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Employer Sponsored Visas — skilled work, sponsored by Australian business.

When local talent is scarce, Australian employers sponsor skilled workers from overseas. We manage nomination, sponsorship and visa lodgement — and chart your route to permanent residence.

482 / 186 / 407
Sponsored subclasses
PR
Clear transition routes
How It WorksProcessSubclass 482Subclass 186Subclass 407482 vs 186FAQ

A partnership between a worker, an employer, and a need.

Employer sponsored migration lets an approved Australian business fill a genuine skill shortage by nominating an overseas worker for a specific role. Unlike points-tested GSM, selection is driven by the job offer and the employer’s standing — not a competitive pool.

Pathways range from temporary skill shortage visas to direct permanent residence. Most carry the right to bring family, full work rights, and a structured transition to PR.

We advise both applicants and employers — confirming occupation eligibility, English and experience thresholds, and the correct stream for each case.

Discuss My Sponsorship Options
Temporary vs Permanent
Some streams grant PR directly; others begin temporary with a defined PR transition after qualifying employment.
Labour Market Need
Sponsorship responds to verified shortages — the role must usually be on a relevant skilled occupation list.
Employer Obligations
Approved sponsors must meet training, market-salary and genuine-position requirements.
Family Inclusion
Partners and dependent children can be included with full work and study rights.

Five stages from nomination to PR

01
Employer Nomination
An approved business nominates a position and demonstrates a genuine need for the skilled role.
02
Sponsorship Approval
The employer is approved as a Standard Business Sponsor (or accredited sponsor) by Home Affairs.
03
Visa Application
The worker lodges the visa, evidencing skills, English, experience and health/character.
04
Arrival & Work
On grant, the worker relocates and begins employment under the sponsored role.
05
Permanent Residence
After qualifying employment, transition to PR via the Subclass 186 or other PR routes.
Sydney business district

A genuine job offer from an approved sponsor — your fastest route into Australia's workforce.

Subclass 482

Skills in Demand / TSS Visa

The Subclass 482 lets approved employers sponsor skilled workers for roles they cannot fill locally. It is a temporary work visa with strong, well-defined pathways to permanent residence.

Full work rights for the sponsored occupation
Include partner and dependent children
Renewable, with PR transition via Subclass 186
Family members gain work and study rights
Enquire About Subclass 482

Key Requirements

SponsorApproved employer
EnglishIELTS 5.0+
Work Experience2 years min.
Processing2–6 months
DurationUp to 4 years
Three streams under the 482
Stream 01
Short-Term Stream
For occupations on the short-term list — typically up to 2 years, renewable, suited to immediate shortages.
Stream 02
Medium-Term Stream
For occupations on the medium/long-term list — up to 4 years and the strongest PR transition.
Stream 03
Labour Agreement Stream
For workers sponsored under a negotiated labour agreement between an employer and the government.
Subclass 186

Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS)

The Subclass 186 is a permanent residence visa for skilled workers nominated by an approved Australian employer. It grants PR from the day of approval — the natural destination for many sponsored workers.

Permanent residency from grant
Live and work anywhere for the nominating employer
Pathway to citizenship after qualifying residence
Include family on the same application
Enquire About Subclass 186

Key Requirements

Visa typePermanent
SponsorApproved employer
EnglishCompetent (IELTS 6)
Age LimitUnder 45 (exemptions apply)
ProcessingVaries by stream
Three streams under the 186
Stream 01
Temporary Residence Transition
For 482 holders who have worked for their sponsor for the required period — the most common PR route.
Stream 02
Direct Entry
For workers with the required skills and experience applying without a prior temporary visa.
Stream 03
Labour Agreement
For workers sponsored under a labour agreement negotiated with the government.
Purpose
Occupational Training
Workplace-based training to improve skills for a job, area of study, or field of expertise.
Professional Development
Structured programs for overseas professionals, managers and government employees.
Capacity Building
Training that supports an applicant’s career and the needs of their home-country employer.
Subclass 407

Training Visa

The Subclass 407 is a temporary visa for people undertaking workplace-based occupational training or a professional development program in Australia. It is sponsored by an approved organisation and is ideal for early-career and internship-style pathways.

Structured, supervised training — not open employment
Sponsored by an approved temporary activities sponsor
Up to 2 years, with family inclusion available
Builds Australian experience for future pathways
Enquire About 407

482 vs 186 — understanding the difference

Criterion
Subclass 482
Subclass 186
Visa nature
Temporary (up to 4 yrs)
Permanent
Selection basis
Job offer + sponsorship
Employer nomination
English
IELTS 5.0+
Competent (IELTS 6)
Work experience
2 years minimum
3 years (stream dependent)
PR outcome
Transition via 186
Immediate PR
Best for
Filling an immediate role
Securing permanent residence
Family inclusion
Yes
Yes

Employer sponsorship, answered

Do I need a job offer before applying?+
Yes. Employer sponsored visas are driven by a genuine job offer from an approved Australian sponsor. The role must usually appear on a relevant skilled occupation list and reflect a real, ongoing position.
Can a 482 lead to permanent residence?+
In most cases, yes. Workers on the medium-term 482 stream typically transition to permanent residence through the Subclass 186 Temporary Residence Transition stream after the required period of employment with their sponsor.
What are the employer’s obligations?+
Approved sponsors must offer market-rate salaries, demonstrate a genuine position, meet training and contribution requirements, and comply with sponsorship conditions. We guide employers through each obligation.
How is the 407 different from a work visa?+
The Subclass 407 is for structured, supervised training rather than open employment. It builds skills and Australian experience and is well suited to internships, professional development and capacity-building programs.

Explore other Australia pathways

Points-Tested
General Skilled Migration
189, 190 and 491 — PR on the basis of merit and points.
Learn more →
Assessment
Skills Assessment Authorities
Confirm the right assessing body for your occupation.
Learn more →
Review
Appeals & Reviews
Understand your options if a visa is refused.
Learn more →

Hiring overseas talent, or seeking sponsorship?

Whether you’re a worker or an employer, we’ll structure the right sponsored pathway and manage every stage of the process.

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