Employer Sponsor Gone Bust? Your 180-Day Guide to Protecting Your Visa

Take a breath. Since 1 July 2024, sponsored workers now have 180 days - not the old 60 - to find a new sponsor, switch to a different visa, or make other arrangements. This guide walks you through exactly what the 180-day mobility rule means, what you can and can't do during that window, and how to protect your future in Australia.

What Is the 180-Day Mobility Rule?

Before July 2024, sponsored workers on a 482 (Temporary Skill Shortage) or 457 visa had just 60 days to find a new sponsor after their employment ended. That wasn't enough time for most people, especially when employers disappeared overnight.

The Australian Government tripled the grace period to 180 consecutive days, with a cumulative cap of 365 days across the life of your visa. This applies to:

What Triggers the Clock?

Your 180-day period is activated when you stop working for your sponsoring employer. Common situations include:

• Employer insolvency - company goes into administration, liquidation, or receivership
• Redundancy - your position is made redundant
• Dismissal - you are terminated (whether fairly or unfairly)
• Sponsor withdrawal - the employer voluntarily withdraws their sponsorship
• Business closure - the employer simply shuts down

Your former employer is legally required to notify the Department of Home Affairs within 28 days of your employment ending. However, you should not wait for them to do this - act immediately.

Your Rights During the 180-Day Period

This is the part most people don't realise: you can work for any employer during the grace period.

Pro tip: Use this time strategically. You can take casual or contract work to support yourself while you search for a new sponsor - you're not limited to your nominated occupation during the grace period.

Visa Condition 8607: What You Need to Know

Your 482/SID visa carries Condition 8607, which is the key condition governing your work obligations. Under the updated rules:

• You must not cease employment for more than 180 consecutive days at a time
• The total non-employment period across your visa cannot exceed 365 days
• If you breach these limits, the Department may consider cancelling your visa

You can check what condition 8607 means in plain language using our Visa Condition Lookup tool.

Your 5-Step Action Plan

Step 1: Secure Your Documents (Days 1-3)

Before your employer's office becomes inaccessible, gather:

• ✅ Your employment contract and payslips
• ✅ Tax records and payment summaries
• ✅ Superannuation statements
• ✅ Reference letters or evidence of your role
• ✅ Any correspondence about the business closing
• ✅ Copy of your visa grant letter and nomination approval

Step 2: Check Your Visa Status (Days 1-7)

Use VEVO (Visa Entitlement Verification Online) to confirm:

• Your visa is still valid
• Your current visa conditions
• Your visa expiry date

Step 3: Explore Your Options (Days 1-30)

Not sure which employer-sponsored pathway suits you best? Our comparison of 482, 186, and Skills in Demand visas breaks down the differences.

You have several pathways, depending on your situation:

Step 4: Find a New Sponsor (Days 7-120)

If you're looking for a new employer-sponsored visa pathway, focus on:

1. Network actively - let recruiters, industry contacts, and LinkedIn connections know your situation
2. Target approved sponsors - check if potential employers are already Standard Business Sponsors (SBS)
3. Same occupation - ideally, the new employer nominates you in the same ANZSCO occupation as your current visa
4. Salary threshold - the new position must meet the current income thresholds:

Thresholds current as of March 2026. Subject to change - typically adjusted on 1 July each year.

You can search your occupation on the skilled list to confirm eligibility before approaching new employers.

Step 5: Get Professional Help (As Early as Possible)

Don't wait until day 170 to seek advice. A registered migration agent can:

• Assess which visa pathways are viable for your specific circumstances
• Help your new employer understand the sponsorship process
• Lodge applications strategically to maximise your chances
• Ensure you don't accidentally breach a visa condition

What If You Can't Find a New Sponsor?

If the 180 days are running out and you haven't secured new sponsorship, you still have options:

• Apply for a different visa - even a Bridging Visa can keep you lawful while a new visa application is processed
• Skilled independent pathway - if you meet the points test requirements, you may qualify for a 189 or 190 visa without employer sponsorship
• Consider the new SID visa - the Skills in Demand visa replaced parts of the 482 framework and may offer you additional pathways
• Make arrangements to depart - if no other option is available, departing voluntarily preserves your ability to return on a future visa

Key Deadlines at a Glance

How First Migration Can Help

Losing your sponsor is stressful, but it doesn't have to mean losing your life in Australia. At First Migration Service Centre, our registered migration agents specialise in employer-sponsored visas and have helped hundreds of workers navigate sponsor changes, visa transitions, and emergency situations.

We can assess your situation, identify the strongest pathway forward, and take action - often within days, not weeks.

Ready to take the next step? We invite you to submit a free visa assessment so we can understand your situation and provide tailored advice.