s visa may be cancelled
- The sponsor may be warned or have its sponsor status cancelled
When there is any significant change to the role, position, or working conditions, the sponsor should consult a migration professional to determine whether a new nomination is needed.
A nomination variation is a useful tool that saves time and cost for minor changes, but the line between “can be varied” and “needs a new nomination” is sometimes unclear. When in doubt, lodging a new nomination is the safer choice to ensure compliance.