Employer Sponsored Visa Solutions
Secure skilled overseas workers for your business through Australia's Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) and Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) visas.
Employer Sponsored Visa Options
Australia offers several pathways for employers to sponsor skilled workers to fill genuine vacancies.
Need Help with Sponsorship?
Employer ConsultationSubclass 186 (ENS Visa)
Permanent residency visa for skilled workers nominated by an approved Australian employer.
Subclass 482 (TSS Visa)
Temporary visa allowing employers to address labor shortages by bringing in genuinely skilled workers.
Subclass 494 (Regional Visa)
Temporary visa for regional employers to sponsor skilled workers where Australians are not available.
Benefits of Employer Sponsorship
Address Skill Shortages
Access global talent to fill positions where qualified Australians are not available.
Retain Valued Employees
Sponsor temporary workers for permanent residency to retain their skills long-term.
Global Competitiveness
Enhance your business's ability to compete internationally with diverse talent.
Cultural Diversity
Build a diverse workforce that brings new perspectives and innovation.
Eligibility Requirements
Business Requirements
Your business must be lawfully operating in Australia with no adverse information
Nomination Approval
The position must be genuine, full-time, and for at least 2 years (for 186 visa)
Skilled Occupation
The position must be on the relevant skilled occupation list
Market Salary Rate
Must pay at least the market salary rate and meet TSMIT requirements
Worker Qualifications
The worker must have the required skills, qualifications, and experience
Labour Market Testing
For TSS visas, must demonstrate you tested the local labor market first
Application Process
Sponsorship Application
The employer applies to become an approved sponsor (valid for 5 years). Requires demonstrating lawful operation and commitment to training.
Nomination Application
Employer nominates a position, proving it's genuine, full-time, and meets market salary requirements. Includes labour market testing for TSS.
Visa Application
The nominated worker applies for the visa, providing evidence of skills, qualifications, English proficiency, and health/character requirements.
Processing & Approval
Processing times vary (1-6 months typically). For 186 visas, permanent residency is granted immediately upon approval.
Processing Times:
- Standard Sponsorship: 1-2 months
- TSS Nomination: 1-3 months
- ENS/RSMS Nomination: 3-6 months
- Visa Processing: 1-4 months
Sponsor Obligations
As an approved sponsor, you have significant legal obligations that must be met throughout the sponsorship period.
Payment of Market Salary
Must pay at least the market salary rate and meet TSMIT requirements ($70,000 from July 2023)
Employment Conditions
Must provide equivalent terms and conditions to Australian workers
Record Keeping
Maintain accurate records and provide documents if requested
Notification Requirements
Notify Immigration of certain events (e.g., if worker doesn't start, leaves early)
Training Requirements
Meet training benchmark requirements (for permanent visas)
No Discrimination
Must not engage in discriminatory recruitment practices
Important:
Failure to meet sponsorship obligations may result in sanctions including fines, barring from future sponsorships, or cancellation of existing approvals.
Employer Sponsorship Inquiry
Get expert guidance on sponsoring overseas workers. Our migration specialists will contact you within 24 hours.
Employer Questions
How long does sponsorship approval last?
Standard business sponsorship is valid for 5 years.
What are the costs involved?
Sponsorship fee: $420, Nomination: $330, Visa: from $4,640.
Can we sponsor for any role?
Only occupations on the relevant skilled lists qualify.
Visa Comparison
| Feature | 186 | 482 |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Permanent | Temporary |
| Duration | Indefinite | 2-4 years |
| PR Pathway | Immediate | After 3 years |
| Processing Time | 6-12 months | 1-3 months |