Employer Sponsored Visas
Work in Australia with sponsorship from an approved Australian employer. Pathways to both temporary and permanent residence.
About Employer Sponsored Visas
Employer sponsored visas allow Australian employers to fill skilled positions when they cannot find appropriately qualified Australian workers. These visas offer pathways to both temporary and permanent residence in Australia, with your employer providing sponsorship and support throughout the process.
Key Benefits
- Sponsored employment in Australia
- Pathways to permanent residence
- Include family members in your application
- Access to Medicare and social services
- Work and study rights in Australia
- Potential pathway to citizenship
Employer Sponsored Visa Options
Employer Nomination Scheme (Subclass 186)
A permanent visa for skilled workers nominated by an Australian employer. Allows you to live and work in Australia permanently.
Skills in Demand Visa (Subclass 482)
A temporary visa allowing Australian employers to sponsor skilled workers when they cannot find an appropriately skilled Australian to fill a position.
Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional Visa (Subclass 494)
A provisional visa for skilled workers sponsored by employers in regional Australia. Provides a pathway to permanent residence after 3 years.
Training Visa (Subclass 407)
A temporary visa for people who want to participate in workplace-based occupational training activities in Australia.
How Employer Sponsorship Works
Employer Approval
Employer becomes an approved sponsor with the Department of Home Affairs
Nomination
Employer nominates you for a specific position
Visa Application
You lodge your visa application
Assessment
Application assessed for eligibility and requirements
Visa Grant
Receive visa and commence employment in Australia
General Requirements
- Have a nominated occupation on the relevant skilled occupation list
- Be nominated by an approved Australian employer
- Have relevant skills and qualifications for the position
- Meet minimum work experience requirements (typically 2-3 years)
- Meet English language requirements (varies by visa)
- Meet health and character requirements
- Have adequate health insurance
- Skills assessment may be required depending on occupation
Employer Obligations
Sponsoring employers must:
- Be an approved sponsor
- Provide a genuine position at market salary rates
- Meet training benchmarks for Australian workers
- Comply with immigration and workplace laws
- Cooperate with monitoring and compliance activities
- Pay relocation costs (in some cases)
Important Information
- You can only work for your sponsoring employer unless granted permission otherwise
- Processing times vary depending on the visa type and circumstances
- Some temporary visas can lead to permanent residence after meeting requirements
- Regional visas require living and working in regional Australia
- Professional advice from registered migration agents is recommended
Comparison of Employer Sponsored Visas
| Visa | Type | Duration | PR Pathway |
|---|---|---|---|
| 186 | Permanent | Permanent | Direct PR |
| 482 | Temporary | 2-4 years | After 3 years (medium-term) |
| 494 | Provisional | 5 years | After 3 years |
| 407 | Temporary | Up to 2 years | No direct pathway |
Ready to Apply?
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