Complete Guide to Employer-Sponsored Visa Australia: 482, 186, 494, and 407 Visa!

If you are a skilled worker looking to live and work in Australia (or continue to do so), an employer-sponsored visa in Australia can open exciting doors. These visas allow Australian employers to sponsor overseas workers for jobs they cannot fill locally.

This guide explains the main employer-sponsored visas subclass 186, 482, 494, and 407 covering their streams, eligibility, and how long each lasts.

Subclass 186: Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) Visa

The subclass 186 employer-sponsored visa offers permanent residency for skilled workers nominated by an Australian employer.

Duration

Permanent stay

Direct Entry Stream

• Under 45 years old (unless exempt)

• Nominated for an occupation on the Core Skills Occupation List

• At least 3 years of relevant work experience (unless exempt)

• Positive skills assessment

• Competent English

Temporary Residence Transition Stream

• Hold a subclass 457, 482, or eligible bridging visa

• Worked full-time in eligible sponsored employment for at least 2 years

• Nominated by an Australian employer within the last 6 months

• Meet health, character, and English requirements

Labour Agreement Stream

• Work for an employer with a valid labour agreement

• Meet age, skill, and English requirements outlined in the agreement

Subclass 482: Skills in Demand Visa

The subclass 482 employer-sponsored visa is a temporary visa designed to help employers fill skill shortages when no suitable Australian workers are available.

Duration

Up to 4 years (up to 5 years for Hong Kong passport holders)

Core Skills Stream

• Nominated for a job on the Core Skills Occupation List

• At least 1 year of relevant work experience

• Relevant skills assessment (if required)

• Meet minimum English proficiency

Specialist Skills Stream

• Nominated for an ANZSCO-listed occupation in major groups 1, 2, 4, 5, or 6

• Meet the Specialist Skills Income Threshold (high salary)

• At least 1 year of relevant experience

• Skills assessment (if required)

• Meet minimum English proficiency

Labour Agreement Stream

• Nominated under the terms of a formal labour agreement

• At least 12 months of full-time relevant experience in the past 5 years

• Skills assessment (if required by the agreement)

• Meet minimum English proficiency

Subclass 494: Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) Visa

The subclass 494 employer-sponsored visa is a temporary provisional visa for skilled workers in regional Australia, offering a pathway to permanent residency.

Duration

Up to 5 years; eligible for permanent residency after 3 years (via subclass 191)

Employer Sponsored Stream

• Nominated by a regional employer

• Under 45 years old (unless exempt)

• At least 3 years of relevant work experience

• Relevant skills assessment

• Competent English

Labour Agreement Stream

• Nominated under a regional labour agreement

• At least 3 years of relevant experience (or as specified)

• Skills assessment (if required)

• Meet any set English and age conditions

Subclass 407: Training Visa

The subclass 407 Training visa allows applicants to get occupational training or professional development. It does not have a permanent residency pathway but helps improve skills and gain Australian work experience, and can help applicants build up the experience required for employer-sponsored visas like the 482, 494, or 186, etc., which have a path to permanent residency.

Duration

Up to 2 years

Eligibility

• Sponsored by an approved organisation

• Nominated for training (unless sponsored by a Commonwealth agency)

• Purpose is skills enhancement, licensing/registration, or structured workplace training

• Meet English, health, and character requirements

Important Updates for 2025

From 1 July 2025, skilled visa income thresholds will increase in line with the national Average Weekly Ordinary Time Earnings to $76,515. This is known as the core skills income threshold, which is the minimum salary required for the 482, 186, and 494 visas. This change affects all employer-sponsored visas, ensuring workers are paid fairly under Australian standards.

Employers and applicants should stay informed about these updates, as they directly impact eligibility and application requirements.

Book a Consultation with RACC

Choosing the right employer-sponsored visa in Australia is critical for achieving your career and migration goals. Whether you are aiming for permanent residency, regional employment, or skills training, expert advice can help you navigate the complex process smoothly.

Book a consultation with RACC today!

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