Everything you need to know about employer-sponsored visas in Australia. Subclasses 482 TSS, 186 ENS and 494 SESR explained, occupation lists, how to find sponsoring employers, and your path to permanent residency.
Visa sponsorship allows Australian employers to hire skilled overseas workers when they cannot find suitable candidates locally. It is one of the most common pathways for migrants to work and eventually settle permanently in Australia.
When an employer "sponsors" you, they take legal responsibility for your stay in Australia. They must be approved by the Department of Home Affairs as a Standard Business Sponsor (SBS), nominate a specific position for you, and meet ongoing obligations, including paying you market salary rates and not transferring visa costs to you.
The most common employer-sponsored visa. Allows employers to fill genuine skill gaps with overseas workers for up to 2 years (short-term stream) or 4 years (medium-term stream). Requires the occupation to be on the relevant occupation list.
Short-Term Stream
Medium-Term Stream
A permanent visa for skilled workers nominated by an Australian employer. The most direct route to permanent residency through employment sponsorship.
Direct Entry Stream
Temporary Residence Transition
A 5-year provisional visa for regional Australia. Requires employment with an approved regional employer and residence in a designated regional area. After 3 years, holders may be eligible for the 191 permanent visa.
Not every job qualifies for employer sponsorship. Your occupation must appear on one of the Department of Home Affairs occupation lists.
| List | Full Name | Used For |
|---|---|---|
| MLTSSL | Medium and Long-Term Strategic Skills List | 482 (medium-term), 186, 189, 190, 491 |
| STSOL | Short-Term Skilled Occupation List | 482 (short-term stream only) |
| ROL | Regional Occupation List | 494, 491 (regional stream) |
Find a job and receive an offer
Secure a genuine position with an employer in an eligible occupation. The employer must be willing to sponsor you.
Employer applies for Standard Business Sponsorship
If not already approved, the employer lodges an SBS application with the Department of Home Affairs. This takes 1–4 weeks.
Employer lodges a nomination
The employer nominates the specific position, demonstrating it is a genuine role paying at least the Annual Market Salary Rate (AMSR).
You apply for the visa
Once the nomination is approved, you apply for the relevant visa subclass and provide evidence of your skills, qualifications, and English proficiency.
Skills assessment (if required)
Many occupations require a positive skills assessment from the relevant assessing authority (e.g., Engineers Australia, ACS, VETASSESS).
Health and character checks
You will need to undergo a health examination and provide police clearances from all countries where you have lived for 12+ months.
Visa granted
Once all requirements are met, the visa is granted. Processing times vary from weeks to months depending on the visa subclass.
The most common PR pathway from sponsorship:
Regional visa holders on the 494 can transition to permanent residency through the Subclass 191 after 3 years of living and working in a regional area.
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Disclaimer: This information is general guidance only and may change at any time without notice. Immigration law and visa conditions are complex and individual circumstances vary. Always verify current requirements at homeaffairs.gov.au. This content does not constitute legal or migration advice. Consult a registered migration agent (MARA) or immigration lawyer for advice tailored to your situation.
