Australia Visa Sponsorship for Skilled Workers

Are you a skilled professional dreaming of working in Australia? Or perhaps an employer seeking to fill critical roles in your business with overseas talent? The Australian government offers multiple visa sponsorship options to bring skilled workers into the country, and these pathways are among the most sought after in the world.

In this article, we’ll explore the Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) visa (subclass 482), the Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) visa (subclass 186), and other employer sponsored visas. Whether you’re an employee or an employer, this comprehensive guide explains how to navigate Australia’s visa sponsorship system and why it is considered one of the most efficient skilled migration programs globally.

What is Visa Sponsorship in Australia?

Visa sponsorship allows an Australian employer to legally bring a qualified foreign worker into the country to fill a position that cannot be filled locally. This arrangement is a win win for both parties:

• For Employers: Access to a global pool of talent for roles in high-demand sectors such as healthcare, engineering, IT, trades, and hospitality.
• For Workers: A pathway to work and live in Australia, with some visas offering the possibility of permanent residency and even citizenship in the long run.

The Australian Department of Home Affairs provides various employer sponsored visa types, each tailored to specific needs.

Temporary Skill Shortage Visa (Subclass 482)

The TSS 482 visa is the most commonly used employer-sponsored visa in Australia. Introduced in March 2018 to replace the abolished 457 visa, this program helps employers address labor shortages by sponsoring skilled workers from overseas.

Key Features

•Validity: 2–4 years depending on the occupation and stream.

•Streams:

• Short-Term Stream: For occupations on the Short-Term Skilled Occupation List (STSOL), valid for 2 years (renewable once).
• Medium-Term Stream: For occupations on the Medium and Long-Term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL), valid for up to 4 years and provides a pathway to permanent residency.

Sponsorship Requirement: Employers must apply for and maintain a Standard Business Sponsorship (SBS) approval.

Eligibility for Workers

• Your occupation must be on the relevant skilled occupation list.
• You must have at least 2 years of work experience in the nominated occupation.
• Meet English language requirements and health & character checks.

Costs (Estimated)

Fee Type	Amount (AUD)	Who Pays
Employer Sponsorship Fee	$420	Employer
Nomination Fee	$330	Employer
SAF Levy	$1,200-1,800 per year	Employer
Visa Application Fee	$1,455 (short term) / 3,035 (medium-term)	Worker

The Skilling Australians Fund (SAF) levy is calculated based on the company’s turnover: AUD 1,200/year for businesses with turnover <AUD 10 million and AUD 1,800/year for larger businesses.

Recent 482 visa sponsorship jobs Australia

Senior Hairdresser – DEFT HAIR & CO

• Location: Moree, Tamworth & North West NSW
• Salary: $70,000–95,000 with uncapped commissions and relocation support
• Perks: Luxury-level incentives, paid travel, career growth with visa sponsorship

“2x Senior Hairdressers … Visa Sponsorship with Relocation Support”

Registered Nurse – Bupa Aged Care

• Location: Traralgon, Victoria
• Rate: $45–50/hour with retention bonus, relocation allowance, free health insurance
• Details: Full-time aged care role with sponsorship options

EOI Chef – Sodexo

• Location: Perth, Western Australia
• Salary: A$90,000–120,000 + above-award rates, rostered FIFO schedule
• Openings: Expressions of Interest (EOI) for chefs needing sponsorship

Project Coordinator – Redpath Partners

• Location: Sydney, NSW
• Salary: $100,000–120,000
• Highlights: Open to TSS 482 and working holiday visa holders; strong fitout/construction pipeline

Air-conditioning & Refrigeration Mechanic – You Solved

• Location: Newcastle & Hunter Region, NSW
• Salary: $90,000–110,000
• Offer: Visa sponsorship with pathway to permanent residency available

Employer Nomination Scheme Visa (Subclass 186)

The ENS 186 visa provides a direct pathway to permanent residency for skilled workers sponsored by an eligible Australian employer.

Streams

1. Direct Entry Stream: For skilled workers applying directly without holding a prior temporary visa.
2. Temporary Residence Transition Stream: For workers who have held a TSS 482 visa for at least 2 years and want to transition to PR.
3. Labour Agreement Stream: For workers sponsored under a specific agreement negotiated between an employer and the Australian government.

Eligibility for Workers

• Your occupation must be on the MLTSSL.
• You must be under 45 years of age (with some exemptions).
• Skills assessment and minimum work experience of 3 years (for Direct Entry).

Costs (Estimated)

Fee Type	Amount (AUD)	Who Pays
Employer Nomination Fee	$540	Employer
SAF Levy	$3,000-5,000	Employer
Visa Application Fee	$4,240	Worker

Regional Employer-Sponsored Visas

Australia also offers regional employer-sponsored visas such as:

• Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 494): For employers in regional Australia.
• Designated Area Migration Agreement (DAMA): For businesses in designated regions experiencing acute labor shortages.

These visas encourage skilled migration to areas outside major cities like Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane.

From Temporary to Permanent Residency

A popular route for skilled workers is the TSS 482 – ENS 186 Transition Pathway:

• Secure a TSS 482 visa with a sponsoring employer.
• Work for at least 2 years in the nominated occupation.
• Apply for ENS 186 under the Temporary Residence Transition Stream for permanent residency.

This pathway is widely used in industries such as healthcare, construction, and IT.

Why Visa Sponsorship Is So Important

Australia’s visa sponsorship system is crucial for addressing skill shortages across key sectors. According to the Department of Home Affairs, over 90,000 employer sponsored visas are granted annually, with the highest demand in:

• Healthcare & Social Assistance (nurses, aged care workers, doctors)
• Construction & Engineering (civil engineers, electricians)
• IT & Technology (software engineers, cybersecurity specialists)
• Hospitality (chefs, hotel managers)

For businesses, offering sponsorship not only fills skill gaps but also improves staff retention and attracts top global talent.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is ENS 186 visa processing time?

The Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) Subclass 186 visa processing time depends on the application stream:

• Direct Entry Stream: 7–12 months (75% processed in ~7 months, 90% in ~12 months).
• Temporary Residence Transition (TRT) Stream: 13–18 months (75% processed in ~13 months, 90% in ~18 months).
• Labour Agreement Stream: 6–13 months (often faster for accredited employers).

What are the costs of employer sponsorship?

Employer Costs:

• Sponsorship application: AUD 420
• Nomination fee: AUD 330 (TSS) or AUD 540 (ENS)
• SAF levy: AUD 1,200–1,800/year (TSS); AUD 3,000–5,000 (ENS one-off).

Employee Costs:

• •TSS visa fee: AUD 1,495–3,210
• •ENS visa fee: AUD 4,910

Can I bring my family on a sponsored visa?

Yes. Both TSS 482 and ENS 186 visas allow you to include your spouse and dependent children in the application. Additional visa fees apply for each family member.

Can a sponsored visa lead to permanent residency?

The TSS 482 (medium-term stream) allows you to transition to permanent residency through the ENS 186 visa after working with the same employer for at least 2 years.

What is the Skilling Australians Fund (SAF) levy?

The SAF levy is a fee employers pay to the government to sponsor foreign workers. It funds training for Australian workers and ranges from AUD 1,200 to AUD 1,800 per year for temporary visas, and AUD 3,000–5,000 for permanent visas.

Can small businesses sponsor workers?

Yes, but they must demonstrate financial capacity to pay wages and meet sponsorship obligations. Small businesses also pay the SAF levy at a reduced rate (AUD 1,200 a year for TSS visas).

Conclusion

Whether you’re an employer looking to hire skilled workers or a professional seeking opportunities in Australia, employer-sponsored visas are your gateway to success. The TSS 482 visa offers a temporary solution with a clear pathway to ENS 186 permanent residency, while regional visas open doors to exciting opportunities in lesser-known parts of Australia.

For the best results, consult a registered migration agent to guide you through the process and ensure you meet all requirements.