Employee Sponsored Visa
Employee Sponsored Visa – Work and Live in Australia
Employee Sponsored Visas provide a pathway for skilled workers to live and work in Australia while being nominated by an Australian employer. These visas are designed to fill labor shortages in industries where local talent is not available, allowing professionals to gain valuable Australian work experience. With these visas, you can work legally in your field, bring your family to Australia, and in many cases, explore pathways to permanent residency.
At A2MS, we guide you through the eligibility requirements, visa types, and application process so you can focus on your career and life in Australia.
What is an Employee Sponsored Visa?
An Employee Sponsored Visa allows Australian businesses to nominate skilled overseas workers for positions they cannot fill locally. These visas are essential for employers needing specialized skills, while giving workers a legal pathway to live and work in Australia.
Visa holders can:
- Work for the sponsoring employer in Australia
- Live with their family during the visa period
- Travel freely in and out of Australia, depending on the visa
- Access pathways to permanent residency for eligible visa types
This visa type ensures that Australian businesses can remain competitive, while skilled professionals gain opportunities for growth and experience in a global work environment.
Types of Employee Sponsored Visas
Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) Visa – Subclass 482
The Subclass 482 visa addresses immediate skill shortages for Australian employers. It allows them to sponsor overseas workers temporarily when qualified Australians are not available.
Key Features:
- Available for up to four years, depending on the stream
- Work exclusively for the sponsoring employer
- Family members can accompany the visa holder
- Can lead to permanent residency through the Employer Nomination Scheme
This visa is ideal for professionals seeking temporary employment in Australia, gaining experience, and exploring long-term career opportunities.
Eligibility:
Applicants must have the required skills, qualifications, and work experience for the nominated occupation. Health, character, and English language requirements must also be met.
Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) Visa – Subclass 186
The Subclass 186 visa is a permanent residency visa for skilled workers nominated by an Australian employer. It provides long-term security and access to the benefits of living permanently in Australia.
Key Features:
- Permanent residency from the date of grant
- Available through Direct Entry or Temporary Residence Transition streams
- Family members can accompany the primary applicant
- Provides access to healthcare, education, and other government services
This visa is suitable for skilled professionals looking for a stable career and lifestyle in Australia, with the possibility to build a life with their family.
Eligibility:
Applicants need a formal skills assessment or relevant work experience, a valid job offer from an approved employer, and must meet health, character, and English language requirements.
Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) Visa – Subclass 494
The Subclass 494 visa allows employers in regional Australia to sponsor skilled workers for a provisional period. This visa replaces the older Subclass 187 Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme.
Key Features:
- Valid for up to five years in designated regional areas
- Leads to permanent residency via the Subclass 191 visa after meeting requirements
- Family members can accompany the applicant
- Supports regional businesses in sourcing critical skills
This visa encourages skilled migration to regional Australia, offering workers a chance to gain experience and eventually transition to permanent residency.
Eligibility:
Applicants must have relevant skills, qualifications, and experience for the nominated role, and satisfy health, character, and English language requirements.
Training Visa – Subclass 407
The Subclass 407 visa allows individuals to come to Australia temporarily for occupational training or professional development programs.
Key Features:
- Enables participation in structured training programs
- Temporary stay for skill development aligned with employer needs
- Family members may be included in some cases
This visa is ideal for professionals seeking to enhance their skills or meet specific employer training requirements while experiencing working life in Australia.
Eligibility:
Applicants must have a valid training nomination, meet English language, health, and character requirements, and provide evidence of relevant qualifications or experience.
Benefits of Employee Sponsored Visas
Employee Sponsored Visas offer numerous advantages for skilled professionals and their families:
- Legal employment in Australia within your field
- Opportunity to bring your family to live and study in Australia
- Access to healthcare, education, and other social benefits
- Potential pathway to permanent residency depending on the visa type
- Opportunity to gain Australian work experience and enhance your career
These visas not only help employers meet workforce demands but also allow professionals to establish themselves in one of the most competitive and rewarding job markets in the world.
Application Process
Applying for an Employee Sponsored Visa involves several steps:
- Employer nomination: Your Australian employer must lodge a nomination application for the position.
- Visa application: Once the nomination is approved, submit your visa application online with all supporting documents.
- Document verification: Provide identification, skills, qualifications, work experience, and English language proof.
- Health and character checks: Complete medical examinations and police certificates as required.
- Visa decision: Wait for your visa grant. Once approved, you can live and work in Australia under the visa conditions.
It’s important to ensure all information is accurate and complete, as errors or omissions can delay processing or result in refusal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can my family come with me?
Yes, most Employee Sponsored Visas allow spouses, de facto partners, and dependent children to accompany you.
Do I need a skills assessment?
Many visas require a positive skills assessment for your nominated occupation. The requirement depends on the visa subclass and your occupation.
Can I change employers while on a sponsored visa?
Most sponsored visas tie you to your nominating employer. Changing employers usually requires a new visa application.
Is there a pathway to permanent residency?
Yes. Subclass 186, Subclass 494 (after meeting eligibility), and some streams of Subclass 482 provide pathways to permanent residency.
How long can I stay in Australia on these visas?
Temporary visas like Subclass 482 are valid for up to four years, Subclass 494 for up to five years, and permanent visas, such as Subclass 186, allow indefinite stay.
Start Your Application Today
Secure your Employee Sponsored Visa and take the first step toward living and working in Australia. Contact A2MS to understand your options and begin your application.
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