Work Visas (Employer Sponsored)
Australia’s skilled migration program includes a variety of work visas that enable employers to sponsor overseas workers to fill skill shortages. The key visas include:
Skills in Demand (SID) Visa (replaced Subclass 482 Temporary Skill Shortage visa as of Dec 2024)
Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) Visa (Subclass 494)
Employer Nomination Scheme (Permanent) Visa (Subclass 186)
Employer-sponsored visas require employers to nominate their employees, providing pathways for temporary or permanent work in Australia.
The Nomination Process
Employer Eligibility:
Employers must first become approved sponsors. This involves demonstrating that their business is lawfully operating in Australia, meets certain financial benchmarks, and commits to sponsorship obligations.Labour Market Testing (LMT):
Most nominations require employers to test the local labour market by advertising the position to Australian citizens and permanent residents for a specified period before nominating an overseas worker. Some exemptions apply.Occupation Nomination:
Employers nominate an occupation that is relevant to the role and is on the applicable skilled occupation list for the visa subclass (e.g., Core Skills Occupation List for SID visa, Regional Occupation List for 494, MLTSSL for 186 etc). The nomination must match the worker’s skills and qualifications.Salary and Conditions:
The employer must offer a salary that meets or exceeds the Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (TSMIT), which is currently AUD 76,515 per annum (effective 1 July 2025). The employment conditions must be genuine and full-time.Nomination Approval:
The Department of Home Affairs assesses the nomination against all criteria. Once approved, the visa applicant can lodge their visa application.
**Disclaimer: The information on this page is provided for general informational purposes only and should not be considered legal advice. The content is subject to change over time. You should seek professional legal advice before taking any action based on this information.
Skilled in Demand (Subclass 482)
Purpose:
Allows Australian employers to sponsor skilled overseas workers for temporary employment to fill skill shortages.
Key Features:
Streams:
Core Skills Pathway (CSOL occupations)
Specialist Skills Pathway (high salary, AUD 135,000+)
Essential Skills Pathway (lower salary occupations)
Duration:
Up to 4 years, depending on stream and occupation.Pathway to Permanent Residency:
Available for certain streams (Core and Specialist Skills), facilitating transition to permanent visas.Labour Market Testing:
Required unless exempt.Salary Threshold:
Minimum salary AUD 76,515 p.a. (effective July 2025).
Common Challenges:
Meeting LMT and nomination requirements.
Matching nominated occupation precisely with the worker’s qualifications.
Ensuring compliance with salary and training benchmarks.
Navigating changing visa rules and occupation lists.
Employer Nomination Scheme (Subclass 186) Visa
Purpose:
Permanent residency visa for skilled workers nominated by Australian employers.
Key Features:
Streams:
Temporary Residence Transition (TRT): For those who have worked with the employer on a temporary visa (e.g., SID or previous TSS) for 2 years.
Direct Entry: For applicants who have at least 3 years of full-time work experience in the nominated occupation (or part-time equivalent) who has a positive skills assessment unless exempted
Labour Agreement: For those nominated under a labour agreement.
Validity:
Permanent residency visa.Salary and Employment Conditions:
Must meet or exceed TSMIT. Genuine full-time employment offer.English and Skills Assessment:
Skills assessments generally required for Direct Entry stream. English proficiency requirements vary by stream and occupation.Pathway:
Provides permanent residency upon grant.
Common Challenges:
Strict eligibility criteria and documentary evidence requirements.
Processing delays due to high demand and complex eligibility.
Ensuring compliance with nomination and labour market testing rules.
Differentiating between streams and meeting respective requirements.
Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) Visa (Subclass 494)
Purpose:
Encourages skilled workers to live and work in regional Australia by sponsoring workers for regional occupations.
Key Features:
Validity:
Temporary visa, valid up to 5 years.Employer Location:
Employer must be located in a designated regional area.Labour Market Testing:
Required unless exempt.Salary and Conditions:
Salary must meet or exceed TSMIT.Pathway to Permanent Residency:
After 3 years of regional work, visa holders can apply for permanent residency via the Employer Nomination Scheme (Subclass 191).
Common Challenges:
Restriction to regional locations and compliance with regional employment requirements.
Meeting ongoing obligations to maintain regional residence for pathway to permanent residency.
Proving genuine labour market need.
Securing a work visa in Australia can be a complex and overwhelming process — with strict eligibility criteria, evolving immigration laws, and demanding documentation requirements. Whether you're an employee seeking to live and work in Australia or an employer aiming to bring skilled talent on board, our goal is to simplify the legal process, reduce risk, and improve your chances of success. Book your consultation today!