Job Sponsor Visa Australia : Everything You Need to Know

Australia’s Job Sponsor Visa program gives skilled workers from around the world a chance to live and work in Australia legally while helping Australian employers fill positions they cannot staff locally. This visa can be temporary or permanent, depending on the applicant’s role, experience, and employer’s needs.

For many professionals in fields like healthcare, engineering, IT, construction, and trades, employer sponsorship offers a gateway to stable employment, high pay, and eventual permanent residency. In return, employers benefit by addressing skill shortages in key sectors.

In this detailed 2025 guide, we’ll explain the types of Job Sponsor Visas in Australia, eligibility requirements, the application process, and how you can transition from temporary to permanent residency.

What Is an Australian Job Sponsor Visa?

A Job Sponsor Visa (also known as an Employer-Sponsored Visa) allows Australian businesses to employ foreign nationals when they cannot find suitable local candidates.

This program benefits both employers and workers:

• Employers gain access to international talent.

• Workers enjoy legal employment, competitive salaries, healthcare benefits, and a path to permanent residence.

Types of Job Sponsor Visas in Australia

There are three main types of employer-sponsored visas, each designed for specific skill levels and employment durations.

1. Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) Visa – Subclass 482

The TSS Visa (Subclass 482) allows employers to hire skilled foreign workers when local candidates are unavailable. It includes three streams:

Short-Term Stream

• Valid for up to two years (or four years if covered by an international trade agreement).

• Applies to occupations on the Short-Term Skilled Occupation List (STSOL).

• Renewal is possible, but no direct pathway to permanent residency.

Medium-Term Stream

• For occupations listed on the Medium and Long-Term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL).

• Valid for up to four years.

• Provides a direct pathway to permanent residency through the Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS, Subclass 186).

Labour Agreement Stream

• Available when an employer enters a formal labour agreement with the Australian Government.

• Designed for unique workforce shortages not covered by standard occupation lists.

Eligibility & Duration

• Employer must be an approved sponsor.

• Applicant must have at least two years of relevant work experience.

• Must meet English proficiency requirements.

• Visa valid for up to four years depending on stream.

2. Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) Visa – Subclass 494

The Subclass 494 Visa encourages skilled migration to regional areas where labor shortages are more severe.

Regional Requirements

• Job must be in a designated regional area (outside Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane).

• Employer must hold a valid Standard Business Sponsorship (SBS).

• Employee must commit to living and working in that regional area for the duration of the visa.

Pathway to Permanent Residency

• After three years of regional work, visa holders can apply for Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) Visa – Subclass 191.

• Must meet minimum income and residency requirements.

3. Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) Visa – Subclass 186

The Subclass 186 Visa is a direct permanent residency pathway for highly skilled professionals nominated by an Australian employer.

It includes three streams:

Direct Entry Stream

• For skilled workers nominated for a permanent position.

• Requires at least three years of relevant work experience.

• A skills assessment may be required.

Temporary Residence Transition Stream

• For workers already holding a Subclass 482 Visa who have worked for the same employer for three years.

• Provides a smooth transition to permanent residency.

Labour Agreement Stream

• For workers sponsored under a formal labour agreement between the employer and the government.

Benefits of ENS Visa

• Immediate permanent residency upon approval.

• Ability to sponsor family members.

• Access to public healthcare (Medicare).

• Eligibility for Australian citizenship after residency requirements are met.

Eligibility Criteria for the Job Sponsor Visa

To qualify for an employer-sponsored visa, both the employee and employer must meet specific requirements set by Australia’s Department of Home Affairs.

For Employees

Skills and Qualifications

• Must have qualifications relevant to the nominated occupation.

• The occupation must appear on the official Skilled Occupation List (SOL).

• Some roles require a skills assessment from an authorized assessing body.

English Language Requirements

• Must prove English proficiency via one of these tests:

  • IELTS, TOEFL, PTE Academic, OET, or Cambridge English (CAE).

• Exemptions apply for citizens of English-speaking countries or those with five years of study in English.

Work Experience

• Minimum two years of relevant experience.

• Some streams (like ENS Direct Entry) require three or more years.

• Experience must be supported with references, contracts, or payslips.

Health and Character

• Must complete a medical examination.

• Provide police clearance certificates from all countries lived in for over 12 months during the past 10 years.

• Some applicants may require an AFP (Australian Federal Police) check.

For Employers

Employers play a key role in the sponsorship process and must follow strict government guidelines.

1. Sponsorship Approval

• Apply for Standard Business Sponsorship (SBS) with the Department of Home Affairs.

• Prove that the business is legally operating in Australia.

• Show financial capacity to meet wage and sponsorship obligations.

Once approved, the employer becomes a Registered Sponsor for up to five years.

2. Nomination of Job Role

• Select an occupation from the relevant Skilled Occupation List (SOL).

• Submit job details including title, location, duties, and salary.

• Salary must meet or exceed the Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (TSMIT) (currently AUD 70,000).

• Provide evidence of Labor Market Testing (LMT) — proof that efforts were made to hire Australians first.

3. Compliance with Labor Laws

• Pay foreign workers equal or higher wages than Australian employees in similar roles.

• Comply with the Fair Work Act 2009 and workplace safety laws.

• Maintain accurate employee records and notify the government of any changes.

Application Process for a Job Sponsor Visa

The application involves three major stages:

Step 1: Employer Sponsorship Approval

Employers must apply for SBS approval by submitting:

• Business registration documents.

• Financial statements and proof of operations.

• Commitment to meet sponsorship obligations.

Once approved, they can nominate foreign employees.

Step 2: Job Nomination

The employer nominates the worker for a specific job role:

• Must align with a listed occupation.

• Salary must meet TSMIT.

• Provide proof of labor market testing (unless exempt).

• Submit nomination through the Department of Home Affairs online portal.

Step 3: Visa Application Submission

After nomination, the applicant can submit their visa application via ImmiAccount.

Required documents include:

• Passport and identification documents.

• Academic and professional certificates.

• Proof of English language test results.

• Health and police clearances.

• Evidence of relevant work experience.

Step 4: Processing Time

Processing times vary based on the visa subclass:

Applicants can check status updates via their ImmiAccount and respond promptly to requests for additional information.

Step 5: Visa Grant and Next Steps

Once approved, the applicant receives a Visa Grant Notification detailing:

• Visa subclass and duration.

• Work conditions and employer details.

• Entry deadlines and visa expiry date.

Upon arrival:

• Start employment with the sponsoring employer.

• Follow all visa conditions.

• Explore permanent residency options after required duration (for Subclass 482 or 494).

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Who pays for the visa application?

Typically, employers pay for sponsorship and nomination fees, while applicants handle their visa application and medical check costs.

2. Can I change employers while on a sponsored visa?

Yes, but only with permission and a new nomination from another approved sponsor.

3. Is sponsorship permanent?

Not always. Some visas are temporary (like Subclass 482), while others (Subclass 186) provide immediate permanent residency.

4. What is the minimum salary for a sponsored job in Australia?

The Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (TSMIT) is AUD 70,000 per year (as of 2025).

5. Can my family join me on a sponsored visa?

Yes. Sponsored employees can include spouses and dependent children in their visa applications.

Conclusion

Australia’s Job Sponsor Visa is one of the best pathways for skilled professionals worldwide to work, live, and build a future in the country. It provides security, fair pay, and the opportunity to eventually gain permanent residency.

Whether you apply through the Subclass 482, 494, or 186, understanding the process and requirements can make your journey smoother.

To stay updated, always check the official Department of Home Affairs website or consult a registered migration agent for personalized guidance.