If you’re on a Subclass 482 Temporary Skill Shortage visa under one stream and a new employer wants to nominate you under a different stream, you might be wondering whether your existing visa simply transfers across. The short answer is: it’s not that simple.
Here’s what you need to know about 482 nomination transfers when the stream changes — particularly when moving between the Short-Term stream and the Labour Agreement stream.
What Is a Nomination Transfer?
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When a 482 visa holder changes employers, the new employer typically lodges a new nomination. In many cases — when the new nomination is in the same stream as the original visa — the existing visa can be “transferred” to the new employer. This means you don’t necessarily need to lodge a whole new visa application.
However, this transfer mechanism has limitations, especially when the streams are different.
Different Stream = New Visa Application Required
If your current 482 visa was granted under the Short-Term stream and your new employer wants to nominate you under the Labour Agreement stream, this is considered a different stream. Because the Labour Agreement stream offers different concessions and conditions compared to the Short-Term stream, a simple nomination transfer is generally not possible.
In this scenario, you would typically need to:
- Have the new employer lodge a new nomination under the Labour Agreement stream
- Lodge a new 482 visa application linked to that nomination
- Receive a new visa grant with conditions specific to the Labour Agreement stream
What About Same Stream, Different Employer?
If both the old and new nominations are in the same stream (for example, both under the Medium-Term stream), the process is more straightforward. The new employer lodges their nomination, and once approved, your existing visa can generally be associated with the new nomination through a transfer — without requiring a completely new visa application.
It’s worth noting that even within the same stream, there may be circumstances where a new visa application is advisable or required, depending on changes in occupation, location, or other conditions.
Key Differences With Labour Agreement Stream
The Labour Agreement stream is unique because it operates under a specific agreement between the employer (or industry body) and the Australian Government. This agreement can provide concessions on:
- Salary thresholds (TSMIT/CSIT concessions)
- English language requirements
- Skills assessment requirements
- Occupation eligibility (occupations not on standard lists)
Because of these concessions, the visa conditions under a Labour Agreement stream may be quite different from those under the Short-Term or Medium-Term streams. This is why a new visa application is typically needed when switching between streams.
What Should You Do?
If you’re changing employers and the new nomination will be in a different 482 stream, make sure you understand the implications before making the move. Getting professional advice early can help you plan the transition smoothly and avoid any gaps in your work rights or visa status.
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Disclaimer: This blog post is intended for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or migration advice. Visa rules and policies can change, and individual circumstances vary. We recommend booking a consultation with one of our registered migration agents to discuss your specific situation.
Reviewed by VisaTasker Migration Services
MARA Registered Migration Agent · MARN 2318017
This article is written and reviewed by VisaTasker Migration Services, a MARA-registered migration agency based in Australia. As registered agents, we are bound by the Migration Agents Code of Conduct and required to provide accurate, up-to-date advice based on Australian migration legislation. Information is reviewed against the latest Department of Home Affairs policy.
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