Solutions for Australian businesses needing skilled workers — and for skilled workers seeking sponsorship.
Employer sponsorship lets Australian businesses fill genuine skill shortages with overseas workers, and gives skilled workers a pathway to work and live in Australia — sometimes leading to permanent residency. We assist both employers and applicants through every step.
Official information: see the Skills in Demand visa (subclass 482) page on the Department of Home Affairs website.
From 1 July 2026 (indexed 3.8%) the Core Skills Income Threshold (CSIT) is AUD $79,423, the Specialist Skills Income Threshold (SSIT) is AUD $146,576, and the TSMIT (subclass 494 and 187) also rose to AUD $79,423. New thresholds apply to nominations lodged on or after 1 July 2026. Sponsors must pay at least the applicable threshold and the annual market rate for the role — whichever is higher. Confirm current figures before lodging.
Book a consultation for an honest assessment of whether this visa suits your situation.
A temporary visa allowing approved employers to sponsor skilled workers for an occupation in demand, with pathways to PR for many.
A permanent visa for skilled workers nominated by an Australian employer, including a Direct Entry and Temporary Residence Transition stream.
Employer and skilled options for regional Australia, supporting businesses outside major cities.
| Subclass | Type | Sponsored by | Leads to |
|---|---|---|---|
| Skills in Demand 482 | Temporaryup to 4 yrs | An approved employer | PR for many (via 186) |
| Employer Nomination 186 | PermanentPR | An Australian employer | Permanent from grant |
| Skilled Employer Regional 494 | Provisional5 years | A regional employer | Pathway to PR via subclass 191 |
Prefer points-based options without an employer? See skilled migration (189/190/491) or check your occupation.
Visa subclasses, criteria and processing times are set by the Australian Government and change regularly. The above is general information only — book a consultation for advice specific to you.
Employer sponsored visas have requirements on both sides — the business and the worker:
Most employer sponsored visas follow a three-stage structure — we manage each part for both sides.
We confirm whether the business and the position qualify and which visa (482, 186 or 494) best fits.
We prepare the standard business sponsorship application (or confirm an existing one).
We lodge the nomination for the specific position, including labour market testing evidence where required.
We prepare and lodge the worker's visa application with skills, English and supporting evidence.
We respond to requests, and brief the employer on ongoing sponsor obligations.
Where eligible, we map the transition to permanent residence (such as the ENS 186).
Documents are needed from both the sponsoring business and the nominated worker.
Sponsorship rules, occupation lists and processing times are set by the Australian Government and change regularly. The above is general information only — book a consultation for advice specific to you.
We assess whether your business and the position qualify, then guide you through sponsorship and nomination so you can hire the worker you need compliantly.
Most employer sponsored visas involve sponsorship (the business is approved to sponsor), nomination (a specific position is nominated), and the visa application (the worker applies). We manage all three.
Several streams offer a pathway to permanent residency (such as the ENS 186). We'll explain which pathway fits the role and the worker.
For many sponsored visas, employers must show they tested the local labour market first by advertising the role. We advise on current requirements and acceptable evidence.
It depends on the occupation and visa stream. Some occupations require a formal skills assessment; we confirm whether yours does before you proceed.
Eligible family members can usually be included in the worker's visa application. We assess who qualifies and what evidence is needed.
A refused or poorly prepared application can cost you years and thousands of dollars — and the right strategy depends entirely on your circumstances. Book a confidential consultation with a registered migration agent (MARN 2418545) for an honest assessment of your real options before you commit.