Find an Employer Sponsored Visa Agent in Australia

Understanding the Employer Sponsorship Pathway

Employer-sponsored migration works in three stages. First, your employer must be approved as a standard business sponsor. Second, they lodge a nomination for your specific role at market salary rate with labour market testing completed. Third, you lodge the visa application. Each stage has its own processing time and potential complications. An experienced agent coordinates all three simultaneously and ensures compliance from day one.

The 482 and Skills in Demand Visa

The subclass 482 is the primary temporary employer-sponsored work visa, now transitioning to the Skills in Demand framework. The new system introduces salary-based thresholds instead of occupation lists: Core Skills stream ($73,150–$135,000), Specialist Skills stream (above $135,000), and Essential Skills stream for critical shortage occupations. Your agent advises which framework applies and ensures your application meets current requirements during this transition period.

The 186 — Permanent Residency

The subclass 186 is the primary employer-sponsored pathway to permanent residency. The Transition stream is for 482/457 holders who have worked for their employer for the required period. The Direct Entry stream is for applicants meeting skills assessment requirements without a prior temporary visa. A good agent plans the 186 transition from the moment the 482 is lodged, ensuring continuity of employment, compliance, and timely lodgement.

What Your Employer Needs to Know

Many employers approach sponsorship without understanding their obligations. As a sponsor, the employer must pay market salary rate, provide equivalent conditions to Australian workers, maintain records, notify the Department of changes, and cooperate with monitoring. An agent walks the employer through these obligations, prepares documentation on their behalf, and ensures compliance throughout.

Labour Market Testing

For most positions, the employer must demonstrate they attempted to recruit Australian workers first. Requirements around labour market testing depend on the visa stream and occupation. Getting this wrong is one of the most common reasons for nomination refusals — and an entirely preventable problem with proper guidance.

Costs and Timelines

The 482 application charge is approximately $1,330 to $2,770. The 186 charge is approximately $4,240. Processing for the full 482 process takes 2 to 6 months total. The 186 Transition stream takes 6 to 15 months. Agent fees range from $2,500 to $6,000. Confirm whether the fee covers the employer side, employee side, or both.

Get Matched with Employer Sponsorship Specialists

Tell Migratio about your occupation, employer details, and pathway. You will be matched with 3 agents who handle employer sponsorship regularly and manage both sides. Free, no obligation.

Can I change employers on a 482?

Yes, but your new employer must become an approved sponsor and lodge a new nomination. Do not start working for them until approved.

Does my employer pay agent fees?

They cannot require you to pay sponsorship or nomination costs. The visa application fee and personal agent fees are typically yours, though many employers cover these.

What is the Skills in Demand visa?

The replacement framework for the 482, using salary-based streams instead of occupation lists. Your agent advises which stream applies.

Can my family come with me?

Yes. Spouse or de facto partner and dependent children can be included as secondary applicants with work rights.

How long until I can get permanent residency?

Under the 186 Transition stream, generally two to three years of full-time employment with the sponsoring employer while holding a 482.