Written by Immigrad · Registered Migration Agent · MARN 1805710 · Last updated October 2026
Yes, but not immediately. A Skills in Demand (subclass 482) holder cannot start working for a different employer until that employer has a new approved nomination. After leaving a sponsor, Home Affairs allows up to 180 days to find another approved sponsor, be granted a different visa or leave Australia.
The 482 visa is tied to your sponsoring employer and your nominated position. Moving to a new employer is allowed, but the order of steps matters: the new employer is approved and nominates you first, and you start work second. The Department of Home Affairs sets this out on its change in situation page.
The 180-day period is a limit on time spent without a sponsor, not permission to work for anyone in the meantime. Check the date of any guide you rely on, because the rules changed when the Skills in Demand visa replaced the Temporary Skill Shortage visa on 7 December 2024.
Can I start work for the new employer while their nomination is pending?
The Department of Home Affairs states that a visa holder cannot start working for a different employer until that employer has a new approved nomination. Working before approval can put your visa conditions at risk, so confirm the nomination outcome in writing first. Circumstances differ, so get personal advice before acting. See also our guide to checking visa work rights in VEVO.
What happens if I resign or my employer stops sponsoring me?
Your employer must tell the Department within 28 days, using the Notification of sponsor changes form in ImmiAccount. You then have up to 180 days from your last day to find another approved sponsor, be granted a different visa or leave Australia. The former sponsor keeps its obligations to you until then. Employers can read more in what an employer must do when a sponsored worker resigns.
Do I need a new visa application when I change employer?
Not usually. For a new employer to take over sponsorship, it must be an approved sponsor for the visa you hold and lodge a nomination. Home Affairs says a new visa application is needed only if the visa is about to expire, the duties change, or you move from a labour agreement to a standard business sponsor. If you hope to move toward permanent residence later, see the 186 visa pathways.
What should a new employer have in place first?
The new employer must be an approved sponsor and lodge a nomination for the position. If it is not yet a sponsor, it needs Standard Business Sponsorship approval first. It can then confirm your work rights through VEVO and prepare the nomination evidence for the role. The Standard Business Sponsorship requirements and the step-by-step sponsorship guide explain the process, and sponsor obligations set out the ongoing duties.
This is general information only and not migration advice. Complex cases, including a gap between employers or a change of duties, need personal advice from a registered migration agent.
Book a consultation with Immigrad to discuss changing employers on a 482 visa.