Employer sponsored visas: 482, 186, 494 and labour agreements

Most employer sponsored visas involve three linked applications, each assessed against its own criteria.

The 482 is a temporary visa that lets an employer sponsor a suitably skilled worker for a role it cannot fill with a suitably skilled Australian. It allows a stay of up to four years in most cases, and the worker can usually work only for the sponsor or an associated entity. Core Skills and Specialist Skills applicants need at least one year of relevant work experience, a skills assessment where required, and English at the minimum standard unless exempt. Check current fees and income thresholds with the Department of Home Affairs.

Yes, if eligible. The 186 is a permanent visa for skilled workers nominated by an Australian employer. In the Temporary Residence Transition and Direct Entry streams, you must apply within six months of the nomination being approved and have at least competent English.

The 494 lets regional employers sponsor skilled workers when they cannot source an appropriately skilled Australian worker. The position must be in a designated regional area, which excludes Melbourne, and you can live, work and study only in designated regional areas for five years. In the Employer Sponsored stream you generally need at least three years of relevant work experience, competent English and, unless exempt, a skills assessment. After three years on the 494 you may be eligible for the permanent subclass 191.

Labour agreements let approved businesses sponsor skilled overseas workers when there is a demonstrated need the Australian labour market cannot meet and standard visa programs are not available. They generally run for five years, cover the 482, 186 and 494, and allow only the occupations in the agreement.

A Designated Area Migration Agreement (DAMA) is an agreement between the Australian Government and a state or territory government or regional authority that opens up more occupations, including some semi-skilled roles. Employers first need endorsement from the region's Designated Area Representative and must show a genuine attempt to recruit Australians. Home Affairs lists two Victorian DAMAs, Goulburn Valley and the Great South Coast, but is supporting a transition to state and territory-led DAMAs.

For employers, we check whether your business, the role and the salary fit a pathway, prepare the sponsorship and nomination, and explain obligations such as keeping records, equivalent terms and conditions of employment, and telling Home Affairs in writing when a sponsored worker stops working for you.

For workers, we check your occupation, experience, skills assessment and English against each stream, and plan a realistic path from a 482 or 494 to permanent residence.