Visa Services
Employer Sponsored Visas
Bring skilled workers to Australia — or move on an employer's sponsorship. Clear guidance on sponsorship, nomination and the compliance that protects both sides.
Who this service is for
I'm an employer
You have a role you can't fill locally and want to sponsor a skilled worker, in the city or in regional Australia.
I'm a skilled worker
You have an Australian job offer, or an employer willing to sponsor you, and want to understand the pathway.
I'm already sponsored
You hold or held a sponsored visa and want to move toward permanent residence.
Available visa pathways
Not sure which is yours? Take the Free Visa Health Check, or compare them below.
- 494
Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Subclass 494)
Regional employer sponsorship, with a pathway to PR.
- Type
- Provisional
- 186
Employer Nomination Scheme (Subclass 186)
Permanent residence through employer nomination.
- Type
- Permanent
- 482
Skills in Demand (Subclass 482)
Employer-sponsored temporary skilled work, with a possible pathway to PR.
- Type
- Temporary
Why choose this pathway
- Access to skilled workers — Fill genuine skill shortages where local recruitment has not succeeded.
- Pathways to permanent residence — Several employer-sponsored streams lead toward PR over time.
- Regional concessions — Designated regional areas can offer additional options and incentives.
Typical outcomes
Depending on the stream, outcomes range from temporary skilled work rights through to permanent residence.
Important considerations
Sponsorship carries obligations, and labour market testing and genuine-position requirements apply. Not every role or business qualifies — we tell you honestly before you invest.
The journey, at a glance
Results in this category
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between the 482, 186 and 494?
The 482 is a temporary skilled visa; the 186 is a permanent employer-sponsored visa; the 494 is a provisional visa for designated regional areas. Which fits depends on the role, the business and the location.
Does the employer or the worker apply?
Both play a part: the business becomes an approved sponsor and nominates the position, and the worker lodges the visa application. We coordinate both sides.
Is labour market testing required?
For many nominations, yes — evidence that the role was genuinely advertised and could not be filled locally. Requirements change, so we confirm current rules for your case.
Can an employer-sponsored visa lead to permanent residence?
Several streams provide a pathway to permanent residence over time. Eligibility depends on the visa held, the occupation and how long the role is held.
Keep exploring
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Not sure which pathway is yours?
An honest read on where you stand — including if this category isn't the right fit.