Australia continues to face skills shortages across healthcare, trades, IT, construction, and hospitality. To support economic growth and fill critical workforce gaps, the government provides multiple employer-sponsored visa pathways.
If you’re looking to work in Australia or hire international talent, this guide explains the three main sponsored visas: 482, 186, and 494.
What Is an Employer-Sponsored Visa?
An employer-sponsored visa allows an Australian business to sponsor skilled overseas workers for temporary or permanent roles. These visas help employers fill positions that cannot be sourced locally.
The benefit?
- Skilled workers can live and work in Australia.
- Employers gain reliable, long-term employees.
- Some visas offer pathways to PR (Permanent Residency).
1. TSS Visa (Temporary Skill Shortage Visa – Subclass 482)
For Employer-Sponsored TEMPORARY Work
The 482 visa allows skilled workers to stay and work in Australia for:
- Short-term stream: up to 2 years
- Medium-term stream: up to 4 years
- Labour agreement stream: as per the agreement
Eligibility Requirements
- Nomination from an approved Australian employer
- Skills and work experience matching the nominated occupation
- English language proficiency
- Health & character requirements
Pathway to PR
Workers in the medium-term stream may transition to permanent residency through the 186 visa (TRT stream) after meeting age, skill, and work criteria.
2. Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) – Subclass 186
For employer-sponsored PERMANENT residency
The 186 visa provides permanent residency for skilled workers who are nominated by an Australian employer.
Streams
- Temporary Residence Transition (TRT) — for 482 visa holders who worked for the same employer for 2–3 years
- Direct Entry (DE) — for workers who meet skill and English requirements
- Labour Agreement — for workers nominated under a labour agreement
Benefits
- Permanent residency
- Access to Medicare
- Ability to sponsor family
- Pathway to citizenship
3. Skilled Employer Regional Visa – Subclass 494
For regional employers needing skilled workers
The 494 visa aims to boost the regional workforce by allowing employers in non-metropolitan areas to sponsor overseas talent.
Key Features
- 5-year visa
- Live, work and study in regional Australia
- Pathway to PR through the 191 visa after 3 years
- The occupation must be on the regional skilled occupation list
Eligibility Requirements
- Job offer in a designated regional area
- Positive skills assessment
- Relevant work experience (usually 3+ years)
- Competent English
- Employer must be an approved sponsor
Employer Requirements (Sponsor Obligations)
To sponsor an overseas worker, an employer must:
- Be legally operating in Australia
- Show genuine need for the position
- Pay market salary rates
- Meet SAF levy requirements
- Provide a full-time, ongoing position
- Comply with workplace standards
Employee Requirements (General)
Most employer-sponsored visas require:
-
Skills and experience relevant to the occupation
-
English language test results
-
Positive skills assessment (for certain visas)
-
Health checks and police clearance
-
No prior visa issues
Which Visa Should You Choose?
| Visa Type | Pathway | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| 482 Visa | Temporary | Workers who want to start employment quickly |
| 186 Visa | Permanent | Skilled workers & long-term employees |
| 494 Visa | Regional + PR Pathway | Applicants willing to live & work in regional areas |
Which Visa Should You Choose?
- Ensure your occupation matches an approved list.
- Prepare a strong CV highlighting relevant experience.
- Keep all employment documents ready.
- Maintain communication with your employer.
- Submit complete & accurate information.
- Provide supporting financial and company evidence (employers)
Employer-sponsored visas are one of the strongest migration pathways to Australia, offering excellent opportunities for skilled workers and businesses. Whether you’re seeking temporary employment, permanent residency, or regional opportunities, the 482, 186, and 494 visas provide flexible pathways.
At RecruitAUS, we share detailed, reliable and up-to-date migration insights to help workers and employers navigate the process with confidence.
