On a 482 visa? Your pathway to PR, and your rights
You are on a sponsored visa. You still have rights, and a future here. Independent advice for 482 and 494 visa holders on the road to permanent residence, changing employers, and what to do if something does not feel right.
- Advice direct from a Registered Migration Agent
- Honest assessment, even when the answer is no
- Phone, video or in-person in Brisbane
★ 4.8 on Google from 64 reviews
Get in touch
Free, no-obligation response within one business day.
Thank you, we've got your enquiry.
We'll be in touch within one business day. If it's urgent, call us now.
0485 094 360Sorry, something went wrong sending your enquiry. Please call us instead. 0485 094 360
Being sponsored should not mean being silent
Many sponsored workers I meet are doing everything right and still feel uneasy. They are not sure whether their employer will nominate them for permanent residence, what happens if the business struggles, or whether the arrangement they agreed to is even legal.
I have seen workers asked to pay back sponsorship costs, pay for a nomination, or accept less than the contract says. These are not small issues. Some of them are criminal offences for the person doing them, not for you.
You are entitled to independent advice that is about your future, not the employer's convenience.
Things every sponsored worker should know
Pathway to permanent residence
Many 482 holders can move to the 186 visa once they meet the requirements. Timing and the employer's position matter.
Changing employer
You can usually change employer, but the new employer must nominate you and there are time limits if your employment ends.
Payment for sponsorship
It is unlawful for anyone to ask you to pay for sponsorship, a nomination or a job. Reporting it does not automatically cancel your visa.
Workplace rights
Sponsored workers have the same workplace rights as any other worker in Australia.
Figures are general information current at 14 October 2026 and change regularly. They are not advice about your circumstances.
How it works
Confidential review
We look at your visa, your contract and where you are on the road to permanent residence.
Clear options
You hear plainly what your options are, including the risks of each.
Next step, your choice
Whether it is preparing a 186 application or changing employer, we help you move with confidence.
Who you'll be speaking with
I'm Nathan Joo, founder and principal director of Cornerstone Migration and a Registered Migration Agent (MARN 1173091). For nearly two decades I have worked in Australian and New Zealand migration, employer sponsorship, skilled visa pathways and workforce strategy.
I started this practice because I believe migrants deserve advice that puts their future first. You will get an honest assessment, including when the answer is that a visa is unlikely, and you will deal with me, not a call centre.
You can verify my registration on the official register of migration agents.
What our clients say
Genuine reviews from Cornerstone Migration clients on Google.
64 Google reviews
“After my previous visa refusal, I was really stressed and worried about what would happen next. When I met Nathan, he made things feel a lot more manageable… My case wasn't simple, but he handled everything calmly and professionally.”
“The whole process has been incredibly fast, smooth, and professional. Communication has always been clear, polite, and very responsive… They genuinely care about their clients and explain everything clearly.”
“Everything was prepared so carefully and professionally, and I always felt that I was in good hands. The attention to detail and clear guidance made the whole process much less stressful.”
Common questions
Will my employer find out I spoke to you?
Not from us. Your consultation is confidential.
My employer says they will nominate me later. Should I wait?
Possibly, but it is worth knowing exactly what 'later' needs to look like. Thresholds, age and timing can change your eligibility.
I lost my job. What happens to my visa?
There is usually a limited period to find a new sponsor, apply for another visa or make arrangements to leave. Get advice quickly.
Someone asked me to pay for my nomination. What do I do?
Do not pay. Keep any messages or records and speak to us or the relevant authorities. You have protections.
Let's look at your situation
Call now or send an enquiry and we'll come back to you within one business day.