Employer-Sponsored Visas Granted to Iranian Nationals (2023–2025)

This dataset was obtained through a Freedom of Information (FOI) release and provides insight into trends across both the Migration Program (Skilled) and the Temporary Visa Program (Skilled Employment).

The figures reveal year-to-year changes in visa grants under subclasses 186, 187, 494 (Skilled – Employer Sponsored), and temporary skilled visas under subclass 482. These numbers provide useful indicators for migration professionals, employers, and skilled applicants seeking to understand how employer-sponsored pathways have been utilised by Iranian nationals during the period examined.

Employer-Sponsored Visa Grants to Iranian Nationals (1 July 2023 – 31 August 2025)

Analysis of the Data

1. Significant Growth in Employer-Sponsored Grants (Skilled Stream)

The Skilled Migration Program (subclasses 186, 187, 494) recorded substantial growth, increasing from 293 grants in 2023–24 to 449 grants in 2024–25. This reflects a rising number of Iranian applicants securing employer nomination and a broader demand for skilled labour across Australia.

2. Temporary Skilled Employment (Subclass 482) Remains Steady

Compared to permanent skilled employer-sponsored visas, subclass 482 grants remained stable, showing only a slight increase from 667 (2023–24) to 674 (2024–25). By 31 August 2025, 129 grants had already been recorded, suggesting that numbers may continue at a consistent pace.

3. Total Employer-Sponsored Grants Across All Programs

The combined totals across both permanent and temporary employer-sponsored programs are:

• 960 grants in 2023–24
• 1,123 grants in 2024–25
• 224 grants from 1 July to 31 August 2025

This progression indicates strong utilisation of employer pathways by Iranian nationals, particularly in the permanent skilled streams.

4. Visa Categories Included (Per FOI Notes)

• Skilled Migration Program (Employer Sponsored): Subclasses 186, 187, 494
• Temporary Skilled Employment: Subclass 482

These figures represent all grants to Iranian nationals within these subclasses over the stated time period.

This article is based on information released by the Department of Home Affairs on 16 October 2025, obtained under Freedom of Information request FA 25/09/01800.