Employer-Sponsored Visas Australia
Trusted migration assistance
Expert Visa Support for Employers and Skilled Workers
Australia’s employer-sponsored visa pathways enable Australian businesses to access skilled overseas talent while giving qualified professionals a chance to live and work in Australia. Whether you're an employer facing talent shortages or a skilled worker seeking sponsorship, McSweeney Immigration offers expert support for every step of the process.
Our MARA-registered migration agents assist both employers and candidates with compliance, strategy, and long-term residency planning.
What Is an Employer-Sponsored Visa?
Australia offers several types of skilled visas, each tailored to specific professional backgrounds, skills, and work experience. The main subclasses include:
1. Skills in Demand (SID) Visa – Subclass 482
A temporary visa that allows employers to sponsor overseas workers in approved occupations. The 482 now includes a Specialist Skills stream, which features streamlined processing and fewer restrictions for in-demand, high-skill roles.
2. Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) – Subclass 186
A permanent residency visa for skilled professionals nominated by an Australian employer for a full-time role.
3. Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) Visa – Subclass 494
For employers in designated regional areas, this visa helps attract talent where skill shortages persist.
Each visa has unique requirements and processing rules, depending on the occupation, location, stream, and applicant profile.
Who Is This Visa Type For?
Employer-sponsored visas are suitable for:
-
Australian businesses experiencing skill shortages and seeking qualified overseas professionals
-
Skilled international workers aiming to secure employment and transition to permanent residency
-
Regional employers benefiting from migration incentives in rural and outer metro zones
-
Temporary visa holders planning to transition to employer-nominated permanent visas
How we Help Employers and Skilled Applicants
For Employers:
-
SBS (Standard Business Sponsor) Registration: Guidance through the process of becoming an approved sponsor
-
Employer Nomination: Preparation and submission of strong nominations aligned with occupation lists and visa requirements
-
Labour Market Testing (LMT): Support in fulfilling mandatory advertising and documentation for most occupations
For Workers:
-
Visa Application Management: From document preparation to lodgement, we ensure a timely and accurate application
-
Pathway Planning: Advice on routes from temporary sponsorship (482) to permanent residency (186 or 191 where eligible)
-
Support for Specialist Skills Stream: Strategic advice for professionals targeting high-demand roles under the 482 Specialist stream
Frequently asked questions
How quickly can you get a working visa for Australia?
Processing times vary based on the visa subclass and stream. Subclass 482 visas can take anywhere from 1 to 3 months depending on the occupation, employer status, and documentation quality. McSweeney Immigration helps streamline this process for faster outcomes.
What is the age limit for a 186 visa?
Applicants must generally be under 45 years of age at the time of application for the Employer Nomination Scheme (subclass 186). Some exemptions apply for high-income earners, academic roles, or regional medical practitioners.
Can a 482 visa lead to permanent residency?
Yes. Many holders of the Subclass 482 visa may transition to permanent residency through the Employer Nomination Scheme (Subclass 186) under the Temporary Residence Transition (TRT) stream, provided they meet eligibility criteria such as occupation, work duration, and employer nomination. Recent policy changes have made this pathway more accessible.
Need Help With Sponsorship or Applying for a Work Visa?
McSweeney Immigration is here to help Australian employers fill critical skills gaps and assist skilled workers in securing reliable employment pathways. From initial sponsorship to PR, our team supports your migration journey every step of the way.