Australian Employer-Sponsored Visa

Overview

The most crucial step in the Australian employer-sponsored visa process is the employer nomination. This step primarily assesses whether the nominated position is genuinely needed and if suitable employees can be recruited locally within Australia. The employer nomination phase is also the most prone to rejections. If the immigration department is not satisfied with the materials provided by the employer, they will request additional documentation.

Australian Employer-Sponsored Migration Visas

The Australian employer-sponsored migration visa program is designed by the Australian government to address local labor market shortages. It allows Australian businesses to sponsor overseas professionals or skilled workers to work and settle in Australia.

These visas do not require a points test. As long as the applicant meets the basic requirements, their occupation is on the Australian skilled occupation list, and they have an employer willing to nominate and sponsor them, they can apply for an employer-sponsored visa. Spouses and children can also accompany the primary applicant to Australia.

There are three main categories of employer-sponsored migration visas:

  1. Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) Visa (Subclass 482)
    • Previously known as the 457 visa.
    • Allows skilled workers to work in Australia for an approved sponsor for two to four years, depending on the worker’s occupation.
  2. Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) Visa (Subclass 186)
    • Permanent residence visa for skilled workers.
    • Requires nomination by an approved Australian employer.
  3. Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) Visa (Subclass 494)
    • Temporary visa for skilled workers who want to live and work in regional Australia.
    • Provides a pathway to permanent residence through the Subclass 191 Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) visa.

Each visa category has specific criteria and processes, but they all aim to fill skill shortages in the Australian labor market while offering a pathway for skilled workers and their families to live and work in Australia.