Employer Sponsored Work Visas
Employer Sponsored Work Visas
Pathways to Employment and Permanent Residency in Australia for Skilled Workers
“An Australian Employer Sponsored Visa provides skilled workers with the opportunity to work legally in Australia under the sponsorship of an eligible Australian employer. Discover the most common visa types, key eligibility criteria, entitlements, and required documentation. Read on for a comprehensive overview.”
What is an employer sponsored work visa?
An Employer Sponsored Work Visa is a type of visa that allows foreign nationals to live and work lawfully in Australia when nominated by an approved Australian business. This is one of the most common pathways for skilled overseas workers seeking employment and long-term settlement in Australia.
Common Visa Categories
- Subclass 186 – Employer Nomination Scheme Visa (Permanent)
- Subclass 482 – Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) Visa (Temporary: 2 to 4 years)
- Subclass 407 – Training Visa (Temporary: up to 2 years)
General eligibility criteria
While each visa type has specific requirements, the general conditions typically include:
- Age: Subclass 186 requires applicants to be under 45 years old; no age limit applies to Subclass 482 or 407.
- Valid Nomination: Must be nominated by an eligible Australian business.
- Occupation: Must be listed on a relevant skilled occupation list (MLTSSL or as specified per visa stream).
- Skills Assessment: Required for certain occupations.
- English Proficiency: Minimum IELTS score of 6.0 (or equivalent).
- Relevant Work Experience: Demonstrated experience in the nominated role.
- Health Insurance: Must hold appropriate health cover for the duration of stay.
- Character and Health Requirements: Must meet health and character checks, have no outstanding debts to the Australian Government, and no previous visa violations.
Key benefits
- Legal employment in the nominated occupation.
- Ability to bring eligible family members (spouse and children).
- Multiple entries to and from Australia during visa validity.
- Opportunity to study or upskill during stay.
- Medicare eligibility for Subclass 186 visa holders.
- Private health insurance required for Subclass 482/407, with access to legal medical services.
- Pathway to permanent residency, subject to eligibility.
Required documentation
To apply for an Employer Sponsored Work Visa, you typically need the following:
- Passport, birth certificate, national ID card, household registration.
- Curriculum vitae or personal statement.
- Educational qualifications and professional certifications.
- Employment contracts and reference letters.
- Skills assessment (if applicable).
- English language test results (IELTS, PTE, etc.).
- Health examination results and police clearance.
- Documentation for dependents (if included in the application).
Visa Application Fees
- Subclass 186: AUD 4,770
- Subclass 482: AUD 3,115
- Subclass 407: AUD 415
Processing times (estimated averages)
- Subclass 186: 4 – 8 months
- Subclass 482: 3 – 7 months
- Subclass 407: 3 – 5 months
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