Employer Sponsored Visas
VisaEnvoy offers professional services to employers with all Sponsorship, Nomination, Visa applications, 186 and 494 applications, including regional certifying body advice.
With extensive experience representing the world’s largest corporations, SMEs, and start-ups, VisaEnvoy are well placed to assist with all issues in relation to the employer sponsored visa process, including business sponsorship applications, nomination applications, compliance and sponsorship bars.
The main Employer Sponsorship visas are:
Employer sponsored visa guides
- Skills in Demand 482 visa
- 482 Core Skills stream
- 482 Specialist Skills stream
- 482 visa fees
- 482 visa path to PR
- Employer Nomination Scheme (186 visa)
- Regional employer sponsored (494 visa)
- Becoming a standard business sponsor
- Skilling Australians Fund (SAF) levy
- Labour agreements
- Designated Area Migration Agreements (DAMA)
- Employer sponsorship assessment
Skills in Demand (482 Visa)
TSS 482 visa (replaced by Skills in Demand in December 2024): earlier guides
Regional Employer Sponsored (494 visa)
Temporary activity visas (400, 403, 407, 408 visa)
Employer Nomination (186 Visa)- Permanent
Subclass 494 Skilled Employer Sponsored (Regional)
GLOBAL TALENT SCHEME (GTS VISA)
Corporate Services
Related
Book a meeting today for a commitment free briefing with our Registered Migration Agents in Melbourne to find more about your visa options.
What is sponsorship visa in Australia?
Employer sponsored visas allow skilled overseas workers to live and work in Australia for the Australian employer that nominates them. You must be qualified or have enough work experience in an occupation on the relevant skilled occupation list.
How can I get sponsored visa?
Visa options for skilled sponsored workers
This table compares the main employer sponsored visas. You can sponsor someone to come to Australia permanently or temporarily to fill a nominated skilled role.
| Visa | Length | Unique features | Main skill requirements |
|---|---|---|---|
| Skills in Demand visa (subclass 482) | Up to 4 years | Three streams: Core Skills, Specialist Skills and Labour Agreement. You can change employers (you generally have up to 180 days at a time, and 365 days in total, to find a new sponsor). Pathway to PR through the 186 Temporary Residence Transition stream. | At least 1 year of relevant work experience. Core Skills: occupation on the Core Skills Occupation List and salary of at least $79,423 (CSIT). Specialist Skills: salary of at least $146,576 (SSIT). English and, for some occupations, a skills assessment. |
| Employer Nomination Scheme (subclass 186) | Permanent | Temporary Residence Transition stream (after 2 years on a 482 in the last 3), Direct Entry stream and Labour Agreement stream. | Usually under 45 (exemptions apply) and Competent English. Direct Entry: positive skills assessment and at least 3 years of relevant work experience. |
| Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 494) | 5 years | You must live and work in regional Australia. After 3 years you may be able to apply for the permanent 191 visa. | Usually under 45, Competent English, positive skills assessment and at least 3 years of relevant work experience. |
Other criteria apply to each visa. See the visa page for the full requirements, or read about temporary activity visas if you want to sponsor someone for short term work, activities or training.
Who can sponsor for a 482 visa?
When you become an approved standard business sponsor, you can sponsor someone to work for you on a Skills in Demand visa (subclass 482). Overseas businesses can also apply through overseas business sponsorship.
Can you get PR on a 482 visa?
Yes. All 482 visa holders now have a pathway to permanent residency through the Temporary Residence Transition stream of the Employer Nomination Scheme (subclass 186). This applies whatever stream you are in and whichever occupation list your occupation was on. You generally need at least 2 years of work in your occupation on a 482 visa in the 3 years before nomination (since December 2024 this can be with any approved sponsor), and you must meet the age, English and skill requirements. See our 482 visa path to PR guide for details.
Can I apply for PR after 2 years on 482 visa?
Yes, in most cases. Since November 2023 the work requirement for the 186 Temporary Residence Transition stream has been 2 years in the last 3 (it used to be 3 years), and since December 2024 time with any approved sponsor can count. Your employer will need to nominate you for the 186, and you must still meet the other requirements.
How long does employer sponsorship take?
It depends on the visa, the stream and whether your business is already an approved sponsor. Accredited sponsors usually receive priority processing. For current timeframes, see our employer sponsored visa processing times page.
Can I buy a house in Australia on a 482 visa?
Please see here: Buying a Property in Australia: Temporary Residents
