Employer Sponsored Visa

About

The Australia Employer Sponsored Visa program allows Australian employers to sponsor skilled foreign workers to fill job vacancies that cannot be filled by the local workforce. These visas are designed to address labor shortages and support Australia’s economic growth.

There are several visa subclasses under this program, but the two most common are:

  1. Temporary Skill Shortage Visa (Subclass 482) – Temporary work visa.
  2. Employer Nomination Scheme (Subclass 186) – Permanent residence visa.

These visas provide opportunities for skilled professionals from overseas to live and work in Australia either temporarily or permanently, depending on the visa type.

Who can apply

  1. Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) Visa – Subclass 482- Temporary work visa to fill skill shortages in Australia.

    Requirements: Job offer from approved employer, occupation on Skilled List, 2+ years’ experience, English test, health/character check, Labour Market Testing.

    Duration:

Short-term: Up to 2 years (renewable once).
Medium-term: Up to 4 years (pathway to PR).
Regional: Up to 5 years (PR pathway).



  1. Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) Visa – Subclass 186- Permanent residency visa for skilled workers nominated by an employer.

    Requirements: Employer nomination, skills assessment, under 45 (some exemptions), 3+ years’ experience, English (IELTS 6), health/character check.

Benefits

  • Work legally in Australia: Full work rights with the sponsoring employer.

  • Pathway to permanent residence: The 482 visa can lead to permanent residency via the 186 visa.

  • Bring your family: Include spouse/partner and dependent children, with work and study rights.

  • Live anywhere in Australia: Depending on the visa stream, including regional areas.

  • Access to services: Permanent residents gain access to Medicare and education benefits.

  • Opportunity for citizenship: After permanent residence, eligible applicants can apply for Australian citizenship.

Real-Life Example

A mechanical engineer from Malaysia receives a job offer from a manufacturing firm in Brisbane. The company is approved to sponsor workers and nominates him for a 482 Medium-Term Stream visa. After two years, the employer supports his application under the ENS 186 visa, allowing the worker and his family to gain permanent residence in Australia.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I switch employers while on a 482 visa?

Only if the new employer is an approved sponsor and nominates you for the same occupation. You must apply for a new nomination and visa.

Do all 482 visa holders qualify for PR?

Not all, but those on the medium-term stream or in designated regional areas may become eligible for PR through the Subclass 186 visa.

 

How long does the application process take?
  • 482 visa: Typically processed within 1–4 months.
     
  • 186 visa: Can take 6–11 months, depending on the stream.
What happens if my employer withdraws the nomination?

If you’re on a 482 visa and lose your job, you generally have 60 days to find another sponsor or apply for a different visa.

 

Can my spouse work on a dependent visa?

Yes. Spouses of primary 482 or 186 visa holders are usually granted full work rights in Australia.