Employer-Sponsored Visas

Basic Criteria to be met 

You must:
  • be nominated by an approved work sponsor
  • have an occupation on a relevant skilled occupation list
  • have a suitable skills assessment for the occupation
  • meet minimum standards of English language proficiency

Temporary Skill Shortage Visa (subclass 482)

This visa enables employers to address labor shortages by bringing in skilled workers where employers can’t source an appropriately skilled Australian worker.

You can stay for up to 2 years or up to a maximum of 4 years, depending on the terms in the labour agreement.

The TSS visa is a temporary visa that permits the holder to live in Australia, whilst working full-time for the sponsoring employer, in the nominated position.

The first step towards sponsoring someone on a TSS visa is to become an approved Standard Business Sponsor. Next, you apply for the position vacancy to be filled by a temporary foreign worker. This is known as the Nomination.

The final step is for the individual to apply for a Visa where they will be assessed for their skills, English, character, and health for entry into Australia.

Skilled employer-sponsored regional (subclass 494) visa

The 494 visa is an Employer-sponsored regional visa that enables regional employers to sponsor skilled workers where employers have been unable to source appropriately skilled Australian workers for their job vacancies.

This is a provisional visa that is granted for 5 years and allows you to live, work, and study in designated regional areas of Australia. If you remain employed in your nominated occupation for at least 3 years in regional Australia and earn above a specified amount, you can then apply for permanent residence without the need for your employer to sponsor you.

Holders of this visa will be able to access Medicare, which is a great advantage over the 482 visa program for those workers from countries without a reciprocal health agreement. In addition, the 494 visa is cheaper for employers to sponsor you.

Labour agreements & DAMA

Labour agreements are used by employers when the standard temporary or permanent visa programs are not able to address their specific skill shortages.

The program allows approved businesses to sponsor skilled overseas workers when there is a demonstrated need that cannot be met in the Australian labour market. 

Labour agreements are negotiated between the Australian Government (represented by the Department of Home Affairs) and employers. They are generally in effect for five years and provide for visas to be granted under the 482, 494 or 186 visa program.