Yes, an Australian employer can sponsor and employ an overseas worker. To do so, the employer will need to prove that they can’t find a suitable Australian citizen or permanent resident to fill the job vacancy and will need to become an approved sponsor.

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In most cases, employers can only sponsor skilled workers who are qualified in an eligible occupation listed on the Skilled Occupation List. Employer-sponsored visas can be granted on either a short-term or permanent basis, too.

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Learn more in our ultimate guide to employer-sponsored visas.

As of 1 July 2025, the costs for employee-sponsored visas include:

• Permanent employer-sponsored visa under the Employer Nomination Scheme (subclass 186): AUD$4,910.00
• The Skills in Demand (SID) visa (subclass 482): AUD$3,210.00

Plus, employers will need to pay a range of application costs, including:

• Becoming an approved sponsored (under the SID 482 visa program): AUD$420.00
• Nominating a visa application for the SID 482 visa: AUD$330.00
• Paying the Skilling Australians Fund levy: this is a tiered pricing system based on your business turnover and the proposed time your employee is going to stay in Australia

To check the current fees and charges for your specific permanent visa subclass, head to the Department of Home Affairs website.

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Remember that this is only the Government fees and these costs are not refundable, even if your application is rejected. If you decide to work with a migration agent, you’ll also pay their agent fees. It’s up to the employer and the applicant to agree on who will cover these costs.

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To find out more about sponsoring an applicant as an employer, visit our For Businesses page.

Processing times vary by visa subclass. The 482 visa typically takes 2-4 months, while the 186 visa can take 6-12 months. Priority processing may be available.

Yes, both 482 and 186 visas allow you to include your spouse/partner and dependent children. Family members can work and study in Australia.

The 407 (Training) visa is for temporary training purposes  -  it's designed for people coming to Australia to improve their skills through workplace-based training, not for standard employment. The 482 (Skills In Demand) visa is a work visa that allows skilled workers to fill genuine job vacancies for an approved employer for up to 4 years, with potential pathways to permanent residency.

Costs are typically shared between the employer and the visa applicant, though this varies by agreement. The employer usually pays the Skilling Australians Fund (SAF) levy and nomination fees. The applicant typically covers the visa application fee, health checks, police clearances, and skills assessment costs. Some employers may agree to cover all costs as part of an employment package  -  this should be agreed upfront.

Requirements vary by visa subclass, but generally include: a valid job offer from an approved Australian sponsor, an occupation on the relevant skilled occupation list, a positive skills assessment from the relevant assessing authority, meeting English language requirements (usually IELTS 5.0+ or equivalent), health and character checks, and relevant work experience (typically 1+ years).  A registered migration agent can assess your specific situation and confirm which requirements apply to you..

The process has three stages. First, the employer applies to become a Standard Business Sponsor (if not already approved). Second, the employer nominates a specific position for the visa holder. Third, the applicant  lodges their visa application. The employer must demonstrate they've conducted labour market testing and that the position is genuine. Working with a migration agent helps ensure both employer and applicant meet their respective requirements.

Yes, for most streams you must be under 45 years of age at the time of application. However, exemptions may apply in certain circumstances, such as for academics, scientists, or if you're nominated by an employer and earn above the Fair Work high-income threshold. The 186 Transition Stream (for 482 holders moving to PR) also has some exemptions.

A registered migration agent brings expertise that significantly improves your chances of approval. Key benefits include: accurate eligibility assessment before you invest time and money, ensuring your application is complete and error-free (incomplete applications are a leading cause of delays and refusals), guidance through skills assessments and English language requirements, liaison with your employer to ensure their nomination meets Department of Home Affairs standards, and handling all correspondence with the Department on your behalf. Migration agents also stay current with frequent policy changes - what was true six months ago may not apply today.

A migration agent can't influence the Department of Home Affairs' processing queue directly, but they can significantly reduce delays caused by avoidable errors. Applications that are incomplete, incorrectly documented, or missing required evidence often get set aside or receive requests for further information -  adding weeks or months to the process. A migration agent ensures your application is decision-ready from day one, giving it the best chance of moving through the queue efficiently. For complex cases, agents can also request priority processing where circumstances warrant it.