A guide to switching jobs when on an Australian work visa

Coming to Australia and finding employment with an Australian work visa is a wonderful way to discover the scenery and culture of the Lucky Country, and to make the most of the many career opportunities available.

But what happens if your employment is not what you hoped it would be, or you are offered another job elsewhere? Can you switch jobs while on an Australian working visa? 

The answer is typically yes, but there may be some paperwork involved depending on what kind of visa you have.  

Australian work visa types

There isn’t just one Australian work visa – there are a number of different types of visas, and this can affect how you go about changing jobs in Australia. These are some of the common Australian work visas:

Working holiday visa (subclass 417)

This common working visa is for young people aged 18-30/35 to work in Australia for up to 12 months. It’s a flexible option that allows you to enter the country without any confirmed work plans. There is usually a stipulation that you cannot work for more than six months for the same employer without asking for special permission, however this stipulation has currently been relaxed until December 2022 for certain jobs. 

Working holiday visa (subclass 462)

This working visa is similar to the 417 subclass, but allows visitors to work for up to three years in Australia. However, there are certain education requirements you must meet in order to apply. 

Temporary skill shortage visa (subclass 482) 

This temporary skill shortage visa exists to bring talented individuals to Australia to fill roles in industries that are currently experiencing shortages. Employees with this visa must be sponsored by an employer, and can work for up to two, or sometimes four years.

Employer nomination scheme visa (subclass 186)

The employer nomination scheme visa allows skilled workers to permanently work and reside in Australia, provided they are sponsored by their employer. These jobs must also be on the skills shortage list.

Skilled independent visa (subclass 189)

This visa allows workers under the age of 45 to enter Australia to live and work permanently, provided they have an occupation on the skills shortage list. The worker does not need an employer to sponsor them to enter Australia with this visa. 

Switching jobs on an Australian work visa

For many Australian work visas, there are no limitations on switching employers, and you can do so just like any Australian citizen. This includes the working holiday visas and the skilled independent visa. 

For Australian work visas where you are sponsored by an employer as part of your visa, you can still switch jobs. However, that sponsorship must be transferred to a new employer, provided it is the same occupation as the initial sponsorship.

The new employer must lodge their nomination with the Department of Home Affairs, and be a Standard Business Sponsor (or apply to become one), much like the initial process when you gained sponsorship with your initial employer. 

You cannot begin working for the new employer until the nomination and sponsorship have been approved. This process can take a minimum of a month, so you will need to factor this timeframe into your employment plans. 

Alternatively, you may be able to apply for a different visa.

For a better understanding of switching jobs on an Australian work visa for your specific visa and subclass, use the Department of Home Affairs job situation change portal to see what limitations apply to you (if any). 

For those looking for available positions in Australia, explore the Michael Page Global Opportunities page to see what’s available right now, or to register your interest with a recruitment specialist.