Employer Sponsored Visas
Employer Sponsored Visas in Australia
Explore Australian employer sponsored visa options, including temporary skilled work visas, permanent residency pathways and regional employer sponsorship.
Employer sponsored visas allow Australian businesses to sponsor overseas skilled workers when they are unable to find suitably qualified Australian workers for eligible positions.
These pathways may provide temporary work rights or permanent residency depending on the visa subclass, employer requirements, occupation eligibility and applicant circumstances.
The most common employer sponsored pathways include the Skills in Demand Visa (Subclass 482), Employer Nomination Scheme Visa (Subclass 186) and Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional Visa (Subclass 494).
Main Employer Sponsored Visa Pathways
General Requirements
Employer sponsored visa requirements vary depending on the visa subclass, nominated occupation, employer, salary level, work location and applicant circumstances.
In most cases, both the employer and the visa applicant need to meet separate requirements. This means the business, the nominated position and the applicant’s skills and background all need to be assessed carefully.
- An eligible Australian sponsoring employer
- A genuine nominated position
- An occupation that is eligible for the intended visa pathway
- Relevant qualifications, skills and work experience
- English language ability, where required
- Salary and market salary rate considerations
- Labour market testing or other nomination requirements, where applicable
- Health and character requirements
- Compliance with visa-specific requirements and sponsorship obligations
How Employer Sponsorship Works
Employer sponsorship usually involves both business-side and applicant-side requirements. The process can vary depending on whether the pathway is temporary, permanent or regional.
- The employer identifies a genuine skilled position
- The occupation and visa pathway are checked for eligibility
- The employer reviews sponsorship, nomination and salary requirements
- Labour market testing or other nomination steps are completed, where required
- The employer lodges the sponsorship or nomination component
- The visa applicant prepares evidence of skills, experience, English ability and identity documents
- The visa application is lodged within the required timeframe
- The Department assesses the employer, position and applicant requirements
- A visa outcome is issued
Useful Resources
Explore employer sponsorship resources, occupation lists and alternative migration pathways that may assist employers and skilled workers.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an employer sponsored visa?
An employer sponsored visa allows an eligible Australian business to sponsor an overseas worker for a skilled position. The employer must generally demonstrate that the position is genuine and that sponsorship and nomination requirements have been met.
Which employer sponsored visa is right for me?
The most suitable pathway depends on your occupation, employer, work location and long-term migration goals. Subclass 482 is generally a temporary visa, Subclass 186 is a permanent residency pathway and Subclass 494 is designed for regional employer sponsorship.
Can employer sponsored visas lead to permanent residency?
Yes. Depending on your circumstances, employer sponsored visas may provide pathways to permanent residency. For example, some Subclass 482 visa holders may later qualify for Subclass 186, while eligible Subclass 494 holders may access permanent residency pathways after meeting the relevant requirements.
Does the employer need to do anything before the visa application?
Yes. Employer sponsorship commonly involves sponsorship approval, nomination requirements, salary obligations, labour market testing requirements in some cases and demonstrating a genuine need for the position before the visa application can proceed.
Do I need a skills assessment?
It depends on the visa subclass, occupation and individual circumstances. Some employer sponsored pathways require a formal skills assessment, while others may not. Requirements should be checked carefully before lodging an application.
Can I change employers after obtaining an employer sponsored visa?
The answer depends on the visa subclass and your circumstances. Changing employers may affect sponsorship arrangements and visa conditions, so professional advice should be obtained before making employment changes.
Start Your Employer Sponsored Visa Assessment
Need help understanding whether employer sponsorship may be available?
Our Employer Sponsored Visa Assessment is designed to collect key information about your occupation, qualifications, work experience, visa status, sponsoring employer and potential employer-sponsored visa pathways.
The assessment may help identify possible options under Subclass 482, Subclass 186, Subclass 494 and related migration pathways.
