Employer Sponsored Visas
(Subclass 482, 186 and 494)
Australia is one of the most sought-after study destinations in the world, attracting hundreds of thousands of international students every year. With globally recognised universities, a high standard of living, and the opportunity to gain work experience while studying, it is no surprise that so many choose Australia for their education journey.
To study full-time in Australia, international students need to apply for a Student Visa (Subclass 500). This visa allows you to enrol in an eligible course, live in Australia for the duration of your studies, and work part-time while completing your education. It is the most common visa for students and offers multiple pathways to extend your stay or apply for permanent residency later.
At My Immigration Options, we specialise in helping students secure their Subclass 500 visas with personalised advice and professional guidance. From preparing the right documents to writing a strong Genuine Temporary Entrant statement, our team ensures that your application is well-prepared and lodged with confidence.
Introduction
Australia relies on skilled workers from overseas to fill gaps in its workforce, particularly in industries facing shortages. The Employer Sponsored Visa program allows Australian businesses to sponsor skilled employees from overseas when they cannot find suitable local workers. For applicants, this visa pathway provides an opportunity to live and work in Australia, often with a direct pathway to permanent residency.
The main employer-sponsored visas are:
Subclass 482 Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) Visa – for temporary skilled employment in Australia
Subclass 186 Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) Visa – a permanent residency option for skilled workers nominated by an employer
Subclass 494 Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) Visa – for skilled workers sponsored to work in regional areas, with a pathway to permanent residency
At My Immigration Options, we help both employers and skilled workers navigate the complexities of employer-sponsored visas, ensuring that applications are complete, compliant, and as strong as possible.
Subclass 482 – Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) Visa
The Subclass 482 visa is the most commonly used employer-sponsored visa. It allows businesses to sponsor overseas workers to fill specific roles.
There are three main streams:
Short-Term Stream: For occupations on the Short-Term Skilled Occupation List (STSOL), usually valid for up to two years
Medium-Term Stream: For occupations on the Medium and Long-Term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL), valid for up to four years with a pathway to permanent residency
Labour Agreement Stream: For cases where employers have a special agreement with the government to sponsor workers outside the standard lists
Applicants must have a job offer from an approved sponsor, relevant skills and experience, and meet English language and health requirements. Employers must also demonstrate that they cannot fill the position with an Australian worker and may need to conduct Labour Market Testing.
Subclass 186 – Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) Visa
The Subclass 186 visa provides a pathway to permanent residency for skilled workers who are nominated by their Australian employer.
It is available in three streams:
Direct Entry Stream: For applicants with relevant skills, qualifications, and at least three years of work experience
Temporary Residence Transition Stream: For workers who have already held a Subclass 482 visa with the same employer for at least three years
Labour Agreement Stream: For applicants nominated under a labour agreement
The 186 visa grants permanent residency, allowing applicants to live, work, and study in Australia, access Medicare, and eventually apply for citizenship. It is a popular pathway for skilled workers who want long-term security in Australia.
Subclass 494 – Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) Visa
The Subclass 494 visa is designed to attract skilled workers to regional Australia. It requires sponsorship by an employer located in a designated regional area.
Key features include:
Valid for up to five years
Provides a pathway to permanent residency through the Subclass 191 Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) visa after three years
Requires applicants to live, work, and study in a regional area
Occupations must be on the Regional Occupation List
This visa helps regional businesses address labour shortages and gives skilled workers a strong incentive to settle in areas outside of Australia’s major cities.
The Application Process
Applying for an employer-sponsored visa involves multiple steps for both the employer and the applicant. Typically, the process includes:
Step 1
Sponsorship Approval
The employer must be an approved sponsor or apply to become one
Step 2
Nomination
The employer nominates the applicant for a specific position
Step 3
Visa Application
The applicant submits their visa application with evidence of skills, qualifications, work experience, and English proficiency
Step 4
Decision
The Department of Home Affairs assesses the application and issues a decision
Each stage requires accurate documentation and compliance with strict criteria. Mistakes at any stage can result in refusal or significant delays.
Eligibility Requirements
For applicants, eligibility generally includes:
A job offer from an eligible Australian employer
Skills, qualifications, and work experience relevant to the role
English language proficiency (unless exempt)
Meeting health and character requirements
For employers, eligibility includes:
Being lawfully operating in Australia
Demonstrating the genuine need for a skilled overseas worker
Meeting salary and employment condition standards
Completing Labour Market Testing where required
Why students choose us
Personal advisers with UK immigration expertise who explain obligations, minimise delays and help you plan for arrival and registration.
Transparent pricing, step-by-step checklists and a friendly approach so you feel supported throughout the application journey.
- UK-licensed advisers
- Fast document checks
- Clear action plan
Trusted by students
“The adviser reviewed my documents in one session and told me exactly what to fix. My visa was granted within weeks — I felt supported every step of the way.”
Aisha, MSc Economics
Benefits of Employer Sponsored Visas
Employer sponsored visas offer significant benefits for skilled workers and businesses alike.
For workers, these visas provide:
The ability to live and work in Australia lawfully
A pathway to permanent residency (186 and 494 visas)
Work rights for partners and study rights for children
Access to Australia’s lifestyle and long-term opportunities
For employers, the program provides access to talent that may not be available locally, allowing businesses to remain competitive and fill critical shortages.
Common questions
Do I need a consultation?
A short consultation quickly clarifies eligibility and the required documents — it often prevents costly mistakes later.
How long does processing take?
Processing varies by visa type and season; we estimate typical student visas at 3–8 weeks and provide tailored timing during consultation.
Can you help with dependants?
Yes — we advise on dependant eligibility, evidence and combined applications where students bring family.
Common Challenges
Employer sponsored visas can be complex for both applicants and employers.
Some common challenges include:
Meeting Labour Market Testing requirements
Changes to occupation lists, which can affect eligibility
Long processing times due to high demand
High costs for both employers and applicants
At My Immigration Options, we guide both employers and workers through these challenges, ensuring that every requirement is addressed.
Costs
The costs of employer sponsored visas vary depending on the subclass.
As of 2025:
Subclass 482: Base application charge around AUD $1,455 for the main applicant, with additional fees for dependants. Employers must also pay a Skilling Australians Fund (SAF) levy
Subclass 186: AUD $4,640 for the main applicant
Subclass 494: AUD $4,640 for the main applicant
Additional costs include medical exams, police checks, English tests, and document translations. Employers must also factor in nomination and training contribution costs.
English Language Requirements
English language proficiency is another critical part of the visa process. Unless you qualify for an exemption, you will need to demonstrate your English skills through an accepted test.
The current minimum requirements are:
IELTS: Overall score of 5.5
PTE Academic: Score of 42
TOEFL iBT: Score of 46
Cambridge English (CAE): 162
If you are undertaking an English Language Intensive Course for Overseas Students (ELICOS) before your main study, lower initial scores may be accepted. Certain countries, such as the United Kingdom, Canada, and the United States, are exempt from this requirement, as are students who have completed several years of study in English.
Your education provider may have higher entry requirements than the visa itself. Always check with your chosen institution to ensure you meet both sets of standards.
How My Immigration Options Can Help
Employer sponsored visas involve multiple stakeholders and detailed documentation. At My Immigration Options, we provide end-to-end assistance.
At My Immigration Options, we provide end-to-end assistance, including:
Helping employers become approved sponsors
Preparing and lodging nomination applications
Assisting applicants with visa applications and required evidence
Advising on Labour Market Testing and compliance
Supporting regional employers with Subclass 494 sponsorships
Guiding applicants on pathways to permanent residency
By managing the process professionally, we reduce risks, avoid delays, and give both employers and applicants confidence in a successful outcome.
Conclusion
Employer sponsored visas are one of the most effective pathways for skilled workers to enter Australia and for businesses to address labour shortages. Whether it is a temporary visa like the Subclass 482, a direct permanent residency pathway through the Subclass 186, or a regional opportunity under the Subclass 494, these visas provide flexibility and long-term options for applicants and employers alike.
At My Immigration Options, we understand the challenges of employer sponsored visas and offer practical, personalised solutions. From the first consultation to visa approval, we work closely with you to ensure every step is handled with care and precision.
Considering an employer sponsored visa?
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