Employer-Sponsored Visas
Employer sponsored visa Australia programs are designed to connect global talent with genuine workforce needs across the country. These visas support economic growth, help businesses fill critical skill shortages, and offer skilled professionals a structured pathway to work in Australia and then becoming permanent residents.
Whether you’re an employer exploring sponsorship options or a skilled worker planning your next step, this guide breaks down the purpose, requirements, and key differences between the major employer‑sponsored visas: subclass 482, 186, 494, and 407.
Skills In Demand (SID) visa – Subclass 482
Purpose:
The employer sponsored visa subclass 482 allows employers to fill temporary skill shortages with overseas workers when suitable Australian workers cannot be found. It supports short‑term, medium‑term, and regional workforce needs.
SID Visa streams:
1. Specialist skills stream
For highly skilled workers earning above a high‑income threshold.
✔ Fast processing
✔ No occupation list
✔ Focus on global talent
2. Core skills stream
The main pathway for most skilled occupations.
✔ Occupations must be on the new Core Skills Occupation List
✔ Employer sponsorship required
✔ Designed to replace the old 482 structure
3. Essential skills stream
For lower‑paid essential workers in sectors with chronic shortages.
✔ Requires union involvement
✔ Designed for care, support, and community roles.
Prerequisite:
For employer (s)
- Must be an approved sponsor
- Must meet labour market testing (with new exemptions for sponsors in regional areas)
- Must pay at least the market salary rate
- Must meet the new TSMIT (increased from July 2025)
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Must comply with sponsorship obligations.
For applicant (s)
- Must meet the skills and experience for the nominated occupation
- Must meet English language requirements
- Must satisfy health and character checks
- Must be nominated under one of the three SID pathways
Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) – Subclass 186
Purpose:
The 186 visa provides a direct pathway to permanent residency for workers nominated by an approved employer.
ENS subclass 186 Visa streams:
- Direct Entry
- Temporary Residence Transition (TRT)
- Labour Agreement
Prerequisite:
For employer (s)
- Approved sponsor
- Genuine, full‑time, ongoing position
- Market salary and training obligations
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Must comply with sponsorship obligations.
For applicant (s)
- Skills and qualifications for the nominated role
- English language requirements
- Under 45 (with exemptions for some cases)
- Health and character requirements
Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional Visa – Subclass 494
Purpose:
The 494 visa supports regional employers by allowing them to sponsor skilled workers for roles outside major cities. It leads to permanent residency through the Subclass 191.
Prerequisite:
For employer (s)
- Located in a designated regional area
- Approved sponsor
- Genuine need for the position
- Labour Market Testing and salary compliance
For applicant (s)
- Occupation on the Regional Occupation List
- Valid skills assessment
- 3 years of skilled experience
- English, health, and character requirements
Training Visa – Subclass 407
Purpose:
The 407 visa allows individuals to undertake workplace‑based training to enhance their skills, meet licensing requirements, or gain professional development.
Prerequisite:
From 11 March 2026, the employer (s) must be approved sponsor (s) before lodging nomination.
The visa applicant (s) must wait for approved sponsor (s) and sponsorship nominations to lodge your visa application.
For employer (s)
- Must be approved Temporary Activities Sponsor
- Approved training nomination
- Structured training plan
- Genuine training purpose
For applicant (s)
- Functional English
- Relevant study or experience
- Valid training program nomination
- Health and character checks
