Employer Sponsored Visas

Employer Sponsored
Visas for Australia

Work in Australia with employer sponsorship and access pathways to permanent residency.

We collaborate with Australian employers and skilled overseas workers to navigate the entire sponsorship visa process from business sponsorship approval through to visa grant with expert guidance every step of the way.

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What is Employer Sponsored Visa?

An Employer Sponsored Visa allows Australian employers to sponsor skilled overseas workers to fill positions when suitable local talent is unavailable. These visas help businesses address workforce shortages while providing eligible professionals with an opportunity to live and work in Australia. Depending on the visa pathway, employer sponsorship may lead to temporary work rights, permanent residency, or both. Employer Sponsored Visas are available across a wide range of industries and occupations experiencing skill shortages in Australia.

Employer Sponsored Visa Key Benifits

Live and work in Australia

Build your career while enjoying Australia's lifestyle and opportunities.

Pathway to PR

Many employer-sponsored visas can lead to permanent residency.

Bring Your Family

Eligible family members can accompany you to Australia.

No Points Test

Most employer-sponsored visa pathways do not require a points-based assessment.

Australian Work Experience

Gain valuable local experience with an approved employer.

Skill Shortage Opportunities

Access roles in occupations that are in demand across Australia.

Competitive Employment Conditions

Benefit from Australian workplace protections, salaries, and benefits.

Long-Term Career Growth

Establish a stable career with opportunities for professional development.

Choose Your Sponsorship Pathway

SC482 – Skills in Demand (SID) Visa

Skills in Demand (SID) Visa (Subclass 482)

The Skills in Demand (SID) Visa – Subclass 482, also known as the temporary employer sponsored visa, has officially replaced the Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) Visa – Subclass 482, introducing a more structured approach to skilled migration and clearer pathways to permanent residency.

This visa aligns with Australia's evolving labour market and allows eligible overseas workers to stay in Australia for up to 4 years (or 5 years for Hong Kong passport holders).

This employer sponsorship visa is highly relevant for industries in Australia facing persistent shortages, such as healthcare, engineering, IT, and trades. By offering flexible pathways under different income and skills thresholds, the SID visa ensures employers can bring the right talent into their workforce.

Many applicants use the SID visa as their first step toward permanent residency, making it a practical choice for both employers and skilled professionals seeking stability in Australia.



Explore SC482 Visa (Skills-in-Demand) →

SC186 – Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) Visa

 

Employer Nomination Scheme (Subclass 186)

The Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) Subclass 186 visa is a permanent residency visa for skilled workers who are nominated by an Australian employer. It provides a pathway to permanent residency for eligible temporary visa holders and skilled overseas workers.

This visa benefits both employers and employees—employers gain long-term workforce stability while employees and their families enjoy the security of permanent residency in Australia. For businesses in Melbourne and across regional areas, the Subclass 186 visa is an effective way to address ongoing workforce shortages and attract highly skilled workers committed to living and working in Australia.

 



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SC494 – Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) Visa

Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) Visa (Subclass 494)

The Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) Visa – Subclass 494 helps regional employers address labour shortages by sponsoring skilled overseas workers when suitably qualified Australians are not available.

The 494 Visa was introduced on 16 November 2019, replacing the 187 (RSMS) visa, and has a maximum of 10,000 places allocated per year. It requires sponsorship from a regional employer and for the sponsored position to be likely to exist for 5 years.

This employer sponsorship visa requires candidates to live and work in regional Australia, making it ideal for applicants seeking long-term settlement options outside metropolitan centres.

For employers, it is an opportunity to secure skilled professionals willing to contribute to regional growth. After meeting certain income and work requirements, visa holders can transition to permanent residency through the Subclass 191 visa, providing both career stability and community integration.



Explore SC494 Visa (Employer Sponsored Regional Visa) →

SC407 – Training Visa

Training Visa (Subclass 407)

The Training Visa (Subclass 407) is a temporary employer sponsored visa designed for individuals who want to participate in occupational training or professional development programs in Australia.

It allows international workers to improve their skills, gain hands-on experience, and strengthen their qualifications in a real-world Australian work environment.

This visa is often used by Australian companies to sponsor overseas employees for workplace-based training, ensuring their skills align with industry requirements. It is particularly useful for graduates, interns, or professionals who wish to enhance their qualifications under the guidance of an approved Australian employer.

While temporary, the 407 visa can improve future opportunities for employer sponsored visas in Australia by strengthening applicants’ skills and local work experience.



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SC400 – Temporary Work (Short Stay Specialist)

Short Stay Specialist Visa (Subclass 400)

As the name suggests, the Short Stay Specialist is a short stay visa for skilled professionals undertaking highly specialised work or work that is in Australia's national interest.

This option is often chosen by employers who require urgent access to overseas talent for projects that demand niche expertise. Although short in duration, it provides flexibility for businesses while ensuring compliance with sponsorship regulations. Unlike long-term employer sponsored visas, the Subclass 400 visa is suited to professionals delivering time-sensitive projects in areas such as infrastructure, IT, or research.


Two Streams of the Subclass 400 Visa

  1. Highly Specialised Work Stream

    This requires the applicant to demonstrate that they have skills not readily available in Australia, for example: in demand skills particularly relating to STEM industries; or if there are limited resources available in a specified skill set in Australia. The work must be likely to be completed within 3 months and must not be ongoing in nature. Six months duration can be considered where there is a strong business case. If there is a requirement for the position to be filled for longer duration than 6 months, a TSS (SC482) should be considered.

    Note: Paid work in the entertainment industry is specifically excluded from the SC400, unless if the production will not be broadcasted in Australia or the visit is purely for promotional purposes.

  2. Australia's Interests Stream

    This stream normally involves demonstrating compelling circumstances which affect Australia's interests, such as during major disasters or emergencies, impact on Australia's diplomatic, trade or business interests. How this applicant can bring significant benefit due to their contribution to Australia.For both the streams, the applicant needs to have access to sufficient funds to support themselves in Australia and have personal attributes consistent with the proposed activity. They must genuinely intend to stay temporarily for the purpose in Australia and meet health and character requirements.
    Sponsorship or nomination is not needed for this.


Key Features of the 400 Visa

  • Short-term stay of up to 3 months (extendable to 6 months in some cases).
  • Designed for specialised work that cannot be sourced locally.
  • No sponsorship or nomination required.
  • Fast processing for urgent business needs.

Cost of Subclass 400 Visa

  • AUD $405 (main applicant).
  • Additional fees apply for dependents.

Who Should Apply?

  • Professionals engaged in short-term, high-skill assignments.
  • Individuals contributing to Australia’s national interest projects.

Why Choose Employer Sponsored Visas?

Employer sponsored visas are one of the most effective ways for Australian businesses to strengthen their workforce while offering skilled professionals long-term career opportunities. Whether you are considering a Subclass 482, 186, 494, or other sponsorship option, these visas create a balanced solution — helping employers remain competitive while enabling applicants to access residency pathways.

From streamlined processing to well-defined eligibility requirements, employer sponsorship visas are designed to meet Australia’s workforce needs while ensuring compliance with migration regulations.

Choosing the right visa stream and preparing a strong case requires expert advice. That is why many employers and professionals work with the best migration agents in Melbourne who specialise in sponsorship visas. Our MARA-registered team ensures your application — from nomination to final approval — is handled with accuracy and care.

Whether you are an employer planning to sponsor talent or a professional seeking sponsorship, Immigration Hotspot can guide you toward the right visa option with confidence.

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. 1
    What is an employer sponsored visa in Australia?

    An employer sponsored visa allows Australian businesses to hire skilled overseas workers when suitable local candidates are not available. These visas include both temporary and permanent options such as the Subclass 482, 186, and 494 visas. Immigration Hotspot can guide you through choosing the right subclass for your situation.

  2. 2
    What are the main types of employer sponsored visas for Australia?

    The most common employer sponsored visas include:

    • Skills in Demand Visa (Subclass 482)
    • Employer Nomination Scheme Visa (Subclass 186)
    • Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional Visa (Subclass 494)
    • Training Visa (Subclass 407)
    • Temporary Work (Short Stay Specialist) Visa (Subclass 400)
  3. 3
    Why should I choose Immigration Hotspot for my employer sponsored visa?

    Immigration Hotspot is led by MARA-registered migration agents with years of experience in employer sponsorship. We offer tailored strategies, ensure compliance for employers, and simplify the visa process for employees.

  4. 4
    Can I apply for an employer sponsored visa from outside Australia?

    Yes, you can apply either from within Australia (if you hold an eligible visa) or from overseas. Many applicants secure job offers while outside Australia and then apply for employer sponsored visas with their employer’s support.

  5. 5
    How long does it take to process an employer sponsored visa in Australia?

    Processing times vary depending on the subclass. For example, the Skills in Demand Visa (Subclass 482) can be processed in as little as 7 days under certain pathways, while permanent visas like the Subclass 186 may take several months. Immigration Hotspot helps you prepare complete applications to avoid unnecessary delays.

  6. 6
    What is the difference between a temporary and permanent employer sponsored visa?

    Temporary visas such as the Subclass 482 allow you to work in Australia for up to four years. Permanent visas like the Subclass 186 give you the right to stay and settle in Australia long term. Immigration Hotspot advises on the best pathway depending on your career and residency goals.

  7. 7
    What are the English language requirements for employer sponsored visas?

    For most visas, you need to demonstrate English proficiency, such as IELTS 5.0 for the Subclass 482 or IELTS 6.0 for the Subclass 186. Some exemptions apply depending on your nationality, education, or salary level.

  8. 8
    What is the cost of applying for an employer sponsored visa in Australia?

    Visa application fees differ across subclasses. For instance, the Subclass 494 costs AUD $4,910 for the main applicant. Employers must also pay the Skilling Australians Fund (SAF) levy. Costs increase if family members are included. Immigration Hotspot provides a clear breakdown of all expected costs before you apply.

  9. 9
    What happens if I lose my job on an employer sponsored visa?

    If you stop working for your sponsoring employer, you usually have a limited time to find a new sponsor or apply for another visa. Immigration Hotspot can guide you on your options to avoid breaching visa conditions.

  10. 10
    Is there an age limit for applying for an employer sponsored visa?

    Most employer sponsored visas have an age limit of 45 years at the time of application. However, exemptions apply for certain occupations, higher salaries, or labour agreements.

  11. 11
    Can family members be included in employer sponsored visa applications?

    Yes, you can include your spouse and dependent children in your application. Secondary applicants often have work and study rights in Australia, depending on the visa subclass.

  12. 12
    How do I know if I qualify for an Employer Sponsored Visa in Australia?

    Employer Sponsored Visas depend on factors such as your occupation, skills, and an eligible sponsoring employer. The best migration agent in Melbourne like Immigration Hotspot helps both businesses and skilled workers by managing sponsorship setup, compliance, and visa lodgement.

  13. 13
    Does Immigration Hotspot assist with employer-sponsored visas for businesses in Melbourne?

    Absolutely. Our migration agents in Melbourne support employers with TSS (482), ENS (186), and Regional (494) sponsorships—handling compliance, audits, and visa management end-to-end.

Planning to Get Sponsored by Your Employer?

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This 30-minute value-packed session with a MARA Registered Agent is designed to understand your Employer Sponsorship requirements for the SC482, SC186 or SC494 and provide you a tailored solution 

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