Why This List Matters for Your Visa Application

If you are looking for employer-sponsored work in Australia, targeting accredited sponsors gives you two key advantages:

• Your visa application moves through priority processing — typically faster than standard nominations

• Accredited sponsors have a verified compliance history, which reduces the risk of your sponsorship being withdrawn

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The list above is the official Department of Home Affairs document released under Freedom of Information request FA 25/01/01229. It lists accredited Temporary Resident (Skilled Employment) sponsors as at 15 January 2025. Always confirm current status directly with the employer before applying, as accreditation can be granted or removed at any time.

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Important: This list reflects a snapshot from January 2025. It does not guarantee that a company is currently accredited, actively hiring, or willing to sponsor your specific occupation. Verify directly with the employer and check the Department of Home Affairs website for the most current information.

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How Accredited Sponsorship Works — Quick Overview

Who qualifies as an accredited sponsor?

A business qualifies for accredited sponsorship if it meets all of the following:

• Currently approved as a Standard Business Sponsor (SBS)

• Has a strong, consistent history of compliance with sponsorship obligations

• Meets at least one of six accreditation categories set by the Department of Home Affairs (including criteria such as minimum annual turnover, proportion of Australian workers employed, and volume of prior sponsorships)

• Not a sole trader or partnership

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What visas can accredited sponsors use?

Accredited sponsors can use the same visa programs available to standard sponsors:

• Skills in Demand Visa (Subclass 482) — temporary skilled worker visa; three streams based on occupation and salary

• Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) Visa (Subclass 494) — for regional areas; leads to permanent residence

• Employer Nomination Scheme (Subclass 186) — permanent residency visa; accredited sponsor nominations receive priority ahead of standard ENS applications

All three programs provide a pathway to permanent residence.

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What does priority processing mean for you?

When your employer holds accredited status, the Department of Home Affairs processes their nomination and your visa application ahead of standard applications. In skills-short industries, this can cut weeks off your waiting time.

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For the 186 ENS visa specifically, Ministerial Direction No. 105 sets the processing priority order: regional occupations first, then healthcare and teaching, then accredited sponsor nominations, and finally all other applications. In practice, ENS applications nominated by an accredited sponsor have recently been allocated for processing around April 2025 — compared to July 2024 for standard ENS applications. That is roughly nine months faster for permanent residency.

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Accredited Sponsor vs Standard Business Sponsor — What Is the Difference?

Standard Business Sponsor (SBS)

• Any lawfully operating Australian business can apply

• Applications go through the standard processing queue

• Basic compliance history required

• Labour Market Testing must use approved job boards

• Approval is valid for 5 years

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Accredited Sponsor

• Must already hold SBS approval before applying

• Nominations and visa applications receive priority processing

• Requires a strong, demonstrated track record of compliance

• Can use their own company website as an eligible LMT advertising platform

• Status is ongoing, subject to continued compliance with Home Affairs obligations

How to Use This Accredited Sponsor Directory

For visa applicants:

1. Search the list by company name or industry to identify potential employers

2. Visit the company's careers page and identify roles matching your occupation

3. Confirm the role is on the Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL) or qualifies under the Specialist Skills pathway

4. Apply directly — mention your visa situation clearly in your application

5. Verify accreditation status with the employer before lodging any visa application

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For employers:

If your company is not yet on this list, speak with a registered migration agent about upgrading from Standard Business Sponsor to Accredited Sponsor. The benefits — priority processing and reduced Labour Market Testing requirements — can give you a genuine edge when hiring skilled overseas workers.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is an accredited sponsor in Australia?

An accredited sponsor is an Australian employer approved by the Department of Home Affairs at a higher level than a Standard Business Sponsor. They have demonstrated a strong compliance record and meet additional criteria set by the Department. Accredited sponsors receive priority processing for visa nominations and applications under the Skills in Demand (Subclass 482), Subclass 494, and Employer Nomination Scheme (Subclass 186) programs.

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How do I find a company on the accredited sponsor list?

Use the directory above to search by company name. The list is the official Department of Home Affairs document released under Freedom of Information request FA 25/01/01229, listing accredited Temporary Resident (Skilled Employment) sponsors as at 15 January 2025. Always confirm current accreditation status directly with the company, as status can change after this snapshot date.

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Does being on the accredited sponsor list mean a company will sponsor me?

No. Inclusion on the list confirms that a company has held or currently holds accredited sponsorship status. It does not mean the company is actively hiring or will sponsor you for a specific role. You still need to apply for a role, meet the job requirements, and have the employer lodge a nomination on your behalf.

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What is the difference between an accredited sponsor and a standard sponsor?

A Standard Business Sponsor (SBS) is any approved Australian business that can sponsor overseas workers. An accredited sponsor is an SBS that has met additional criteria — including a strong compliance history and typically higher thresholds around workforce composition and prior use of the sponsorship program. The key benefit for applicants is priority processing, which speeds up visa decisions.

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Can an employer lose accredited sponsorship status?

Yes. If a sponsor fails to meet their ongoing obligations — such as paying sponsored workers correctly, notifying Home Affairs of employment changes, or maintaining proper records — their accredited status can be suspended or cancelled. This is why verifying current status directly with an employer matters.

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Which visas can an accredited sponsor use?

Accredited sponsors can sponsor workers on the Skills in Demand Visa (Subclass 482), the Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) Visa (Subclass 494), and the Employer Nomination Scheme (Subclass 186). All three programs can lead to permanent residence. For the 186 visa, being nominated by an accredited sponsor places your application in a higher processing priority under Ministerial Direction No. 105 — ahead of standard ENS applications by approximately nine months based on current processing guides.

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Do I need a migration agent to apply for a sponsored visa?

You do not need a migration agent. However, employer-sponsored visas have specific requirements around salary thresholds, Labour Market Testing, occupation lists, and compliance obligations. A registered migration agent — also known as a MARA-registered agent — can assess your situation and help avoid costly mistakes.

 

Related Pages

• Employer Sponsored Visas Australia — How It Works

• Skills in Demand Visa (Subclass 482)

• 482 Visa Requirements Australia

• 482 Visa Salary Requirement

• Employer Nomination Scheme (Subclass 186)

• Core Skills Income Threshold (CSIT) Australia