How long is the grace period if I lose my job on a 482 visa?

You have up to 180 consecutive days per cessation of employment. There is also a cumulative cap of 365 days across the life of your visa — so multiple shorter gaps add up.

What happens if I exceed the grace period?

Exceeding 180 consecutive days (or the 365-day cumulative cap) without a new nomination or visa risks visa cancellation and an exclusion period of up to three years. Act quickly and seek professional advice early.

Can I change employers instead of leaving Australia?

Yes — finding a new employer willing to sponsor you is usually the best option. They lodge a fresh nomination for you. SponsorMap lists every approved sponsor, filterable by industry and state.

What happens to my 482 visa if I lose my job?

By the SponsorMap team · Last updated 30 October 2026

Because the Skills in Demand visa is tied to your sponsoring employer, losing your job is stressful — but you're not immediately out of options. There's a defined grace period.

The grace period

If your employment ends, you have up to 180 consecutive days per cessation of employment to find a new sponsoring employer, apply for a different visa, or arrange to leave Australia. There is also a cumulative cap of 365 days across the life of your visa — so if you have had multiple gaps, those days add up. During any part of the grace period you can stay onshore.

What you can do in that window

During the grace period you have full work rights — you can work for any employer, including in occupations outside your nominated one, while you search for a new sponsor. SponsorMap lists every approved sponsor, filterable by your industry and state. Once you find one, they lodge a fresh nomination for you.

Act quickly

If you exceed 180 consecutive days (or the 365-day cumulative cap) without a new nomination or visa in place, you risk visa cancellation and an exclusion period of up to three years. Act quickly: talk to a registered migration agent as soon as your employment ends to understand your specific options and deadlines.

Frequently asked questions

How long is the grace period if I lose my job on a 482 visa?: You have up to 180 consecutive days per cessation of employment. There is also a cumulative cap of 365 days across the life of your visa — so multiple shorter gaps add up.
Can I work for another employer during the grace period?: Yes. During the grace period you have full work rights — you can work for any employer, including in occupations outside your nominated one, while you arrange a new sponsor.
What happens if I exceed the grace period?: Exceeding 180 consecutive days (or the 365-day cumulative cap) without a new nomination or visa risks visa cancellation and an exclusion period of up to three years. Act quickly and seek professional advice early.
Can I change employers instead of leaving Australia?: Yes — finding a new employer willing to sponsor you is usually the best option. They lodge a fresh nomination for you. SponsorMap lists every approved sponsor, filterable by industry and state.

Related resources

About this guide

This guide is maintained by the SponsorMap team and reviewed against official Australian government sources. SponsorMap's company data comes from the Department of Home Affairs list of approved sponsors. Visa rules and figures are based on the Department of Home Affairs and are updated as they change. Always confirm your situation with the Department of Home Affairs or a registered migration agent.

Rules change — always verify with the Department of Home Affairs or a registered migration agent (MARA).