Skip to content

Nomination Transfer Australia: Complete Guide for Employers

In today’s competitive labour market, Australian businesses often need flexibility when managing sponsored employees. Whether due to business restructuring, mergers, internal role changes, or hiring existing sponsored workers from another employer, nomination transfers can play an important role in maintaining workforce continuity.

At Orbit Global Mobility & Migration Advisory, we help Australian employers navigate the nomination transfer process smoothly while ensuring full compliance with Australian immigration laws.

What is a Nomination Transfer?

A nomination transfer occurs when a sponsored employee changes employers or when a new employer takes over sponsorship responsibilities for an existing visa holder.

This commonly applies to workers holding employer-sponsored visas such as:

  • Temporary Skill Shortage (Subclass 482) Visa
  • Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Subclass 494) Visa
  • Employer Nomination Scheme (Subclass 186) Visa (in some situations)

The new employer must lodge a fresh nomination application before the employee can continue working under the new business.

When is a Nomination Transfer Needed?

A nomination transfer may be required in situations such as:

Employee Changing Employers

A sponsored worker receives a new job offer from another Australian employer.

Business Sale or Merger

A company undergoes restructuring, acquisition, or ownership transfer.

Internal Business Changes

The sponsored worker moves to a related entity or associated business.

Workforce Retention

A business wants to hire an experienced sponsored worker already living in Australia.

Important Changes to Employer-Sponsored Mobility

Under Australia’s migration rules, sponsored workers have limited time to find a new sponsor if employment ends.

This makes timely nomination transfer applications critical to:

  • Maintain lawful work rights
  • Avoid visa complications
  • Ensure business continuity
  • Retain skilled employees without disruption

Employer Eligibility Requirements

The new sponsoring employer must meet all sponsorship requirements.

Businesses Must:

  • Be lawfully operating in Australia
  • Hold an approved Standard Business Sponsorship (SBS) or apply for one
  • Demonstrate a genuine need for the nominated role
  • Meet salary and employment standards
  • Comply with workplace and immigration laws

Requirements for the Nominated Position

The nominated role must:

  • Match an eligible skilled occupation
  • Be genuine and full-time
  • Meet the Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (TSMIT), where applicable
  • Offer market salary rates equivalent to Australian workers

Labour Market Testing may also be required depending on the visa stream and occupation.

Steps in the Nomination Transfer Process

1. Sponsorship Approval

If the employer is not already an approved sponsor, they must first obtain SBS approval.

2. Lodge Nomination Application

The new employer submits a nomination for the sponsored worker.

3. Employee Continues Visa Compliance

In some cases, the visa holder may continue working while the nomination is processed, depending on visa conditions and timing.

Benefits of Nomination Transfers for Employers

Retain Skilled Talent

Businesses can quickly onboard experienced sponsored employees already in Australia.

Reduce Recruitment Delays

Employers avoid lengthy international recruitment processes.

Improve Workforce Stability

Nomination transfers help minimise disruptions to operations and projects.

Access Industry Expertise

Experienced sponsored workers often require less onboarding and training.

Common Challenges Employers Face

Nomination transfer applications can become complicated due to:

  • Incorrect occupation classifications
  • Salary benchmark issues
  • Labour Market Testing errors
  • Incomplete sponsorship documentation
  • Compliance concerns
  • Tight application timelines

Professional migration support can help employers avoid costly mistakes and processing delays.

Why Choose Orbit Global Mobility & Migration Advisory?

At Orbit Global Mobility & Migration Advisory, we provide strategic migration support tailored to Australian employers.

Our services include:

  • Standard Business Sponsorship applications
  • Nomination transfer assistance
  • 482 and employer-sponsored visa support
  • Compliance management
  • Labour Market Testing guidance
  • End-to-end migration solutions

We work closely with employers to ensure smooth sponsorship transitions and ongoing compliance with Australian immigration requirements.

Final Thoughts

Nomination transfers are an important part of Australia’s employer-sponsored migration system, allowing businesses to retain skilled workers and maintain operational continuity.

With proper planning and professional guidance, employers can successfully manage sponsorship transitions while remaining compliant with immigration laws.

For expert assistance with nomination transfers and employer-sponsored visas, contact Orbit Global Mobility & Migration Advisory today.