Visa options
Employer Sponsored Pathways
Select a card to see the details.
Subclass 482
Skills in Demand
The Skills in Demand visa (subclass 482, formerly the Temporary Skill Shortage visa) lets an approved Australian employer sponsor a skilled worker to fill a position they cannot find an Australian to do. It has three streams with different stay periods and pathways to permanent residency.
Visa streams
- Core Skills stream — for occupations on the Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL).
- Specialist Skills stream — for higher-income, specialised roles with faster processing.
- Labour Agreement stream — where the employer has a labour agreement with the government.
Key requirements
- A position with an approved standard business sponsor and a nominated occupation.
- Relevant skills, qualifications and (generally) recent work experience for the role.
- Meet the English language requirement for your stream.
- Meet health and character requirements.
Subclass 186
Employer Nomination Scheme
The Employer Nomination Scheme visa (subclass 186) is a permanent visa for skilled workers nominated by an approved Australian employer. It has three streams, including a transition pathway for workers already holding an eligible temporary sponsored visa.
Visa streams
- Direct Entry stream — for workers nominated directly, with a suitable skills assessment.
- Temporary Residence Transition stream — for workers who have held an eligible 482/457 with their employer.
- Labour Agreement stream — under an employer labour agreement.
Key requirements
- Be nominated to a position by an approved employer for at least 2 years.
- Generally be under 45 (exemptions apply for some applicants).
- Have the skills, qualifications and English required for the role.
- Meet health and character requirements.
Subclass 494
Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional)
The Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 494) lets regional employers sponsor skilled workers where they cannot find an Australian to fill the role. It is valid for 5 years and provides a pathway to permanent residency through the Subclass 191.
Key requirements
- A nomination from an approved employer in a designated regional area.
- A nominated occupation on the relevant list and a positive skills assessment.
- At least 3 years of relevant work experience and competent English.
- Be under 45 (some exemptions); meet health and character requirements.
Living regionally & the PR pathway
- Live and work only in a designated regional area for the life of the visa.
- Hold the visa for at least 3 years and meet income requirements to access the permanent Subclass 191.
- Include eligible family members in your application.
* Indicative figures only — streams, age limits and rules change. Always confirm current details with the Department of Home Affairs or one of our registered migration agents.
Common questions