Employer-Sponsored Visas enable Australian businesses to fill skills gaps quickly and compliantly. Whether you’re an employer building your team or a professional seeking a pathway to Australia, we support sponsorship, nomination and visa lodgement for 482, 186, and 494—including PR planning.
Choose Your Visa Pathway
Skills in Demand Visa (482)
Skills in Demand Visa (482) Temporary work visa replacing TSS branding, with streams for core, essential and specialist skills. Employer sponsorship required TSMIT ≥ AU$70,000 or market rate PR via 186 (TRT) or 191 (regional)
Employer Nomination Scheme (186)
Permanent residency through Direct Entry or Temporary Residence Transition from 482. Direct PR on grant Skills assessment (DE) or 482 TRT Market salary & employer compliance
Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (494)
5-year regional sponsorship with a clear pathway to permanent residency via 191. Designated regional areas Full-time, genuine position PR via 191 after 3 years + income
Employer-Sponsored Visas at a Glance
| Feature | 482 | 186 | 494 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Type | Temporary (up to 4 yrs) | Permanent | Provisional (5 yrs, regional) |
| Sponsorship | Employer sponsor | Employer nomination | Regional employer sponsor |
| Main Lists | Skills in Demand Lists | MLTSSL | Regional Occupation Lists |
| Salary | ≥ TSMIT (AU$70k) or market rate | Market rate | Market rate |
| PR Pathway | To 186 (TRT) or 191 (regional) | Direct PR | To 191 after 3 yrs + income |
Visa 482
Visa 186
Visa 494
How Employer Sponsorship Works
- Sponsorship & Nomination: Employer becomes/uses an approved sponsor and nominates a genuine position at market salary.
- Visa Application: Worker lodges the visa with skills, English, health & character evidence.
- Post-Grant Compliance: Employer and visa holder meet ongoing obligations; plan PR (186/191) where eligible.
Employer Obligations (Summary)
| Obligation | Overview |
|---|---|
| Market Salary | Pay at least the market rate; not less than comparable Australians. |
| TSMIT | Meet/Exceed TSMIT (AU$70,000 in 2025) where applicable. |
| SAF Levy | Pay the Skilling Australians Fund levy per nomination. |
| Record-Keeping | Maintain records; notify Home Affairs of key changes. |
| Genuine Position | Nominate a full-time, genuine role aligned to the occupation list. |
Processing Times & Costs
Processing times vary by stream, occupation and case readiness. Check the latest government guidance:
Other costs: skills assessments, English tests, health & police checks, translations, and (where applicable) state nomination fees or SAF levy.
Employer-Sponsored Visas FAQ
What’s the difference between 482, 186 and 494?
482 (Skills in Demand): Temporary work visa sponsored by an approved employer to fill a genuine position. Usually up to 4 years, with PR pathways (e.g., to 186 via TRT, or to 191 if regional criteria later met).
186 (Employer Nomination Scheme): Permanent residency. Either Direct Entry (skills assessment + experience) or Temporary Residence Transition (for eligible 482 holders after prescribed employment period).
494 (Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional): Provisional 5-year regional visa. Must live/work in designated regional areas. PR pathway is the 191 after meeting residence and income requirements.
How does TSMIT affect eligibility?
TSMIT (Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold) is the minimum base salary for most temporary employer-sponsored nominations. Your nominated salary must be at least TSMIT and at least the market rate for the role. Non-cash benefits don’t count toward TSMIT. If the offered pay is below TSMIT or below market rate, the nomination will not meet requirements.
Can a 482 holder transition to 186 PR?
Yes—many 482 holders transition to PR via the 186 Temporary Residence Transition (TRT) stream after the required period with their sponsoring employer (and if all criteria are met). Typical requirements include ongoing genuine employment, market-rate pay, age and English thresholds, and any stream-specific conditions. Some applicants may instead qualify for 186 Direct Entry (e.g., with a positive skills assessment). Labour Agreement pathways may have different settings.
How long do sponsorship approvals take?
Timeframes vary with caseload, completeness of documents, stream, and any compliance checks. There are separate stages: sponsorship (if needed), nomination, and visa. Always refer to the official Home Affairs processing-times toolfor the most current guidance and plan for possible fluctuations.
What are the consequences if salary or role changes?
Your employer must maintain market-rate pay (and meet TSMIT where applicable). A material change to duties, hours, ANZSCO occupation, location (e.g., moving out of regional for a 494), or a cessation of employment can trigger the need for a new nomination or other action. Failure to comply can risk refusal/cancellation for the visa holder and sanctions for the sponsor. If anything changes, seek advice immediately and update Home Affairs where required.
Disclaimer:
The information provided on this page is for general educational purposes only and is not intended as legal or migration advice. Visa eligibility criteria, policy settings and legislation may change without notice. You should not rely solely on this information to make migration decisions.
For personalised advice, please book a consultation with our Registered Migration Agent.
Not Sure Which Skilled Visa Is Right for You?
Skilled migration pathways are complex and highly competitive. We can assess your eligibility and guide you toward the most suitable skilled migration option.