Australian Employer Sponsored Visa Guide (482 / 186 / 494)

Step 1 — Start Here

Are you an employer or an employee?

The sponsorship process looks different depending on which side of the equation you're on. Both paths are covered here.

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I'm an employer — I want to sponsor overseas workers

Get guidance on standard business sponsorship, Labour Market Testing, and obligations

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I'm a worker — I want to find an employer to sponsor me

Find out which visa is right for you and what your employer needs to do

Step 2 — Your Occupation

Is your occupation on an approved shortage list?

The 482 visa requires your occupation to be on the MLTSSL (permanent stream) or STSOL (temporary stream). The 186 ENS requires MLTSSL only. Check the official lists →

Yes — my occupation is on the MLTSSL (Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List)

Eligible for 482 (4-year) and direct permanent 186 ENS

Yes — my occupation is on the STSOL (Short-term Skilled Occupation List)

Eligible for 482 (2-year only). Not eligible for direct 186 ENS

Yes — but only for regional areas (ROL — Regional Occupation List)

Eligible for RSMS 494 regional employer sponsorship only

Not sure / I need to check

My occupation doesn't seem to be on any list

Some occupations may still qualify — a MARA agent can review your specific role and ANZSCO code

Step 3 — Work Experience

How much skilled work experience do you have in your nominated occupation?

482 TSS requires at least 2 years of relevant work experience. 186 ENS Direct Entry requires 3 years (or 2+ years on a 482 for TRT stream).

Less than 2 years

May not yet meet minimum requirements for 482 — consider upskilling or alternative pathways

2–3 years

Meets 482 TSS requirements. May need more time for direct 186 ENS

3+ years

Meets requirements for both 482 and 186 ENS Direct Entry stream

Step 4 — English Language

What is your English level?

English is tested via IELTS, PTE, or TOEFL. The 482 requires Competent English (IELTS 5.0 each component). The 186 ENS requires Competent English. Citizens of English-speaking countries may be exempt.

Functional English or below (IELTS < 5.0)

Below minimum — retesting and preparation needed before applying

Competent English (IELTS 5.0+ each component)

Meets minimum for 482 and 186 ENS

Proficient English (IELTS 7.0+ each component)

Strong profile — may reduce or waive requirements for some visas

Exempt (citizen of UK, USA, Canada, NZ, or Ireland)

Step 5 — Location

Where would you prefer to work in Australia?

Subclass 494 (RSMS) requires work in a regional area of Australia. If you're flexible about location, regional sponsorship opens more opportunities and leads to PR via subclass 191.

Major cities only (Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth)

Open to regional Australia

Regional work qualifies for RSMS 494 and regional skilled visas — often lower competition

Flexible — I'll go where the job is

Step 2 — Your Business

Which describes your business situation?

All sponsoring businesses must be approved as a Standard Business Sponsor (SBS) by the Department of Home Affairs before any visa can be sponsored.

We're already an approved Standard Business Sponsor

Proceed to nomination — skip the approval step

We're not yet approved as an SBS

Need to apply for SBS accreditation first (processing: 2–8 weeks)

We're a new or start-up business

Start-ups can still sponsor but must demonstrate genuine business activity and future viability

Get your full sponsorship guide

Detailed requirements, employer obligations checklist, processing times, and your personalised action plan — free.

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Ready to start your sponsorship journey?

Our MARA-registered agents specialise in employer sponsored visas. We help both employees and employers navigate the process.

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Employer Guide

How to Sponsor an Overseas Worker in Australia

TSS 482 ENS 186 RSMS 494

1️⃣
Apply for Standard Business Sponsorship (SBS) — takes 2–8 weeks. Must be actively operating in Australia.
2️⃣
Conduct Labour Market Testing (LMT) — advertise the role for at least 28 days on Australian job boards. Document all efforts before lodging.
3️⃣
Lodge a Nomination — nominate your candidate for the specific position. The occupation must be on the approved list.
4️⃣
Candidate lodges their visa application — the employee applies independently after your nomination is approved.
⚖️
Market Salary Rate (MSR) — you must pay the sponsored worker at least what an Australian would earn in the same role. Checked strictly.

Processing times (approximate)

SBS approval: 2–8 weeks
Nomination: 2–6 weeks
482 visa (medium-term): 4–12 weeks
186 ENS (permanent): 4–12 months

Processing times vary significantly by occupation and workload. A registered agent can help fast-track where possible.

Ready to sponsor your first overseas worker?

Our MARA agents manage the entire employer sponsorship process — SBS application, Labour Market Testing, nomination, and visa lodgement.

Book a free employer consultation →