Employer-sponsored visas allow Australian businesses to hire qualified overseas workers when they cannot find suitable candidates locally. If you have a job…
Employer-sponsored visas allow Australian businesses to hire qualified overseas workers when they cannot find suitable candidates locally. If you have a job offer from an Australian employer, this is often the fastest and most direct route to working — and eventually settling — in Australia.
Australia’s employer-sponsored visa program enables approved employers (sponsors) to bring in skilled overseas workers to fill genuine skill shortages. The employer must be an approved Standard Business Sponsor and must prove no suitable Australian candidate is available. In return, sponsored workers often gain a direct pathway to permanent residency.
Your employer applies to become an approved sponsor and nominates you for the role
Must be a real job with market salary — Labour Market Testing may be required
482 → 186 is the most common temporary-to-permanent employer-sponsored route
Employer-sponsored visas are often processed faster than points-based GSM visas
Temporary — up to 4 years
The primary temporary work visa for employer-sponsored workers. Replaced the Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) visa in late 2024. Has three streams: Specialist Skills (SSIT: AUD $146,576+), Core Skills (CSIT: AUD $79,423+), and Essential Skills. Leads to PR via Subclass 186.
Permanent Residency
Permanent visa for skilled workers nominated by an Australian employer. Two streams: Temporary Residence Transition (for existing 482 holders) and Direct Entry. One of the most sought-after permanent visas through employer sponsorship.
Temporary — up to 2 years
For individuals coming to Australia for structured occupational training or professional development under an approved sponsor. Not a work visa — the primary purpose must be training.
Temporary — varies by activity
Covers a range of specific approved activities including entertainment, sport, religious work, superyacht crew, and invited academics. Replaced several former temporary activity visas.
Your Australian employer applies to become a Standard Business Sponsor (SBS). They must meet specific requirements around business legitimacy and financial standing.
The employer nominates you for a specific role. They must demonstrate the position is genuine, meets salary requirements, and (for most roles) that Labour Market Testing was conducted.
You lodge your visa application with all supporting documents — qualifications, skills assessment (if required), English results, health, and character documents.
Once your visa is granted, you travel to Australia and begin working for your sponsor in the nominated role at the agreed salary.
After working for 2–3 years on a 482 visa (meeting requirements), you can transition to the permanent Subclass 186 via the Temporary Residence Transition stream.
You can search for jobs on Australian job boards such as Seek, Indeed, and LinkedIn. Many employers who cannot find local candidates are open to sponsoring skilled overseas workers. Our consultants can also advise you on how to position yourself for sponsorship opportunities.
The 482 Skills in Demand visa is a temporary visa (up to 4 years) that allows you to work for an approved employer. The 186 Employer Nomination Scheme is a permanent visa. Most workers come on a 482 first and then transition to 186 after 2–3 years of working for the same employer.
LMT requires the employer to advertise the role in Australia and demonstrate that no suitable Australian citizen or permanent resident was available. This step is required before nominating a foreign worker for most employer-sponsored visas.
Yes. Eligible family members — your spouse/partner and dependent children — can be included in your visa application as secondary applicants and are entitled to live, work, and study in Australia.
Our experienced immigration consultants at The Victoria Immigrations will guide your employer through the sponsorship process and help you lodge a strong visa application.
Book a free consultation with our immigration experts today.
