The main employer-sponsored visas
Skills in Demand visa (subclass 482)
A temporary visa of up to four years for skilled workers sponsored by an approved employer, in the Core Skills, Specialist Skills or Labour Agreement stream. It can lead to permanent residence. About the subclass 482 visa.
Employer Nomination Scheme (subclass 186)
A permanent visa for skilled workers nominated by an employer, through the Temporary Residence Transition, Direct Entry or Labour Agreement stream. About the subclass 186 visa.
Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional visa (subclass 494)
A provisional visa of up to 5 years for positions in regional Australia. Generally, the worker must have competent English and at least 3 years of full-time experience in the occupation, unless an exemption applies. Holders may later apply for the permanent subclass 191 visa if they meet its requirements, including taxable income at or above the required amount in 3 income years.
Labour agreements
Employers with a labour agreement with the Australian Government can sponsor workers under terms negotiated for their industry or business. The subclass 482, 186 and 494 visas each have a Labour Agreement stream.
How it works
- Sponsorship. For the subclass 482 visa, the business must first be approved as a standard business sponsor.
- Nomination. The employer nominates a genuine position and pays at least the market salary rate and the applicable income threshold. Labour market testing is required for some nominations.
- Visa. The worker applies for the visa and shows the required skills, work experience, English and that they meet health and character requirements.
Sponsors of subclass 482 workers have ongoing obligations, such as paying the nominated salary and keeping records, and breaches can lead to sanctions. Read about sponsor obligations.
Choosing the right pathway
- A temporary role, or a worker without the experience for permanent residence yet: often the subclass 482 visa.
- A worker who has held a 482 visa for 2 years: often the subclass 186 visa, Temporary Residence Transition stream.
- An experienced worker with a positive skills assessment for a permanent role: possibly the subclass 186 visa, Direct Entry stream.
- A position in regional Australia: possibly the subclass 494 visa, then the subclass 191.
The right choice depends on the occupation, the worker’s age, English, experience and visa history, and the business. We assess this before anything is lodged.
How we help
- Employers: sponsorship applications, nominations, labour market testing advice and sponsor compliance.
- Workers: visa applications, changing sponsors, and planning the pathway to permanent residence.
- Problems: responses to requests from the Department, including s56 and s57 letters, and ART appeals where available.
Frequently asked questions
How long does the process take?
It depends on the visa and the case. The Department publishes current visa processing times. Preparing a complete application from the start avoids most delays.
Do we have to advertise the position first?
Labour market testing is required for some nominations, and there are exemptions. We advise whether it applies and what evidence is needed before you nominate.
Can a sponsored worker change employers?
Generally yes, but the new employer usually needs to lodge a new nomination. Workers on a subclass 482 visa should get advice early if their employment is ending.
What does it cost?
Government charges apply at each stage and change each year. Our professional fees are quoted after a consultation, once we understand the business and the worker. See our fees.
Talk to a Registered Migration Agent
An employer sponsorship consultation with Tatsiana Pustavoit (MARN 1800880) gives you a clear pathway, the risks to address and the next steps. Consultations are held online via Microsoft Teams or by phone. Only the Department of Home Affairs can decide a visa application, and no registered migration agent or lawyer can guarantee an outcome.