EMPLOYER SPONSORED VISAS AUSTRALIA
Last updated: 22 Apr 2026 · RACC Migration & Education Services
An employer sponsored visa lets you live and work in Australia because an Australian employer is willing to hire and sponsor you for a specific role. You do not need points or an invitation round. Your visa is based on a genuine job offer from an approved business under Australia's employer sponsored visa program. Official visa requirements are published by the Department of Home Affairs.
Quick Summary Employer Sponsored Visa
If you're new to employer sponsorship, here’s the simplest way to understand it:
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You need a job offer from an Australian employer
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The employer must be approved to sponsor overseas workers
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The job must meet salary and occupation requirements
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You can work in Australia while being sponsored
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You do not need points or an invitation round
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Some visas lead to permanent residency
How Employer Sponsored Visas Work
Employer sponsorship follows three clear stages.
Step 1 – Business Sponsorship Approval
The employer must become an approved sponsor. The business needs to operate lawfully in Australia and demonstrate a genuine need to hire a skilled overseas worker.
Step 2 – Nomination of Position
The employer nominates a full-time position that appears on the relevant occupation list. The role must meet the required income threshold and reflect the market salary rate.
Step 3 – Visa Application
The applicant lodges the visa application and meets skill, English, health and character requirements.
Once approved, the visa allows the applicant to work only in the nominated position for the sponsoring employer.
Main Visa Options
Skills in Demand Visa (482)
The main employer sponsored visa in Australia for skilled workers starting their journey.
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Type: Temporary work visa
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Stay: Up to 4 years
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Location: Anywhere in Australia
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Age limit: None
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Min. salary: AUD 76,515
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PR Pathway: Yes (via 186 TRT)
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Streams: Core Skills, Specialist Skills, Labour Agreement
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Best for: Getting sponsored by an employer in Australia
Regional Employer Sponsored (494)
A regional employer sponsored visa in Australia with a pathway to PR.
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Type: Temporary (regional)
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Stay: Up to 5 years
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Location: Regional areas only
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Age limit: None
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Min. salary: AUD 76,515
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PR Pathway: Yes (via 191 after 3 years)
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Condition: Must live and work in regional area
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Best for: Working in regional Australia
Employer Nomination Scheme (186)
A permanent employer sponsored visa that gives you direct PR in Australia.
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Type: Permanent residency (PR)
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Stay: Permanent from grant
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Location: Anywhere in Australia
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Age limit: Under 45 (Direct Entry stream only)
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Min. salary: AUD 76,515
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PR Pathway: Direct PR visa
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Streams: TRT, Direct Entry, Labour Agreement
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Best for: Skilled workers ready for PR
Training Visa (407)
A structured training visa focused on skill development, not full-time employment.
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Type: Training visa (not standard work visa)
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Stay: Up to 2 years
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Location: Anywhere in Australia
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Age limit: None
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PR Pathway: No direct pathway
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Use case: Stepping stone before 482
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Best for: Professional development or skill improvement
Not sure which one fits your situation? Read our full comparison: 407 vs 482 vs 186 — how to choose
Which Visa Is Right for You
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Job offer, want to work temporarily → 482 visa
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On 482 for 2 years, same employer → 186 TRT stream, no age limit
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Want PR immediately, 3 years experience → 186 Direct Entry (under 45, exemptions apply)
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Open to regional living → 494 visa, PR via 191 after 3 years
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Early career or recent graduate → 407 Training visa first, then 482
For a detailed side-by-side comparison of all three, read our 407 vs 482 vs 186 comparison guide.
Who Qualifies Employer Sponsored Visa?
To be eligible for an employer sponsored visa, both you and your employer need to meet requirements.
You need:
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A genuine job offer from an approved Australian sponsor
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An occupation on the relevant occupation list (CSOL or Labour Agreement)
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At least 1 year of relevant work experience (for 482)
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English language proficiency
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A salary that meets the income threshold and the market rate
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Clear health and character checks
Your employer needs to:
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Be an approved Standard Business Sponsor (or apply to become one)
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Nominate a genuine full-time position
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Pay you the market salary rate for your role in Australia
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Demonstrate the position is a real operational need
Employer Sponsored Visa Salary Requirements
Your salary must meet two conditions simultaneously:
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it must match the Australian Market Salary Rate (AMSR) for your role
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it must not fall below the income threshold set by the government.
As of 1 July 2025 to 30 June 2026, the minimum thresholds are:
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482 Core Skills (CSIT) — Minimum Salary: AUD 76,515
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482 Specialist Skills (SSIT) — Minimum Salary: AUD 141,210
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494 (TSMIT) — Minimum Salary: AUD 76,515
If the market rate for your occupation is higher than the threshold, the higher amount applies. Thresholds are indexed annually. For detailed salary breakdown, see our Core Skills Income Threshold (CSIT) guide.
Pathway to Permanent Residency
Several employer sponsored visas lead to permanent residency. Here is how the most common pathways work.
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482 → 186 (most common) Work full-time for at least 2 years with your sponsoring employer on a 482 visa. Your employer then nominates you for the 186 Temporary Residence Transition (TRT) stream. There is no age limit via this route. For the full step-by-step breakdown including the 407 entry point, see our 407 → 482 → 186 transition guide.
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494 → 191 Work in a regional area for 3 years on a 494 visa, meet income requirements, and apply for the Subclass 191 for permanent residency.
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186 Direct Entry If you have 3 years of relevant work experience and meet the age requirement (under 45, with exemptions), you can apply for the 186 directly without first holding a 482.
Can You Change Employers on a Sponsored Visa
Yes — but it is not automatic, and timing matters.
If you leave your sponsoring employer while on a 482 visa, you have up to 180 days to find a new approved employer sponsor. Your new employer must apply to become a Standard Business Sponsor, lodge a new nomination for your role, and you must apply for a new visa. You cannot simply transfer your existing visa to a new employer.
During this 180-day period, you remain in Australia on a bridging arrangement. If you do not secure a new sponsor within that window, you will need to leave Australia or change to another eligible visa.
Key points to know:
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You must notify the Department of Home Affairs when you stop working for your sponsor
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Your new employer's occupation and salary must still meet all visa requirements
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The 180-day window does not reset — it runs from the day your employment ends
For the full breakdown including how this affects your PR timeline, read our guide on changing employers on a 482 visa.
How to Find an Employer Who Will Sponsor You
Finding a willing sponsor is often the hardest part of this process. Employers must prove they need to hire overseas, it costs them time and money. The strongest candidates are those who already have in-demand skills and can clearly show the value they bring.
For practical steps on where to search and how to approach employers, read our full guide: How to find an employer sponsor in Australia.
Not Sure Which Visa to Choose?
If you're still unsure which visa suits your situation:
Read our guide on how to choose the right employer sponsored visa (407 vs 482 vs 186)
This will help you compare your options based on your experience and goals.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change employers?
You must secure a new approved sponsor and lodge a new nomination before changing employers.
Can I include family members?
Most employer sponsored visas allow eligible family members to apply as dependants.
What happens if sponsorship ends?
You must find a new sponsor, change visa type or leave Australia within the permitted timeframe.
Can I apply while onshore?
Many employer sponsored visas allow onshore applications if you hold a valid substantive visa.
How long does processing take?
Processing times vary by visa subclass and application complexity.
Get Expert Advice on Your Employer Sponsored Visa
Every employer sponsored case is different. Your occupation, work experience, salary, employer eligibility, and visa history all influence which pathway may suit you best — whether that is a 482, 186, or 494 visa.
RACC Migration’s MARA-registered agents (MARN 1572962, 1172003) assess your profile, review your employer sponsorship options, identify potential risks, and help map the most suitable pathway toward working and living in Australia.
Call or WhatsApp: +61 420 746 705 | +61 485 505 268
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