As a holder of a Subclass 482 Visa, leaving your sponsoring employer can have important consequences. Here’s what you need to know and what steps you should take.
Visa Condition 8607 – Must Work in the Nominated Position
One of the key conditions of the 482 Visa is Condition 8607, which requires you to work only in the occupation nominated in your most recent Subclass 482 visa application. You cannot work in a different occupation unless you apply for and are granted a new Skills in Demand Visa.
Additionally, in most cases, you can only work for the business or its associated entity that sponsored you.
Changing Employers on a 482 Visa
Condition 8607 does not prevent you from changing employers if you find a better job opportunity. In fact, it has become increasingly common for 482 Visa holders to switch sponsors, especially with the recent changes to the 186 Temporary Residence Transition (TRT) pathway. Under these changes, the required two years of sponsored employment can now be completed with multiple employers.
If you wish to change your employer, your new sponsor must lodge and receive approval for a new nomination before you can commence work.
New Flexibility for 482 Visa Holders (Effective 1 July 2024)
The Department has introduced a more flexible approach that allows 482 Visa holders to work outside their nominated position for a limited period:
- Up to 180 days in a single period
- Up to 365 days in total across the visa validity period
This means you can begin working for a new employer, including your prospective sponsor, for up to 180 days before their nomination is approved.
Important Consideration for the 186 TRT Pathway
While this new rule prevents employment gaps when changing jobs, it’s crucial to note that only employment after the lodgment of the new nomination counts towards the 186 TRT eligibility. To avoid any impact on your permanent residency pathway, we strongly recommend that your new sponsor lodges the nomination as soon as possible.
Need Advice?
If you have any concerns about your 482 Visa status or your eligibility for a Subclass 186 Visa, feel free to book a formal consultation with us.