4nations international logo
  1. Home
  2. Employer Sponsorship Visa
  3. Employer sponsorship visa requirements in Australia

Employer sponsorship visa requirements in Australia

Are you a talented professional looking for opportunities to work in Australia? If so, then an employer sponsorship visa could be your golden ticket. Australia has long been an attractive destination for skilled professionals worldwide, offering a strong economy, high living standards, and a multicultural society.

The Australian government has recognised the importance of attracting global talent and has increased the number of employer sponsorship visas from 36,825 to 44,000 for the 2024–25 permanent Migration Program. This allows Australian businesses to sponsor overseas workers for temporary or permanent residency, facilitating the inflow of global talent.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll break down the employer sponsorship visa requirements in Australia, providing a clear and detailed overview. We will cover the different types of visas available, the application process, eligibility criteria, employer obligations, and much more. By the end of this article, you’ll have all the information you need to confidently navigate Australia’s employer-sponsored visa system—whether you’re an employer seeking skilled workers or a professional aiming to start a new chapter in Australia.

Types of Employer Sponsorship Visas in Australia

Employer sponsorship visas in Australia are designed to allow businesses to fill skill shortages by employing foreign workers. These visas can be either temporary or permanent, with specific visa subclasses catering to different needs. Below, we explore the most common employer-sponsored visa types:

Temporary Skill Shortage Visa (Subclass 482)

The Temporary Skill Shortage visa, subclass 482, is designed to help Australian businesses address labour shortages by bringing in skilled workers from overseas. Introduced in March 2018 as a replacement for the 457 visa, the 482 visa program aims to ensure that Australian businesses can access the skills they need while safeguarding job opportunities for Australian workers.

Visa Streams:

  • Short-Term Stream: For occupations listed on the Short-Term Skilled Occupation List (STSOL), with visa durations of up to 2 years, extendable once.
  • Medium-Term Stream: For occupations on the Medium and Long-Term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL), with visa durations of up to 4 years, renewable with a pathway to permanent residency.
  • Labour Agreement Stream: For occupations covered by a Labour Agreement between an employer and the Australian government.
Boundless Future Awaits! Simplified Immigration Solutions Here

Eligibility requirements for Subclass 482

English language requirements for TSS 482 visa

When applying for the TSS visa (subclass 482), visa applicants are required to demonstrate that they meet certain minimum standards of English language proficiency:

Test Required results for Short-term stream Required results for Medium-term stream 
IELTS An overall at least 5.0 with at least 4.5 in each test components. An overall of at least 5.0 with at least 5 in each test components.
OET A score of at least ‘B’ in each of the four components. A score of at least ‘B’ in each of the four components.
TOEFL iBT Total score of at least 35 with at least 3 for listening and reading, and at least 12 for speaking and writing. Total score of at least 35 with at least 4 for listening and reading, and at least 14 for speaking and writing.
PTE Overall test score of at least 36 with a score of at least 30 in each of the test components Overall test score of at least 36 with a score of at least 36 in each of the test components
Cambridge C1 Advanced Test Overall test score of at least 154 with a score of at least 147 in each test components. Overall test score of at least 154 with a score of at least 154 in each test components.

For Labour agreement stream: You must have proficiency in English sufficient for carrying out your chosen career. English requirements may be defined in the Labour Agreement between your company and the Commonwealth.

Occupation Requirement for Temporary skill shortage visa

You must be qualified or have sufficient experience in an occupation. Your occupation must be listed on one of the following skilled occupation lists:

  • Short-Term Skilled Occupations List (STSOL)
  • Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL)
  • Regional Occupation List (ROL)
Sponsor
  • You must be nominated by a Standard Business Sponsor or a business that has submitted a Standard Business Sponsorship application. Your employer must submit a nomination application on your behalf.

Want to Confirm Your Eligibility for the 482 TSS Visa? Our team is ready to help you assess your eligibility and walk you through the entire process to secure your visa smoothly. Book a consultation today.

Experience
  • You should have a minimum of 2 years of relevant work experience in the nominated occupation or a closely related role. This experience must be acquired within the last 5 years prior to your application. Part-time work can be considered; however, casual work is not eligible.

Health insurance 
  • Holders of the 482 Temporary Visa must ensure they have adequate health insurance coverage while residing in Australia. You can secure health insurance online.

  • Note that some countries have reciprocal healthcare agreements with Australia, which may exempt applicants from needing health insurance. Further information can be found through relevant resources.

Is health insurance mandatory for a 482 visa in Australia?

Yes, health insurance is mandatory for a 482 visa in Australia. Applicants must have adequate health insurance coverage for the duration of their stay.

Global Opportunities Beckon! Discover Seamless Immigration Services

Who can apply for the 482 Visa?

The 482 visa is open to skilled workers who have been nominated by an approved Australian employer. Eligibility extends to:

  • Overseas workers with skills, qualifications, and work experience that match the requirements of the nominated occupation.
  • Existing 482 visa holders seeking to change employers or extend their stay.
  • In some cases, family members of primary visa holders.

Can 482 visa holders apply for permanent residency visa?

The 482 visa itself is not permanent. However, if your occupation is on the MLTSSL, you could consider applying for the 186—employer-sponsored visa. Other permanent visa alternatives include the 190 and 491. If you live and work in a regional location, you may want to explore the Subclass 494 employer-sponsored visa. 

Employer Nomination Scheme (Subclass 186)

The Employer Nomination Scheme (Subclass 186) is a permanent residency visa for skilled workers in Australia. It allows businesses to sponsor overseas employees to live and work permanently. There are three streams under this visa:

  • Direct Entry Stream: This is for workers who have been nominated by an employer and have the necessary qualifications and work experience (usually three years). Applicants may apply from outside Australia or within Australia.
  • Temporary Residence Transition Stream: This stream is available to workers who already hold a TSS (Subclass 482) visa and have worked for their employer for at least three years.
  • Labour Agreement Stream: Similar to the TSS visa, this stream applies to workers employed under a Labour Agreement.

What is the difference between 186 and 482 visa?

The main difference between the 186 and 482 visas in Australia is that the 186 visa (Employer Nomination Scheme) offers permanent residency, while the 482 visa (Temporary Skill Shortage) is a temporary work visa. The 186 visa requires more work experience and can lead to permanent residency immediately, whereas the 482 visa provides a pathway to permanent residency after several years in some cases.

Start the processing earlier, as gathering all necessary documentation can be time-consuming. Contact our advisors for tailored guidance. 

Eligibility requirements for Subclass 186

English language requirements for Subclass 186 visa

You must meet specified levels in approved English language tests to be eligible: 

Test Required results 
IELTS At least 6 for each of the 4 components
OET At least B for each of the 4 components
TOEFL iBT At least 12 for listening, 13 for reading, 21 for writing, and 18 for speaking
PTE At least 50 for each of the 4 components
Cambridge C1 Advanced Test At least 169 in each of the 4 components
 
Sponsor 
  • An Australian employer must nominate you for a skilled position that is relevant to your skills and qualifications.
Health and Character Requirements for 186 visa
  • You must meet the health and character standards set by the Australian government through medical exams and police clearances.
Age Requirement

You must be under 45 years of age at the time of application, unless you qualify for an exemption based on specific factors like existing work arrangements or academic roles.

Skills Assessment

If applying under the Temporary Residence Transition or Labour Agreement streams, a skills assessment is not needed. However, for the Direct Entry stream, a skills assessment is required, as specified by the relevant skills assessing authority for your occupation in the eligible skilled occupations list.

Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) Visa (Subclass 494)

This is a new visa that was introduced in November 2019. It was developed to update the 187 (Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme) visa. It has approximately 10,000 positions available each year for individuals with abilities in certain regional regions.

The Subclass 494 visa allows employers in designated regional areas to sponsor skilled workers. It aims to address skill shortages in areas outside major cities like Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane.

Streams:

  • Employer-Sponsored Stream: For workers with skills relevant to an occupation on the Regional Occupation List (ROL).
  • Labour Agreement Stream: For workers sponsored under a Labour Agreement in regional areas.
  • Approved Standard Business Sponsor: You must be an approved Standard Business Sponsor (SBS) operating as a legitimate business in Australia.

Eligibility requirements for Subclass 494

English Language Proficiency for 494 visa 

You must demonstrate at least Competent English proficiency (the requirement is same as Employer Nomination Scheme) to be granted this visa. You can provide evidence of this by either:

    • Holding a valid passport from the United Kingdom, the United States, Canada, New Zealand, or the Republic of Ireland, or
    • Submitting results from an approved English language test that meets the requirements.
Sponsor
  • You must be nominated by an employer whose business is lawfully operating in Australia. Your employer will need to submit a nomination application on your behalf before you can apply for the visa.
  • You are required to work solely in your nominated occupation and only for the employer who has nominated you in regional Australia. Working outside these parameters may result in visa cancellation.
Skills, Qualifications, and Work Experience
  • You must have worked in the nominated occupation for at least three years on a full-time basis.
  • Your experience should generally be within the last five years, but it does not need to be continuous. Equivalent part-time work may also be considered.
Skills Assessment

You must have a positive skills assessment from the relevant assessing authority for your nominated occupation. This assessment confirms that your skills meet the requirements for the position. The skills assessment must be completed before you submit your visa application. Certain exemptions may apply, so it’s advisable to consult with a migration professional regarding your specific situation.

Age Requirement

You must be under 45 years of age at the time of applying for the Subclass 494 visa. Certain exemptions are available, so consider discussing your individual circumstances with a migration consultant.

Conclusion

Australia’s employer sponsorship visa program offers a golden opportunity for skilled professionals worldwide to contribute their expertise to the Australian workforce while enjoying the country’s high quality of life. Whether you’re considering the Temporary Skill Shortage visa (Subclass 482), the Employer Nomination Scheme (Subclass 186), or the Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional visa (Subclass 494), each pathway presents unique advantages and requirements. By understanding these visa options, their eligibility criteria, and application processes, you’re taking the first step towards your Australian journey.

Remember, your Australian work experience is just an application away. Take the first step today, and let us help you make your Australian dream a reality. So, Are you ready to start your Visa application? What questions do you have about the process? Contact us and share your thoughts about your Australian work journey!

Disclaimer: This is a Guide only and is intended to provide general information. Users of this guide are strongly encouraged to consult with a migration agent or lawyer before taking any course of action related to information, ideas or opinions expressed in this Guide.
Share:
Related Posts

Send Us A Message

Related Posts

Google Rating
4.6
Based on 113 reviews
js_loader

Book Consultation

Fill in the Form for your free consultation