Independent advisory firm — not a government agency. Visas are decided only by the Australian Department of Home Affairs.
Visa Overview
Choose the right employer-sponsored option for your situation. Each route has its own conditions, income thresholds and employer obligations.
| Detail | Value |
|---|---|
| Skills in Demand visa (482) | Temporary, up to 4 years. Core Skills stream (salary at or above AUD 79,423), Specialist Skills stream (at or above AUD 146,576) and Labour Agreement stream. |
| Employer Nomination Scheme (186) | Permanent. No points test. Direct Entry, Temporary Residence Transition and Labour Agreement streams. |
| Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (494) | Provisional, up to 5 years, for employers in designated regional areas, with a pathway to PR through the 191. |
| Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme (187) | Closed to new applications from 16 November 2019, replaced by the 494. |
About this visa
Employer-sponsored visas let an approved Australian employer nominate a skilled worker for a position it cannot fill locally. The 482 is the main temporary visa, the 186 is the permanent visa, and the 494 is a regional provisional visa. The employer, not the worker, applies for sponsorship and nomination, and the worker then applies for the visa. Visatrix does not find jobs and is not a recruiter.
Benefits of the Employer Sponsored Visas (482, 186 and 494)
What employer-sponsored routes can offer, subject to the visa granted and current rules.
Employer-Backed Route
A sponsor nominates your position, so you do not need a points score for the 186, though age, skills and English rules apply.
A Pathway to PR
Many 482 holders may apply for the 186 Temporary Residence Transition stream after two years with their sponsor in the previous three, subject to conditions.
Family Inclusion
A partner and dependent children can usually be included, subject to eligibility and additional charges.
Salary Protections
Your pay must meet the market salary rate and the relevant income threshold.
Work Rights
On the 482 you work for your sponsor in the nominated occupation; the 186 is permanent and has no such condition.
Regional Option
The 494 supports employers in designated regional areas and leads to PR through the 191 after three years.
Key Requirements for the Employer Sponsored Visas (482, 186 and 494)
Employer requirements
- An approved sponsor with a genuine need for the position.
- A nomination that meets salary, occupation and genuine-position rules.
- Labour market testing where required.
- The Skilling Australians Fund levy: reported at AUD 1,200 (small business) or AUD 1,800 per year for the 482.
- Compliance with sponsorship obligations and Australian law.
Employee requirements
- A positive skills assessment, where required for the occupation.
- English language proficiency at the level the stream requires.
- Relevant work experience, commonly at least two to three years depending on the stream.
- Health and character checks.
- A genuine position: the job must be real and your skills must match it.
Occupation and salary requirements
- Core Skills stream: an occupation on the Core Skills Occupation List and a salary at or above AUD 79,423.
- Specialist Skills stream: a salary at or above AUD 146,576, with its own occupation rules.
- The salary must also meet the market salary rate for the role.
- The 186 Direct Entry and Temporary Residence Transition streams also require the Core Skills Income Threshold.
- Age rules apply for the 186, generally under 45, with exemptions in some cases.
- Confirm both thresholds on Home Affairs: one source gives AUD 79,499 and AUD 146,717.
How Employer Sponsorship Works
A general overview. Your actual sequence depends on your stream and occupation. We do not find jobs or act as an employment agency; the employer and the worker each complete their own steps.
- 1
Employer becomes a sponsor
Your employer must be an approved Australian sponsor before it can nominate you.
- Check that the business is eligible.
- Apply for approval as a sponsor.
- Understand the sponsorship obligations.
- Plan for the Skilling Australians Fund levy.
- 2
Employer nominates the position
The employer submits a nomination for the position and occupation.
- Confirm the occupation and stream.
- Meet the salary and market-rate requirements.
- Complete labour market testing where required.
- Lodge the nomination and pay the fees.
- 3
Worker lodges the visa application
The worker applies for the visa linked to the nomination.
- Prepare identity, qualification and experience documents.
- Provide English evidence and skills assessment where required.
- Complete health and police checks.
- Pay the visa application charge.
- 4
Decision and starting work
Home Affairs decides on the nomination and visa.
- Respond to any requests for information.
- If granted, review the visa conditions.
- Meet the initial entry requirements.
- Start work in the nominated position.
- 5
Moving to permanent residence
Eligible 482 holders may apply for the 186 Temporary Residence Transition stream.
- Work for the sponsor for the required time.
- Keep the employer's sponsor status and nomination valid.
- Meet the salary and age requirements.
- Lodge the nomination and 186 application.
Typical Government Costs for the Employer Sponsored Visas (482, 186 and 494) (2026)
| Item | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 482 main applicant visa charge | About AUD 4,015 | Reported from 1 July 2026; additional applicants pay extra. |
| 186 main applicant visa charge | About AUD 6,140 | From 1 July 2026; additional applicants pay extra. |
| Employer nomination fee | About AUD 330 | Paid by the employer; reported figure. |
| Skilling Australians Fund levy (482) | AUD 1,200–1,800 per year | Paid by the employer, depending on turnover; indexed. |
| Skills assessment, English test, health and police checks | Varies | Paid to the providers. |
Charges are set by the Australian Government and change each July. Confirm current amounts on the Home Affairs website before applying.
Employer Sponsored Visas (482, 186 and 494) — Frequently Asked Questions
What are employer-sponsored visas for Australia?
They are visas for skilled workers nominated by an approved Australian employer. The main options are the Skills in Demand visa (subclass 482), the permanent Employer Nomination Scheme (subclass 186) and the regional subclass 494. Only the Department of Home Affairs decides whether a visa is granted.
What happened to the TSS visa?
The Temporary Skill Shortage visa was replaced on 7 December 2024 by the Skills in Demand visa. It still uses subclass 482 but has new streams (Core Skills, Specialist Skills and Labour Agreement) and new income thresholds.
What is the Core Skills Income Threshold?
It is the minimum salary an employer must offer for the Core Skills stream of the 482 and for the 186. For nominations lodged from 1 July 2026 it is AUD 79,423 in most published sources, and it is indexed each year.
What is the Specialist Skills Income Threshold?
It is the higher minimum salary for the Specialist Skills stream of the 482. For nominations lodged from 1 July 2026 it is AUD 146,576 in most published sources.
Can I get employer sponsorship from overseas?
Yes, many employers sponsor workers who are outside Australia. You need a genuine job offer from an approved sponsor and must meet the occupation, skills and English requirements.
Does Visatrix find me a job or an employer?
No. Visatrix Global is an advisory firm and not a recruitment agency. We explain the sponsorship rules and help you prepare your documents, but you or your employer must find the job.
What is the difference between the 482 and the 186?
The 482 is a temporary work visa tied to a sponsor and an occupation. The 186 is permanent. Many 482 holders later apply for the 186 Temporary Residence Transition stream.
What are the 186 streams?
The 186 has a Direct Entry stream for workers with the required skills and experience, a Temporary Residence Transition stream for eligible 482 holders, and a Labour Agreement stream. Each has its own criteria.
How long do I need to work for my sponsor before the 186?
For the Temporary Residence Transition stream, you generally need two years of sponsored employment in the previous three. From 29 November 2025, only time with an approved sponsor counts.
Is there a points test for employer-sponsored visas?
No. Employer-sponsored visas are not points-tested, but you must still meet age, English, skills and health requirements, and your employer must nominate you.
What is the age limit for the 186?
Generally under 45 at the time of application. Some exemptions apply, such as for certain high-income 482 holders, so check your own case.
How much does an employer-sponsored visa cost?
The 482 main applicant charge is reported at about AUD 4,015, and the 186 at about AUD 6,140, from 1 July 2026. The employer also pays a nomination fee and the Skilling Australians Fund levy. Confirm all amounts with Home Affairs.
What is the 494 visa?
The 494 is a provisional visa for skilled workers sponsored by an employer in a designated regional area. After three years of meeting the conditions, holders may apply for permanent residence through the subclass 191.
What happened to the 187 visa?
The Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme (subclass 187) closed to new applications on 16 November 2019 and was replaced by the 494 and the 191.
Can I change employers on a 482?
Yes, but a new approved sponsor must nominate you, and you must keep within the time limits for finding a new sponsor if you leave your job. Check the current rules before you resign.
Can my family come with me?
Generally yes. A partner and dependent children can usually be included, and each additional applicant pays a charge and must meet health and character requirements.
Do I need a skills assessment?
It depends on your occupation. Many trades and some professions require one, and employers often ask for evidence of experience. We explain which authority applies.
How long does an employer-sponsored visa take?
Processing depends on the visa, the sponsor's status and the completeness of the documents, and Home Affairs publishes current estimates. Times are not guaranteed, so avoid fixing a relocation date around an estimate.
Do I need a registered migration agent?
No, you can apply yourself. But if you pay anyone for immigration assistance on an Australian visa, Australian law requires that person to be a registered migration agent or a lawyer. Check any agent on the OMARA public register.
Can Visatrix Global guarantee my sponsorship or visa?
No. Visatrix Global is an independent advisory firm. Only an approved employer can nominate you and only the Department of Home Affairs decides whether a visa is granted. No consultant can guarantee either, or processing times. We help you understand your options and prepare accurate documents.
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Explore Subclass 189 Advisory →Skilled Work Regional (subclass 491)
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Choose the right assessing authority.
Explore Skills Assessment Advisory →Check Your Employer-Sponsored Eligibility
Get a free assessment of your employer-sponsored options from our Dubai-based advisors. We review your occupation, experience, English and documents, and explain which streams may fit your profile. We do not place workers with employers. No obligation.
Immigration regulations, eligibility criteria, occupation lists, points requirements, language requirements, fees and processing times are set by the Australian Government and are subject to change without notice. Applicants should always verify the latest requirements with the Department of Home Affairs before submitting any application.
Visatrix Global Services – FZCO is an independent advisory firm licensed in the UAE. We are not a government agency and are not affiliated with the Australian Government or the Department of Home Affairs. We do not guarantee visa approval, invitations, points outcomes or processing times. Our services are limited to general information, eligibility assessment and document organisation; immigration assistance on Australian visa applications must come from a registered migration agent or a lawyer, which you can verify at the OMARA public register (omara.gov.au).
Content compiled October 2026; figures marked “about” or “reported” should be confirmed on the Department of Home Affairs website before you act.
Official sources to verify
- immi.homeaffairs.gov.au — Skills in Demand visa (subclass 482), Employer Nomination Scheme (subclass 186), Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (subclass 494), the Core Skills Occupation List and the fee table.
- Home Affairs notice of the income thresholds from 1 July 2026.
- The 2026–27 Federal Budget papers and Migration Program planning levels.
- omara.gov.au — to verify any migration agent named on the page.