The employer sponsored visa program in Australia provides skilled professionals with an opportunity to live and work in the country with the backing of an Australian business. This visa pathway is ideal for qualified individuals who have been offered a position by an approved Australian employer in an eligible occupation. Employer sponsorship not only allows applicants to work legally in Australia but can also lead to permanent residency, depending on the visa subclass.
With a strong demand for skilled workers across industries such as healthcare, IT, engineering, construction, trades, and hospitality, employer sponsored visas serve as a reliable and rewarding route to long-term migration. At ACM Global, we assist both skilled workers and Australian businesses in navigating the complex employer sponsorship process, ensuring applications are accurate, timely, and compliant with immigration law.
Temporary Skill Shortage Visa (Subclass 482)
The Temporary Skill Shortage Visa, also known as the TSS visa, allows Australian employers to sponsor overseas workers to fill positions they are unable to source locally. This visa is split into short-term and medium-term streams based on the occupation.
The short-term stream allows a stay of up to two years, while the medium-term stream provides up to four years with eligibility for permanent residency under certain conditions. To apply, the position must be listed on the relevant skilled occupation list, and the sponsoring employer must be approved by the Department of Home Affairs.
This visa requires applicants to have the necessary skills, work experience, and English language ability relevant to the role being offered.
Employer Nomination Scheme (Subclass 186)
The Subclass 186 visa is a permanent employer sponsored visa that allows skilled workers to live and work in Australia permanently. It involves two key stages: nomination by an Australian employer and a visa application by the employee.
There are three streams under the Employer Nomination Scheme:
Direct Entry stream – for applicants who have never or only briefly worked in Australia
Temporary Residence Transition stream – for 482 visa holders who have worked for their sponsoring employer for at least two to three years
Labour Agreement stream – for workers nominated by an employer under a labour agreement
To qualify, applicants must have a nominated occupation on the relevant list, meet the skill and qualification requirements, and often undergo a skills assessment.
Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) Visa (Subclass 494)
The Subclass 494 visa is a regional employer sponsored visa for skilled workers who want to live and work in designated regional areas of Australia. This visa requires employer nomination and offers a five-year stay with a clear pathway to permanent residency through the Subclass 191 visa, after meeting residency and income criteria.
This visa is ideal for applicants open to settling in regional areas where demand for skilled labour is high. It provides priority processing and access to a wider range of occupations not available under other subclasses.
General Requirements for Employer Sponsored Visas
To be eligible for an employer sponsored visa in Australia, applicants must generally meet the following criteria:
Have an occupation listed on the relevant skilled occupation list
Possess the required qualifications, licensing, or registration for the role
Demonstrate relevant work experience in the nominated occupation
Meet English language proficiency standards
Be nominated by an approved Australian employer
Meet health and character requirements
Each visa subclass has its own set of specific criteria, and it is essential to ensure both the sponsoring business and the nominated employee meet all conditions set by the Department of Home Affairs
At ACM Global, we offer end-to-end support for both employers and skilled workers looking to apply under Australia’s employer sponsored visa program. Whether you’re an individual who has received a job offer or an Australian business seeking to sponsor international talent, our migration experts provide tailored guidance every step of the way.
Our services include:
Assessing eligibility for 482, 186, or 494 visas
Preparing sponsorship and nomination applications for employers
Managing skills assessment and documentation for employees
Drafting submissions and organizing evidence for Department review
Advising on permanent residency pathways and visa compliance
Providing post-approval support for relocation and settlement
We work closely with both parties to ensure a smooth and successful application process that aligns with Australia’s migration regulations and labour market needs.