Employer Sponsored Visa Australia Explained

An Australian employer-sponsored visa is a residency pathway that requires an approved Australian business to nominate you for a specific occupation before you can apply. The three main subclasses are the 482 Skills in Demand visa (temporary, 2–4 years), the 186 Employer Nomination Scheme (permanent), and the 494 Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (provisional — PR eligible after 3 years). All three require the employer to hold Standard Business Sponsor status and pay the Skilling Australians Fund levy. Government fees range from approximately $3,210 to $4,770 (indicative, April 2026). This guide explains how each subclass works, what employers and employees each need to do, and the common sponsorship pitfalls.

How Employer Sponsorship Works

Employer-sponsored migration involves three stages: the employer becomes an approved sponsor, they nominate a specific role, and the worker applies for the visa. All three stages need to succeed. An experienced agent coordinates both sides to ensure the stages align. The employer has legal obligations around salary, conditions, and compliance that continue after the visa is granted.

The 482 Skills in Demand Visa

The main temporary employer-sponsored work visa. Australia is transitioning to salary-based streams: Core Skills ($73,150 to $135,000), Specialist Skills (above $135,000), and Essential Skills for critical shortage occupations. The 482 is often the practical starting point when an employer needs someone in the role relatively soon.

The 186 Employer Nomination Scheme

The permanent employer-sponsored visa. 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. The 186 grants permanent residency and is often the end goal of an employer sponsorship journey.

The 494 Regional Employer Sponsorship

For employers in designated regional areas. The 494 is a provisional visa that enables regional employers to address labour shortages. It requires regional living and can lead to permanent residency through the regional pathway.

Labour Market Testing and Salary Requirements

Employers must generally demonstrate they tried to fill the role with Australian workers before sponsoring an overseas worker. Salary must meet the relevant threshold. Getting labour market testing wrong is one of the most common reasons for nomination refusals.

Costs

482 application: $1,330 to $2,770. 186 application: approximately $4,240. Sponsorship and nomination costs are additional and borne by the employer. Agent fees: $2,500 to $6,000.

Getting Started

Through Migratio, both employers and workers can describe the situation and get matched with 3 agents who handle employer sponsorship across all subclasses.

Frequently asked questions

Who pays for sponsorship?

The employer bears sponsorship and nomination costs. The visa application fee and personal agent fees are typically the worker's responsibility.

Does the 482 lead to PR?

The medium-term stream can lead to the 186 after the required employment period.

Can I change employers?

On a 482, yes — but the new employer must become a sponsor and lodge a new nomination.

What is the Skills in Demand visa?

The new framework replacing occupation-based 482 streams with salary-based thresholds.

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