Employer Sponsored Visas
Overview
Australian employers can sponsor skilled workers on temporary or permanent visas. The right visa depends on the occupation, the location of the job, the salary and the worker’s experience. The 2026–27 Migration Program includes 58,040 places for employer-sponsored permanent visas.
- Skills in Demand visa (subclass 482): temporary sponsorship for skilled roles.
- Employer Nomination Scheme (subclass 186): permanent residence through an employer nomination.
- Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (subclass 494): provisional visa for roles in designated regional areas.
Employer Nomination Scheme (Subclass 186)
The 186 is a permanent visa with two main streams:
- Direct Entry stream: the occupation must be on the Core Skills Occupation List. You usually need at least 3 years of relevant work experience, a positive skills assessment, Competent English and to be under 45 when you apply (some exemptions apply).
- Temporary Residence Transition stream: for people who have worked full-time for at least 2 years, within the last 3 years, for their sponsoring employer on a 457, 482 or eligible bridging visa. You must be nominated by the employer who last sponsored you, have Competent English and be under 45 (some exemptions apply). Apply within 6 months of the nomination being approved.
Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Subclass 494)
- Nominated by an approved sponsor for a position in a designated regional area.
- At least 3 years of full-time experience in the nominated occupation, and a positive skills assessment before you lodge.
- Under 45 when you apply, with similar exemptions to the 186.
- The salary must meet the Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (AUD79,423 from 1 July 2026) and the market salary rate.
- After 3 years, holders may be able to apply for permanent residence through the subclass 191 visa.
Costs
- 186 and 494 visa application charge: from AUD6,140 for the main applicant.
- ENS nomination fee: AUD540.
- Skilling Australians Fund levy (one-off): AUD3,000 for businesses with turnover under AUD10 million, or AUD5,000 for larger businesses.
Figures current at September 2026. Visa charges and income thresholds usually change on 1 July each year, so always check the Department of Home Affairs website before you apply.
How We Help Employers
We check which visa fits each role, prepare sponsorship and nomination applications, run labour market testing where it’s required and help you meet your ongoing sponsor obligations.
Speak With Our Team
Every situation is different. Contact Sydney Migration Agents for advice from a registered migration agent about your options.
- Phone: (02) 5550 1234
- Email: hello@sydneymigration.example
- Office Hours: Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Visa and Migration
Check Official Sources
Visa rules, fees and income thresholds change regularly, usually on 1 July. Always confirm current requirements with the Department of Home Affairs before you apply.
Book a Consultation
Talk to a Registered Migration Agent
We’ll review your situation, explain your visa options and give you a fixed-fee quote before you commit.
