Employer Sponsored Visa in Australia: Your Complete Guide to 482, 186, 494 and PR Pathways

 

Employer Sponsored Visa in Australia: Your Complete Guide to 482, 186, 494 and PR Pathways


employer sponsored visa


Introduction

If you’re a skilled professional in Australia, your employer may want to keep you longer. But which visa allows that? The answer is an Employer Sponsored Visa.

At Oz Immi Advisors, we help skilled workers and employers navigate the process with ease. This guide breaks down:

  • What employer-sponsored visas are

  • The main visa types: 482 (now SID), 186, 494, and 191

  • Eligibility and work experience requirements

  • PR (Permanent Residency) options available through sponsorship

Why Employer Sponsored Visas Are Important

Employer-sponsored visas are a win-win for both employers and skilled workers.

  • Meeting skills shortages – Australia depends on overseas talent in healthcare, IT, trades, hospitality, and construction.

  • Permanent residency opportunities – Sponsorship often leads to PR within 2–3 years.

  • Security and stability – Skilled workers get long-term career certainty while employers keep essential staff.

Employer Sponsored Visa as a Path to Permanent Residency

These visas aren’t just temporary solutions – they can be a bridge to PR.

  • Many workers start on the Skills in Demand (SID) visa, then transition to the 186 Employer Nomination Scheme visa.

  • Skilled professionals who live and work in regional areas often take the 494 visa, which leads to the 191 permanent regional visa after three years.

This makes employer sponsorship one of the most reliable pathways to settle in Australia permanently.

Types of Employer Sponsored Visas in Australia

Skills in Demand (SID) Visa – Replacing Subclass 482

Introduced in December 2024, the SID visa replaced the old 457/482. It allows skilled workers to stay up to four years under employer sponsorship.

  • Streams include Core Skills, Specialist Skills, and Labour Agreement.

  • The required work experience is only 1 year (reduced from 2).

  • Holders can apply for permanent residency after 2 years with the same employer via the 186 visa.

Subclass 186 – Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS)

The 186 visa is a direct permanent residency visa. It has three streams:

  • Temporary Residence Transition (TRT): For SID visa holders who have worked 2 years with their sponsoring employer.

  • Direct Entry (DE): Requires a positive skills assessment and 3 years of skilled experience.

  • Labour Agreement: For employees under special agreements with employers.

Subclass 494 – Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional Visa

The 494 visa is a 5-year provisional visa for those willing to live and work in regional Australia.

  • Employers and nominated roles must be located in a designated regional area.

  • It includes full work and study rights, and you can bring family.

  • After 3 years of regional work, holders can transition to the 191 PR visa.

Subclass 191 – Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional)

The 191 visa grants permanent residency to 494 visa holders who have lived and worked regionally for at least 3 years and met income and residency requirements.

Employer Sponsored Visa Eligibility

To be eligible, applicants must:

  • Work in an occupation on the Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL) or another eligible list.

  • Be nominated by an approved Australian employer.

  • Meet English, age (generally under 45), health, and skills requirements.

Work Experience Requirements

  • SID Visa (482 replacement): At least 1 year of skilled full-time work in the past 5 years.

  • 186 Visa:

    • TRT stream: 2 years with your sponsoring employer.

    • Direct Entry: 3 years plus a positive skills assessment.

The Application Process

  1. Employer Nomination – Employer proves genuine need, meets salary standards, and pays the SAF levy.

  2. Visa Application – You provide qualifications, skills assessment (if required), English test results, health and character checks.

  3. Approval – Once both nomination and visa application are approved, your visa is granted.

Rights and Obligations on Employer Sponsored Visas

  • You must work in the nominated occupation.

  • Stay with your sponsoring employer until eligible for PR.

  • 494 visa holders must live and work in regional areas.

  • Dependents (partner and children) can be included.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an employer sponsored visa?
It’s a visa where an Australian employer sponsors a skilled worker for a role they cannot fill locally.

What’s the difference between SID and 186 visas?

  • SID is a temporary visa (up to 4 years).

  • 186 ENS is a permanent visa leading directly to PR.

Can I apply for PR after 2 years?
Yes – SID holders can apply for PR under the 186 TRT stream after working with their sponsoring employer for 2 years.

What’s the age limit for sponsorship?
Usually under 45, though exemptions and DAMA concessions allow up to 55.

Can I include dependents?
Yes, spouses and children are eligible on most employer-sponsored visas.

Why Choose Oz Immi Advisors?

  • ✅ Registered Migration Agents with expertise in 482, 186, 494 and PR pathways

  • ✅ High success rate with employer sponsorship cases

  • ✅ Specialised guidance for international students and skilled workers

  • ✅ Strong reputation among Australian employers

Final Thoughts & Call to Action

An Employer Sponsored Visa in Australia is more than just a work permit – it’s a stepping stone to permanent residency and a secure future. Whether you’re on a temporary visa or planning your PR pathway, employer sponsorship offers one of the most reliable routes.

👉 Get expert help today.

📩 Contact Oz Immi Advisors – your trusted partner for employer-sponsored visas and permanent residency in Australia.

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