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Secondary employment on TSS 482 visa and 457 visa


Update (October 2026)

The 457 visa closed in 2018, and on 7 December 2024 the TSS visa was replaced by the Skills in Demand (SID) visa, which keeps subclass 482. Since 1 July 2024, if a 482 holder stops working for their sponsor they have up to 180 days at a time (365 days in total over the visa) to find a new sponsor, apply for another visa or depart, and they may work for other employers during that period.

What secondary employment can be undertaken on a 457 visa?

A subclass TSS 482 visa or 457 visa holder must have a genuine intention to perform the nominated occupation in Australia and this includes not undertaking additional work or activity that is inconsistent with the nominated occupation.

As a result, unless exempted, a primary subclass 457 visa holder may not undertake secondary employment unless this work is:
  • undertaken for the sponsor;
  • in the nominated occupation;
  • consistent with the position they were approved to fill; and
  • incidental to their principal employment.
Unpaid work

Under policy, voluntary unpaid work is not considered to be a breach of 8107 provided it does not affect the ability of the subclass 457 visa holder to work in the nominated position on a full-time basis. In view of the sponsorship obligations that apply to the sponsor, however, the visa holder is expected to get the agreement of their sponsor.

This is because voluntary work would not normally meet the definition of ‘work’ under regulation 1.03 – that is, as an activity that in Australia normally attracts remuneration. Furthermore it would not take a job opportunity away from an Australian and may be to Australia’s benefit.
Work outside Australia

Condition 8107 condition applies to an impacted visa holder in relation to their work rights while in Australia. This condition does not impact on work or employment that the visa holder may undertake overseas, provided the overseas based employment/income is not related to any business activities within Australia.

In certain circumstances where a subclass 457 visa applicant will be undertaking work outside of Australia to a substantial level, it is, however, possible that the Department may have concerns that the position being nominated is not a genuine position as the applicant may not be primarily working in the nominated position.

If officers are satisfied that the subclass 457 visa holder:

  • did not have a genuine intention to perform the occupation for which they were nominated; or
  • has ceased to have a genuine intention to perform that occupation

What this means in 2026

The 457 visa closed in 2018 and the TSS visa was replaced by the Skills in Demand (subclass 482) visa on 7 December 2024. Secondary employment is still tightly limited for 482 visa holders, but the rules around changing jobs are more flexible than they were.

Who you can work for. As a primary 482 visa holder you must generally work only for your approved sponsor (or an associated entity where allowed), in the occupation you were nominated for. A second job with a different employer is generally not allowed while you hold the visa. Volunteer work is a grey area, so get advice first if the role looks like unpaid employment.

If your job ends. Since 1 July 2024, if you stop working for your sponsor you have up to 180 days at a time (and up to 365 days in total across the visa) to find a new sponsor, apply for a different visa or leave Australia. During that period you may work for other employers.

Changing employers. A new employer must be an approved sponsor and lodge a nomination for you. In most cases you do not need a new visa, unless the occupation changes or your visa is close to expiry.

Your partner. Secondary 482 visa holders can generally work for any employer, with no limit on hours.

Generally no. You must work for your sponsor in your nominated occupation. Other work could breach your visa conditions and put the visa at risk.

You generally have up to 180 days at a time, and up to 365 days in total over the visa, to find a new sponsor, apply for another visa or leave Australia. You may work for other employers during this time.

Usually not. The new sponsor lodges a nomination for you. A new visa may be needed if the occupation changes, the salary is lower than approved, or the visa is close to expiry.

Yes. A secondary 482 visa holder generally has unrestricted work rights.

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