Introduction
One of the most common questions we receive at A2MS is:
“How do I find an employer sponsor?”
If you’re looking to live and work in Australia but aren’t sure how to secure employer sponsorship, you’re not alone. Employer-sponsored visas are one of the most popular migration pathways—but the process can be complex.
This guide explains the key visa options, practical strategies, and important considerations to help you on your journey to finding an Australian employer sponsor
1. Understanding Visa Options and requirements
There are five main categories that require employer sponsorship:
- Skills in Demand Visa (Subclass 482) — Enables Australian employers to address labour shortages by bringing in skilled workers.
- Employer Nomination Scheme Visa (Subclass 186) — A permanent visa for skilled workers nominated by an Australian employer.
- Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional Visa (Subclass 494) — For skilled workers who wish to work in regional Australia.
- Labor Agreements: — Agreements such as Designated Area Migration Agreements (DAMA) or industry or employer-specific agreements providing a flexible approach to addressing labour shortages in specific regions and industries.
- Training Visa (Subclass 407) — For workplace‑based occupational training or professional development to improve your skills.
Tip: Some occupations are only eligible for sponsorship if located in regional Australia.
Occupation Lists
Check if your occupation is listed and whether a Skills Assessment is required for sponsorship under the official Skilled Occupation List, based on the visa subclass.
Temporary Visas
- Skills in Demand Visa (Subclass 482) – Core Skills Occupation List
- Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional Visa (Subclass 494) – Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List and Regional Occupation List
- Training Visa (Subclass 407 – Skills Enhancement Stream) – Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List, Regional Occupation List and Short-term Skilled Occupation List
Permanent Visas (PR)
- Employer Nomination Scheme (Subclass 186) – Core Skills Occupation List
Tip: For the 186(Direct Entry stream), and 494 visas a positive Skills Assessment is generally a mandatory requirement. For the 482 visa, while not always required, certain occupations may have specific caveats that require a Skills Assessment or other related conditions to be met.
2. Preparing Your Profile
Before approaching employers, ensure you and your application documents meet Australian standards:
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to Australian standards
- Emphasise skills and experience aligned with the occupation you’re targeting
- Update your LinkedIn profile to reflect your current role and capabilities
- Complete English language tests if required
- Obtain any necessary professional registrations or licences in your field
3.Utilising Job Portals Effectively
Online job boards may be one of the best starting points:
- Use platforms like Seek, Indeed and LinkedIn to look for sponsorship roles
- Use search keywords such as “482 visa sponsorship” and “sponsorship available”.
- Set up job alerts to receive notifications of new roles
- Use networking features on these platforms to connect with recruiters and industry professionals (e.g. LinkedIn)
4. Researching Accredited Employers & Labour Agreements
Employers must be approved by the Department of Home Affairs to sponsor workers:
- Access the Department of Home Affairs’ list of accredited sponsors to identify companies already approved to sponsor overseas workers
- Review the Labour Agreements List (DAMA, industry, company-specific) to find potential sponsoring employers
- Target your job search toward organisations familiar with the sponsorship process
Here is a link to the accredited employers list: Accredited Employer List January 2025
List of current labour agreements: Current Labour Agreements
5. Considering Regional Opportunities
Australia offers strong incentives for skilled workers to live and work in regional areas:
- Explore job opportunities in regional Australia, where demand for sponsorship may be higher
- Use Seek and LinkedIn with regional filters
- Some visa subclasses (like the regional 494) incentivise working in non‑metropolitan areas
6. Building Your Network
Networking remains one of the most powerful strategies for securing sponsorship:
- Attend industry events, webinars, and professional forums
- Engage with professionals on LinkedIn: share insights, comment, and participate in discussions
- Networking can help you access unadvertised roles, receive referrals, and gain mentorship
7. Engaging with Potential Employers
Once you identify potential sponsors, initiate engagement
If you’re already in Australia on a temporary visa, consider working in a related role to build rapport before raising sponsorship
For offshore applicants, mention your sponsorship needs during the hiring process
Be transparent about your visa requirements and clearly communicate how you can add value to the organisation
Highlight your relevant skills, experience, and alignment with the employer’s objectives
Important Considerations
As of 7 December 2024, the Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) visa (subclass 482) has been replaced by the Skills in Demand (SID) visa (subclass 482).
The 482 SID visa has a two migration pathway:
- Core Skills Pathway — for roles in critical shortage, annual earnings above at equivalent or higher the AMSR(Annual Market Salary Rate) AUD 76,515
- Specialist Skills Pathway — for highly skilled professionals, annual earnings above the equivalent or higher the AMSR(Annual Market Salary Rate) AUD 141,210
- These Income thresholds will apply to the SID 482, ENS 186, and 494 visas
- Applicants must meet either the new threshold or the Annual Market Salary Rate (AMSR) for the nominated role, whichever is higher
- Occupation lists (CSOL, ENS, 494, 407, etc.) continue to be refined to reflect updated workforce shortages
Legal Obligation: It is illegal for employers to ask for or receive payment in exchange for sponsorship. Violations can result in serious penalties for both applicants and employers.
Seeking Professional Help
For tailored advice and assistance with employer‑sponsored visas, contact Aussie Academics and Migration Services (A2MS). We can help guide you through the process and ensure your case is handled accurately and efficiently.
Ready to Start Your Australia Journey?
Contact us today for a personalised consultation about your migration and education goals.
Contact Details:
GO1, 450 Pulteney St, Adelaide SA 5000
info@a2ms.com.au
Disclaimer
The information provided here is intended for general guidance only and should not be relied upon as legal advice. For advice tailored to your specific circumstances, consult a Registered Migration Agent such as A2MS.
8 Comments
Abdul khaliq
Hi dear Sir or madam how are you I surely you are doing well good
My name is Abdul khaliq
Me apply the sponsor delivery driver jobs
23 juley 2025
Please Dear check my Visa approved or not
ALBERT
am a Kenya seeking a job sponsored,am capable of doing any job
kelvin wabwire ouma
A good section of getting a sponsor
Johnell Joseph
I’m interested in obtaining a 482 visa to work in Australia. How do I get a list of approval sponsors? Is there an age requirement?
Johnell Joseph
Ansong Ebenezer
Please I’m a Backhoe operator please I really want to work
Magdalene
Please help me navigate
SHOBNA LATA SHARMA
Care Giver
Yahya
Dear Team,
My name is Yahya Elnaggar, a Project Engineer with a completed skills assessment for ANZSCO 233311 – Electrical Engineer. I am exploring migration pathways under Subclass 494 or 186 and would like to ask if your agency provides support in matching skilled professionals with sponsoring employers.
If this is a service you offer, I’d appreciate details on the process, services, and fees involved.
Thank you for your time, and I look forward to your response.
Kind regards,
Yahya Elnaggar