Employer-Sponsored Visas
Australia's Employer Sponsored Visa program is a vital pathway for skilled workers to live and work in the country, addressing critical labour shortages. These visas allow approved Australian businesses to sponsor overseas workers for positions they cannot fill locally.
We specialise in navigating the complexities of these visas, ensuring a smooth process for both the employer and the visa applicant. Below is an overview of the key employer-sponsored visa subclasses.
1. Subclass 482 – Skills in Demand (SID) Visa (Temporary)This visa recently replaced the Temporary Skill Shortage - TSS - visa. It allows employers to sponsor a suitably skilled overseas worker for a temporary period. It's a crucial visa for filling skill gaps.
Key Features & Streams| Stream | Max Stay Period | Pathway to PR | Key Feature |
|---|---|---|---|
| Core Skills | Up to 4 years | Potential for PR after 2 years on SID | Covers most skilled occupations on the Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL) |
| Specialist Skills | Up to 4 years | Potential for PR after 2 years on SID | For high-skilled, highly paid roles (meeting a high-income threshold) |
| Labour Agreement | Varies by agreement | Potential for PR after 2 years on SID | For employers with a formal agreement with the Australian Government, often allowing concessions to standard criteria |
- Sponsorship & Nomination: Must be nominated for a skilled position by an approved sponsor
- Work Experience: Generally requires at least 1 year of full-time, relevant work experience in the nominated occupation in the last 5 years
- English: Must meet the minimum English language requirements for the stream
- Skills: Must demonstrate the relevant skills and qualifications for the role
- Genuine Position: The nominated position must be genuine
This is a permanent residency visa that allows skilled workers to live and work in Australia indefinitely. This is the ultimate goal for many sponsored workers.
Key Features & Streams| Stream | Visa Outcome | Primary Eligibility | Key Requirement |
|---|---|---|---|
| Temporary Residence Transition (TRT) | Permanent Residency | For holders of a Subclass 482 (SID) or 457 visa. | Must have worked full-time at least 2 years in the last 3 years while holding the temporary visa (482/457). |
| Direct Entry (DE) | Permanent Residency | For applicants applying directly from outside or inside Australia without first holding a 482/457 visa. | Generally requires 3 years of relevant skilled work experience and a positive Skills Assessment |
| Labour Agreement | Permanent Residency | For applicants nominated under a specific Labour Agreement. | Criteria are set out in the individual Labour Agreement. |
- Age: Generally must be under 45 years of age at the time of application (unless an exemption applies).
- Skills & Experience: Varies by stream (2 or 3 years of work experience, often a mandatory skills assessment for Direct Entry).
- English: usually must have Competent English
- Occupation: Must be in an eligible occupation list (often the Core Skills Occupation List - CSOL).
This is a provisional visa designed to encourage skilled migration to designated regional areas of Australia. It offers a clear pathway to permanent residency after meeting regional work requirements.
Key Features & Pathway to PR- Stay Period: Up to 5 years provisional visa.
- Work/Study: Must live, work, and study only in a designated regional area.
- Pathway to PR: Holders can apply for the Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) visa (Subclass 191) after meeting the regional residency and income requirements (typically after 3 years).
- Location: The employer and the nominated position must be in a regional area.
- Work Experience: Requires at least 3 years of full-time, relevant skilled work experience.
- Skills Assessment: A mandatory positive Skills Assessment is required.
- Age: Generally must be under 45 years of age at the time of application (unless an exemption applies).
- English: Must have Competent English (e.g., IELTS 6.0 in all bands or equivalent).
How We Can Help
The application process for employer-sponsored visas involves several stages. We work closely with both employers and skilled applicants to prepare and manage all stages, ensuring all criteria are met and providing the best chance for a successful outcome.
Ready to discuss your sponsorship options or check your visa eligibility?
