The Ultimate Guide to Employer-Sponsored Visas in Australia

Looking for an employer-sponsored visa to work in Australia? Whether you're a skilled worker seeking sponsorship or an employer who wants to  hire overseas talent, understanding your options is the first step.

Australia's employer-sponsored visa system allows businesses to fill genuine skill shortages by sponsoring qualified overseas workers. But with multiple visa subclasses, strict eligibility requirements and significant costs involved, choosing the right pathway is crucial.

This guide gives you the complete picture: the main visa options, who they're suited for, what's required and how to decide which pathway is right for you.

At Matilda Migration, we specialise in employer sponsored visas. Whether you're an applicant or an employer, our team can guide you through the process.

Employer-Sponsored Visa Options at a Glance

‍

The two most common pathways are the 482 visa (temporary) and the 186 visa (permanent). Most applicants start on a 482 and transition to a 186 after two years, although direct entry to the 186 is also possible.

482 Visa: Skills in Demand (SID)

The 482 visa allows Australian employers to sponsor skilled workers on a temporary basis when they can't find local candidates. 

Three Streams

Key Facts

The 482 visa lasts for up to four years. A pathway to permanent residency is available via the 186 TRT stream after you have spent 2 years with the same employer.

For decision-ready applications, those with specialist skills can have their visa processed in 7 days. If you have core skills, processing will take a little longer (around 21 days). 

Read the full 482 visa guide.

186 Visa: Employer Nomination Scheme

The 186 visa grants permanent residency from day one. It's suited to workers who either qualify directly or have spent 2+ years on a 482 visa with their sponsoring employer.

Three Streams

Key Facts

Processing of the permanent 186 visa can take 5-13 months depending on the stream. Once granted, you receive full work rights, access to Medicare and a citizenship pathway.

For the TRT stream, your employer must have been an Approved Work Sponsor for the entire duration of your claimed employment period. Time worked before their approval doesn't count toward the 2-year requirement.

Read the full 186 visa guide.

Which Visa Is Right for You?

For Applicants

Key Considerations

• Speed: 482 visas process more quickly (in days or weeks) vs the 186 visa, which can take several months. 
• Cost: The 482 visa fee is lower upfront, but you'll pay again when transitioning to 186.
• Flexibility: 482 lets you "try before you commit" to permanent residency.

For Employers

Key Considerations

• Costs: Employers must pay sponsorship ($420), nomination ($330–$540), and SAF levy ($1,200–$5,000 depending on visa and turnover).
• Obligations: Sponsors must pay market salary, maintain records and notify Home Affairs of changes.
• Commitment: The 186 visa requires a 2-year employment commitment.

Learn more about sponsoring overseas talent.

Eligibility Overview

Applicant Requirements

Eligibility varies by visa, but broadly applicants must:

• Be nominated by an approved Australian employer
• Have an occupation on the relevant skilled occupation list (or meet salary thresholds for Specialist Skills)
• Have relevant work experience (1–3 years depending on the visa)
• Meet English language requirements
• Meet health and character requirements
• Not have paid (or agreed to pay) their employer for sponsorship.

Check your eligibility in 2 minutes.

Employer Requirements

To sponsor overseas workers, employers must:

• Operate a lawful business (a company, trust, partnership or franchise, not be a sole trader)
• Demonstrate financial capacity to pay the worker
• Have no outstanding debts to the Australian government
• Employ salaried staff (not just contractors)
• Conduct labour market testing (2 job ads for 28+ days)
• Pay above the relevant salary threshold and at market rates
• Show a genuine need for the position.

Book a free employer consultation.

Costs at a Glance

‍

Government fees as at March 2026. Check the Department of Home Affairs website for the latest figures.

Matilda Tip: Employers cannot pass sponsorship, nomination, or SAF levy costs to the worker. These must be paid by the business.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

For applicants

• Having inconsistent dates or job titles across your resume and references
• Specific duties or referee contact details missing from your work references
• Not having enough relevant experience (a minimum of 1 year for 482, 3 years for 186 DE).

For employers

• Not running job ads for a full 28 days or not uploading them to reputable platforms
• Offering a salary below the TISMIT threshold or one that isn’t supported by market evidence
• Providing incomplete genuine position evidence.

How Matilda Migration Can Help

Employer-sponsored visas involve coordination between employer and applicant, strict documentation requirements and significant costs. A single error can delay processing or result in refusal.

At Matilda Migration, we handle both sides of the process:

For employers:

• Sponsorship and nomination applications
• Genuine position statements and salary evidence
• Ongoing compliance support.

For applicants:

• Eligibility assessment and pathway advice
• Application preparation with compliant references
• Liaison with Home Affairs throughout.

Ready to Get Started?

• For Applicants: Check your eligibility in 2 minutes. ‍
• For Employers:Explore your sponsorship options.