Confirm new employer is SBS-approved
New sponsor must hold current SBS accreditation. Check before resignation. See SBS guide.
New Nomination · PR Pathway Protection · Planned Transitions
Changing employers on a 482 or SID is possible but needs planning.
Moving to a new sponsor without losing visa status requires timing the nomination. Moving without protecting the PR pathway can restart the 2-year clock. Here is how to change employers the right way.
Core process
Four steps.
A clean employer change follows a consistent process.
New nomination lodged
New employer lodges nomination for the same or similar occupation. Worker does not need to lodge new visa if current visa still valid.
Notify the Department
Department notified of change. Usually happens automatically through sponsor notifications.
Transition timing
Ideally new nomination approved before old role ends. Avoids the 60-day grace period pressure.
PR pathway impact
Does it reset the 2-year clock?
The biggest strategic question is whether changing employers affects the 186 TRT pathway.
Same employer requirement for TRTTRT 186 requires 2 years with the sponsoring employer. Different employer usually resets.
Related entity exceptionIf new employer is a related entity (same corporate group) of the original sponsor, the clock may continue. Narrow exception.
Fresh 2-year periodAfter employer change, the new 2-year clock starts with the new sponsor. Previous sponsored time generally does not count.
Practical timing
Three timing priorities.
Good timing converts a risky employer change into a clean transition.
Nomination before resignation
Ideal scenario: new nomination approved before resignation. Minimises gap risk.
Overlap if possible
Some employers will accommodate a few weeks of overlap. Even short overlap eliminates 60-day window pressure.
Do not resign early
Ending the current role before the new nomination is in train triggers the 60-day grace period.
The cleanest sponsor change is the one planned 3 months in advance.
Conversations with the new sponsor about timing, nomination documentation, and start date change outcomes. Rushed transitions put workers in the 60-day pressure window. Planned transitions rarely do.
Common questions
The questions we hear most.
For sponsor change planning, book with Brian Park.
Can I start work with the new employer before nomination is approved?
Generally yes if current 482/SID has work rights allowing any employer. Most 482/SID visas are employer-specific; check conditions.
Will my visa be cancelled if I leave my current sponsor?
Not automatically. But sponsor notifies Department of cessation; Department may consider cancellation if no new nomination in progress.
Does the new nomination restart processing time?
New nomination processed on its own timeline. Priority depends on stream and fee.
Is there a limit to how many times I can change employer?
No legal limit but repeated changes can complicate PR pathway planning.
Some information on this page has been sourced from the Department of Home Affairs and has been interpreted and approved by Principal Migration Agent Sourabh Aggarwal (MARN 1462159). Last reviewed: May 2026.