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Australian Employer-Sponsored Migration Visas
Australian employer-sponsored migration visas are a group of visa subclasses established by the Australian Government to address skill shortages in the local labour market. They allow Australian businesses to sponsor overseas professionals and skilled workers to live and work in Australia. These visas do not require a points test — applicants who meet the basic eligibility criteria can apply.
The most important step in an employer-sponsored application is the nomination itself. The Department assesses whether the nominated position reflects a genuine need and whether a suitable employee could be sourced from the local Australian labour market. Spouses and children can migrate together with the primary applicant.
Free Employer-Sponsored Eligibility Assessment
No points test required — our consultants will help you identify the most suitable employer-sponsored visa pathway.
Free Consultation →Employer-Sponsored Visa Subclasses
Australian employer-sponsored migration is split into three main subclasses to suit different applicant profiles.
Subclass 482 — Skills in Demand (formerly TSS)
The successor to the 457/TSS visa — lets applicants work for an Australian company for two to four years. It has four streams: Short-term, Medium-term, Labour Agreement, and Subsequent Entrant (family). After two years of work, holders can transition to a Subclass 186 permanent visa. No age limit and relatively modest English requirements.
Subclass 186 — Employer Nomination Scheme (Permanent)
A permanent visa allowing an Australian company to sponsor an overseas professional and their family to live and work in Australia. IELTS 6 across all four bands is required; no points test. Once granted, holders are free to change employers and settle in any city.
Subclass 494 — Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional)
A five-year provisional employer-sponsored work visa for regions outside Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane. After three years holders can apply for a Subclass 191 visa to obtain Australian permanent residency.
Eligibility Requirements at a Glance
Subclass 482 Requirements
- Occupation on the relevant skilled occupation list
- IELTS overall 5.0, with no band below 4.5 (Short-term) or 5.0 (Medium-term)
- At least two years of relevant work experience in the past five years
- No age limit
- Nomination from an approved sponsoring employer
- Meet health and character requirements
Subclass 186 Requirements
- Occupation on the Subclass 186 occupation list
- Under 45 years of age
- IELTS 6 across all four bands, or equivalent
- At least three years of relevant work experience
- A valid skills assessment
- Nomination from an Australian employer
Subclass 494 Requirements
- Under 45 years of age
- IELTS 6 across all four bands
- Occupation on the relevant occupation list
- At least three years of experience in the nominated occupation
- Nomination from a regional employer
- Pass a skills assessment
Why Choose Newstarsec for Your Employer-Sponsored Application
Extensive experience with employer-sponsored visas — we guide you through every step, from nomination to grant.
Licensed Expertise
MARA-registered migration agents providing fully compliant employer-sponsored visa advice and lodgement services.
Nomination Compliance
In-depth knowledge of employer-sponsored nomination requirements — we help review nominating positions and sponsor eligibility.
Document Guidance
Detailed document checklists and one-to-one preparation support to ensure your lodgement is complete and compliant.
Efficient Processing
An experienced team that moves nominations and visa applications through quickly, reducing waiting time.
Client Reviews
Five-star reviews from real clients — a trusted partner for employer-sponsored visas.
“The employer-sponsored process is genuinely complex, but Newstarsec took care of it end-to-end — from document preparation to completing the nomination. I got my 482 visa and I’m now settled into my job in Australia.”
Kevin Z.
Subclass 482 client
“My 186 PR application had its share of twists, but the Newstarsec consultants patiently worked through every step with me — from the skills assessment to employer nomination and the final grant. Their expertise was incredibly reassuring. Highly recommended.”
Lisa W.
Subclass 186 PR client
“Finding the right 494 sponsor in regional Australia isn’t easy, but the Newstarsec team guided the whole nomination process through efficiently. Genuinely grateful for their professional service.”
James C.
Subclass 494 regional client
Unsure which visa fits your situation?
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