Employer-Sponsored Visas

Employer-Sponsored visas are the primary mechanism for Australian businesses to fill genuine skill gaps by recruiting qualified overseas workers. They are highly targeted and offer the most common direct pathway to permanent residency for many skilled migrants.

Employer-Sponsored Visas Subclasses (Except SC 494)

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Skills in Demand (SID) Visa (Subclass 482)

The Skills in Demand (SID) visa, which replaced the Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) visa in December 2024, is a crucial temporary work visa designed to quickly address Australia's labour shortages.

Key Requirements for Applicants

  • Sponsorship: You must be nominated for a skilled position by an approved Standard Business Sponsor (SBS).

  • Age: There is no maximum age requirement for this temporary visa. (Age limits on PR pathway)

  • Work Experience: You require at least one year of relevant full-time (or equivalent) work experience in the nominated or a closely related occupation within the last five years.

  • Skills Assessment: Generally not required.

  • English Language: You must meet the minimum English proficiency standard (generally IELTS 5.0 overall or equivalent).

Visa Streams and Duration

The 482 visa is divided into three streams, affecting processing time and access to permanent residency:

  • Core Skills Stream

    • Focus: Most skilled workers on the Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL).

    • Salary Threshold (from 1 July 2025): AUD $76,515 (indexed annually).

    • Processing Benefit: Standard Processing.

  • Specialist Skills Stream

    • Focus: Highly paid professionals (excluding trades).

    • Salary Threshold (from 1 July 2025): AUD $141,210 (indexed annually).

    • Processing Benefit: Priority Processing (fast track).

  • Labour Agreement Stream

    • Focus: For skilled workers nominated by employers who have a specific, formal agreement with the Australian Government.

    • Salary Threshold: Varies according to the terms of the agreement.

    • Processing Benefit: Varies.

Pathway to Permanent Residency (PR)

The 482 visa now offers a clear route to permanent residency for all streams via the Subclass 186 Temporary Residence Transition (TRT) stream.

  • Work Accumulation: Work experience gained with any approved Standard Business Sponsor in nominated occupation might count towards the two years required for the 186 permanent visa.

  • Worker Mobility: If you cease employment, you have 180 days to secure a new sponsor, switch to a different visa, or leave Australia.

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Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) Visa (Subclass 186)

The Subclass 186 visa is a permanent visa that allows skilled workers, who are nominated by an Australian employer, to live and work in Australia indefinitely.

The application is a two-step process that must both be approved for the visa to be granted:

  1. Nomination: The Australian employer lodges an application to nominate the position.

  2. Visa Application: The employee lodges an application to meet age, skills, language, health, and character requirements.

Core Visa Requirements

  • Permanent Status: Allows the holder to live and work in Australia indefinitely.

  • Age Limit: Applicants must be under 45 years of age when applying (unless an exemption applies).

  • English: Must have at least Competent English (e.g., IELTS 6.0 in each band or equivalent).

  • Employer Nomination: The position must be genuine, full-time, and the salary must meet the relevant government thresholds.

The Two Main Pathways (excluding labour agreement stream)

A. Temporary Residence Transition (TRT) Stream

  • Target: Applicants already working in Australia on a Subclass 482 (SID) visa.

  • Work Experience: Must have worked in eligible sponsored employment for at least two years in the three years prior to application on eligible visa.

  • Skills Assessment: Generally not required.

B. Direct Entry (DE) Stream

  • Target: Applicants applying from overseas or those who do not qualify for the TRT stream.

  • Work Experience: Requires a minimum of three years of relevant, full-time work experience.

  • Skills Assessment: Mandatory.

Key Benefits of SC 186 ENS Visa

  • Indefinite Stay: Live and work permanently anywhere in Australia.

  • Family Inclusion: Family members are included and receive PR.

  • Citizenship: Clear pathway to Australian citizenship.