(Updated 1 July 2026) Immigration Update: 482 & 494 Visa Holders Changing Employers | New Income Thresholds Coming July 2025 + Updated Processing Times
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Quick answer: 482 and 494 visa holders can keep working for a new sponsoring employer while their nomination is pending, provided the new nomination is lodged within 180 days of ceasing their previous employment. Skills in Demand salary thresholds are indexed each 1 July: Core Skills rose to $76,515 in July 2025 and again to $79,499 in July 2026; Specialist Skills rose to $141,210 in July 2025 and to $146,717 in July 2026. |
The 180-day rule for changing employers
482 and 494 visa holders who leave one sponsoring employer for another can continue working for their new prospective sponsor while a new nomination is being assessed, provided the new nomination is lodged within 180 days of ceasing employment with the previous sponsor. This avoids the income gap and compliance risk that used to come with switching employers mid-visa.
- The new employer must lodge a nomination – the visa holder does not need a new visa unless it’s expiring or the occupation is changing
- The 180-day clock starts from the date employment with the previous sponsor ceased
- Uninterrupted employment is permitted during the transition, provided the deadline is met
Missing the 180-day window can put a visa holder’s ongoing work rights at risk, so this is worth flagging early to any employee changing sponsors – don’t leave the new nomination until close to the deadline.
Skills in Demand salary thresholds: current and historical
Salary thresholds for the Skills in Demand visa (Subclass 482) are indexed annually, effective each 1 July. Here’s how they’ve moved over the last three cycles:
| Effective date | Core Skills threshold | Specialist Skills threshold |
| From 1 July 2024 | $73,150 | $135,000 |
| From 1 July 2025 | $76,515 | $141,210 |
| From 1 July 2026 | $79,499 | $146,717 |
Each increase applies only to new nominations lodged from the effective date – existing nominations and visa holders sponsored before the change are not retrospectively affected. Employers should confirm the threshold in force on the date they intend to lodge, not the date they’re planning the role.
Processing times to plan around
Processing times vary by stream and case complexity. As a general guide based on recent published figures:
| Application type | Typical processing time |
| 482 – Specialist Skills stream | ~13 days (published target closer to 7 days median for combined nomination + visa) |
| 482 – Core Skills stream | ~41 days |
| 482 – Labour Agreement stream | ~71 days |
| 186 – Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) | 12–18 months |
These are indicative medians, not guarantees – always check the Department of Home Affairs’ current published processing times before setting a start date with a candidate or employer, since individual cases can run longer depending on document completeness and occupation.
How long do I have to lodge a new nomination when changing sponsors on a 482 or 494 visa?
180 days from the date your employment with your previous sponsor ceased. Your new employer must lodge the nomination within that window for you to continue working uninterrupted.
What is the current Core Skills salary threshold?
$79,499 plus superannuation, effective from 1 July 2026 – up from $76,515 the previous year.
What is the current Specialist Skills salary threshold?
$146,717 plus superannuation, effective from 1 July 2026 – up from $141,210 the previous year.
Do I need a new visa if I change employers on a 482?
Generally no – your new employer needs to lodge a new nomination, but you don’t need a new visa unless your current one is expiring or you’re changing to a different occupation.
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