Changing Employers on a 482 or 494 Visa (Conditions 8607 & 8608)
Exceptions to Work Conditions explain when subclass 482 and 494 visa holders can change employers, alter duties, or be temporarily absent from their nominated role without breaching visa conditions 8607 and 8608.
The rule is imposed under condition 8607 on a subclass 482 visa, and condition 8608 on a subclass 494 visa.
On 1 July 2024, legislative changes to conditions 8607 and 8608 introduced amendments to the allowable exceptions to the basic rule. Following this change:
- The primary visa holder can cease working for a nominating employer up to one year (with no more than 6 months in any consecutive period).
- Is able to be nominated by a new employer in the same or a different occupation.
- Is allowed to work for any other employer in any occupation in the allowable periods of not working for the nominating employer.
482 and 494 visa holders should be aware that allowable absences from their nominating employer, while may not be a visa condition breach, may impact their eligibility or their timing of eligibility for transitional 186 visa nominations or provisional to permanent 191 visa applications.
FAQs
Yes, it may be possible to change employers while holding a Temporary Skill Shortage visa (subclass 482). However, visa holders must generally comply with visa condition 8607, which requires them to work for their sponsoring employer in their nominated occupation. Changing employers typically involves additional steps and approvals, and the specific requirements depend on the individual circumstances of the visa holder.
Changing employers may be possible for holders of the Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional visa (subclass 494), but strict visa conditions apply. In most cases, the visa holder must continue working for their sponsoring employer and remain in a designated regional area. Any change of employment generally requires a new nomination and careful consideration of the visa conditions that apply.
Visa conditions 8607 (for the 482 visa) and 8608 (for the 494 visa) require visa holders to work only in their nominated occupation for their sponsoring employer. If employment ends, the visa holder must usually find a new sponsor within a limited period. These conditions are designed to ensure sponsored workers remain employed in their approved role.
* Please note that the information provided herein is of a general nature only and is not individual legal advice. Contact Us to assess your circumstances.