Employer Sponsored Visa Agent in Melbourne
For Australian businesses hiring overseas talent and for skilled workers with a job offer: business sponsorship, nomination and visa applications for the Skills in Demand, Employer Nomination Scheme and regional 494 visas.
Reviewed by Muskaan Ahuja, Registered Migration Agent (MARN 2418455) · Last reviewed
In short: Employer sponsored visas let an approved Australian employer sponsor a skilled overseas worker. The Skills in Demand visa (482) is temporary, with Core Skills and Specialist Skills streams; the Employer Nomination Scheme (186) is permanent; and the 494 visa covers roles in regional Australia.
Which employer sponsored visa?
| Visa | Type | Key points |
|---|---|---|
| Skills in Demand (482): Core Skills | Temporary, up to 4 years | Occupation on the Core Skills Occupation List; salary at least AUD 79,423 or the market rate, whichever is higher. |
| Skills in Demand (482): Specialist Skills | Temporary, up to 4 years | Salary at least AUD 146,576; not open to trades, machinery operators, drivers or labourers. |
| Labour agreements | Temporary or permanent | For employers with an agreement with the Government, including Designated Area Migration Agreements (DAMA). |
| Employer Nomination Scheme (186) | Permanent | Temporary Residence Transition (after time with your sponsor on a 482), Direct Entry or Labour Agreement streams. |
| Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (494) | Provisional, 5 years | Regional employers; pathway to permanent residence through the 191 visa. |
Official information (Department of Home Affairs): Skills in Demand (482) · Employer Nomination Scheme (186) · Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (494)
What the worker needs
Requirements depend on the visa and stream. These are the usual ones for the 482.
A job offer and nomination
A genuine position nominated by an approved Australian sponsor.
Work experience
Generally at least one year of relevant full-time experience (or equivalent) in the occupation.
Skills
Qualifications or experience for the role; a skills assessment for some occupations and nationalities.
English
An accepted English test result, unless an exemption applies.
Market salary
Pay at least the market rate and the income threshold for the stream.
Health & character
Health checks and police certificates; health insurance while on the temporary visa.
For employers: sponsoring a worker
Sponsorship works in three stages: your business is approved as a standard business sponsor, you nominate the position and worker, and the worker applies for the visa. You also pay the Skilling Australians Fund (SAF) levy with each nomination.
Your obligations as a sponsor
- Pay the agreed salary and provide the same terms as Australian workers in the same role.
- Keep records and tell the Department about certain changes, such as the worker leaving.
- Do not recover sponsorship costs from the worker.
We prepare the sponsorship and nomination and check labour market testing and salary evidence, so you stay compliant.
Employer sponsored visa costs
| Visa | Main applicant | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Skills in Demand (482) | AUD 4,000–4,500* | Main applicant. Employers also pay sponsorship and nomination fees and the Skilling Australians Fund levy. |
| Employer Nomination Scheme (186) | AUD 6,000–6,500* | Main applicant. |
| Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (494) | AUD 6,000–6,500* | Main applicant. |
*Indicative range only. Government visa charges change often (usually each 1 July) and depend on your circumstances and family members. Your total cost may also include our professional service fee and other costs such as health checks, police certificates, skills assessments and translations. Terms and conditions apply. Confirm the current amount for your family in the official Visa Pricing Estimator, or ask us for a fixed written quote before any work starts.
How it works, step by step
- Check the role and the workerOccupation, stream, salary and the worker’s experience and English.
- Business sponsorshipThe employer applies to become an approved sponsor (or uses its existing approval).
- NominationThe employer nominates the position, with salary and labour market evidence, and pays the SAF levy.
- Visa applicationThe worker lodges the 482 (or 186/494) application with family members.
- Start workThe worker starts in the nominated role and keeps to the visa conditions.
- Plan for permanent residencyMany 482 holders move to the 186 through the Temporary Residence Transition stream.
Recent changes
1 July 2026: income thresholds rose to AUD 79,423 (Core Skills) and AUD 146,576 (Specialist Skills); the 186 and 494 charges rose to AUD 6,000–6,500*.
December 2024: the Skills in Demand visa replaced the Temporary Skill Shortage visa, with a single Core Skills Occupation List, a one-year work experience requirement and more time for workers to find a new sponsor if their job ends.
Employer sponsored questions
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Hire the skills your business needs.
Book a free 15-minute consultation with a registered migration agent (MARN 2418455) about employer sponsorship.
- Registered migration agentMuskaan Ahuja, MARN 2418455
- Free 15-minute consultationBy phone, online or at our Hawthorn office
- Reply within 1 business dayCall, WhatsApp or the Free Profile Assessment
- Fixed-fee quote in writingBefore any work starts, no hidden charges