Transferring 482 Visa Sponsorship to a New Employer
Transferring 482 visa sponsorship to a new employer is an entirely lawful and common process. However, many people do not realise that you cannot simply change jobs at will — the legal process must be completed first.
The basic principle
A 482 visa is tied to a specific nomination — that is, to a particular employer and role approved by DHA. To work for a new employer, you must have a new nomination approved.
What you must not do: start working for a new employer before the new nomination is approved — this breaches the visa conditions and can affect your immigration status.
The sponsorship transfer process
Step 1: The new employer lodges an SBS (if it does not already have one) If the new employer does not yet have an SBS, it must apply for one first. Timing: 1 to 3 months.
Step 2: The new employer lodges a nomination Once the SBS is in place, the employer lodges a nomination for the role with you as the nominee. The nomination must satisfy:
- Labour Market Testing (LMT), if the occupation is on the STSOL
- Proof of a genuine position
- A salary that satisfies the market rate
Step 3: Wait for the nomination to be approved Nomination processing time: usually 4 to 12 weeks.
Step 4: Start work Only after DHA approves the nomination can you formally begin working for the new employer.
While waiting for the nomination
While waiting for the new nomination, you:
- Continue to hold your current, valid 482 visa
- May continue working for your former employer (if you have not yet left) OR apply for a bridging visa to remain in Australia if you have left
- Cannot work for the new employer until the nomination is approved
Risks and solutions
The main risk: the new nomination is refused, and meanwhile the 60 days after the former employer notified DHA have passed.
The solution: plan early. Ideally, begin the sponsorship transfer process before formally leaving the job, or at least as soon as you decide to leave.
A new 482 visa or just a new nomination
A sponsorship transfer usually only requires a new nomination, not a fresh 482 visa application — saving considerable time and cost compared with applying for a new visa from scratch.
However, if the 482 visa is close to expiring, a visa renewal will need to be lodged at the same time.