Being dismissed from your job is stressful in any situation, but when you are in Australia on a Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) 482 visa, that stress can increase because your ability to remain in the country is tied to your employment. Many visa holders fear that once they lose their position, their visa will be cancelled automatically. The 482 visa is a sponsored visa, which means your stay in Australia depends on your relationship with the employer who sponsors you.
When your job ends, your sponsorship ends too. However, this does not mean you must leave immediately. Australian immigration regulations provide a grace period that allows you time to secure a new employer or transition to another visa pathway.
What is the duration you can remain in Australia when you lose your job?
Under current immigration laws, 482 visa holders are generally given 60 days from the date their employment is terminated to do any of the following:
Find a new approved sponsor.
Apply for another substantive visa.
Leave Australia voluntarily.
This period gives you time to look for a new employment opportunity or explore alternative visa options. During this grace period, you remain lawful and your visa is still valid. You must, however, take proactive steps because staying beyond the 60 days may result in visa cancellation.
What should you do if you lose your job sooner than expected?
The Department of Home Affairs will usually consider the end date of your employment to be the date your employer notifies the department, not the day you stop working. This is why you must understand your employer’s obligations and monitor the situation closely.
Employer responsibilities upon termination of sponsorship
When your employment ends, your former employer has several legal obligations. They must:
Notify the Department of Home Affairs within 28 days of your employment ending.
Pay any outstanding financial commitments related to your sponsorship.
Maintain records that demonstrate compliance with their sponsorship obligations.
If your employer does not notify the department, this may complicate your case in future, particularly if you need more time or wish to change visas. This is another reason why speaking with qualified migration lawyers early can be very important.
Can you find a new sponsor?
Yes. You can transfer your 482 visa to a new employer, and this is often the fastest way to stay and work in Australia. If a new employer is willing to sponsor you, they must lodge a new nomination for the role. Once this nomination is approved, your current 482 visa will be linked to the new sponsor.
In most cases, you do not need to apply for a new visa unless your current visa is close to expiring. Because the process is time-sensitive, start your job search as soon as possible and ensure your CV, references and evidence of skills are up to date. Acting quickly improves your chances of a successful transfer.
Other visa programmes you can consider
If securing a new sponsor within the grace period is not possible, there are several alternative visa pathways.
Choice 1: Partner visa pathways
If you are married to, or in a de facto relationship with, an Australian citizen, permanent resident or eligible New Zealand citizen, you may be able to apply for a partner visa. Work visa lawyers often recommend this as a direct route to permanent residency.
Option 2: Student visa
If you want to continue your education or reskill, a student visa may be an option. This allows you to stay in Australia lawfully while studying, although your work hours will be limited.
Option 3: Bridging visas
If you apply for another substantive visa, you may receive a bridging visa that allows you to remain in Australia while your new application is processed.
Pathway 4: Skilled permanent residency
Depending on your occupation, age, English proficiency and work experience, you may be eligible for skilled visas such as:
Skilled Independent Visa (189)
Skilled Nominated Visa (190)
Skilled Work Regional Visa (491)
These pathways may require skills assessments or state nomination, so timing is important.
Alternative 5: Visitor visa (temporary solution)
If you need more time to decide on your next steps, you may apply for a visitor visa. However, speak with experienced migration lawyers first because switching from a work visa to a visitor visa may affect future visa applications.
Why you should seek legal guidance immediately
Losing your job while holding a 482 visa can create several complications, particularly if:
There is uncertainty about the exact date your employment ended.
Your employer delays notifying the Department of Home Affairs.
You need to transition to another visa in a short timeframe.
You want to transfer your sponsorship but require strategic advice.
Experienced migration lawyers or work visa lawyers can help clarify your legal position, prepare documentation and lodge applications on time. Acting early increases the likelihood of a positive outcome.
What happens if you do nothing?
If you exceed the grace period without lodging a new visa application or securing a new sponsor, you risk:
Becoming unlawful
Receiving a section 48 bar, which limits your ability to apply for further visas inside Australia
Being removed from Australia
Facing difficulties in future visa applications because of an unlawful stay
Taking timely action is essential to protect your future in Australia.
Practical steps to take immediately after losing your job
Confirm your employment end date in writing so you know exactly when your 60-day grace period begins. This date is critical for your next steps.
Use your ImmiAccount or VEVO to check your visa status, work limitations and any remaining conditions that apply.
Start searching for a new job immediately if you want to remain on a sponsored visa. Finding a new employer and securing a nomination can take time, so acting quickly is important.
Contact migration lawyers to discuss other options, such as partner visas, student visas or skilled visas, if a new sponsor is unlikely.
Prepare essential documents, including an updated CV, reference letters, employment evidence and skills documentation, to speed up future applications.
Lodge another visa application before your grace period expires to stay lawful and avoid problems.
Final thoughts
Being made redundant while on a 482 visa can feel overwhelming, but it does not mean you must leave Australia. The 60-day grace period allows you time to secure another sponsor or apply for a different visa. Depending on your circumstances, you may still be eligible for options such as partner visas, student visas or skilled migration.
Acting quickly is crucial because delays can affect your ability to remain lawful. Seeking guidance from professional migration lawyers or work visa lawyers can help you understand your options and take the right steps. Expert advice can make a significant difference to your future in Australia.
FAQs
- Am I allowed to remain in Australia during the job-seeking process after losing my 482 visa job?
Yes. You may remain in Australia for up to 60 days after your employment ends. During this period, you can look for a new sponsor or apply for another visa.
- What if my employer does not notify immigration?
Your visa obligations are linked to the actual date your employment ends, not the date your employer notifies the department. However, delays may create confusion, so it is wise to seek professional advice.
- Do I need a new visa if I change employers?
Not always. If your current 482 visa has time remaining, your new employer only needs to lodge a new nomination. A new visa is usually required only if your existing visa is close to expiry.
- Can I apply for permanent residency after losing my job?
Yes, in some cases. Skilled visas, partner visas or employer-sponsored PR pathways may still be available depending on your circumstances.
- Should I hire migration lawyers when I lose my job?
Yes. Early advice can help you understand your options, stay lawful and take timely action to protect your immigration status.