Employer sponsored visas
Employer sponsored
Start with your situation. We can help you understand the right area to discuss in a professional consultation.
Reviewed by SavieMEC's registered migration agents
Official source: Sponsoring workers
Who this may suit
Workers with an employer ready to sponsor them.
What we can discuss
Your role, your employer and the timing.
Prepare for your consultation
Bring your visa details, job offer and work history.
Related information
How sponsored workers move from a 482 to permanent residence.
“Amrit and Navjot handled the sponsorship nomination and visa for 482 application. They have very good communication and made the process a breeze.”
Useful before you book
View resourcesAbout employer sponsored visas
Employer-sponsored visas let Australian businesses fill skill gaps with overseas workers, and give those workers a pathway to permanent residency. Every case has three parts: the employer's sponsorship, the nomination of the role, and the worker's visa.
We act for workers and employers, and often for both together, so all three parts line up and the 482 to 186 pathway is planned from the start.
Your visa options
Download PDF
Employer sponsorship checklist
Free PDF checklist. Print it or save it to your phone before your consultation.
Download PDFGovernment fees
What Home Affairs charges, current as at 1 July 2026. These are not our professional fees.
Employer sponsorship, nomination and levy
| Fee | Amount (AUD) |
|---|---|
| Standard business sponsorship application Approval usually lasts 5 years. | $420 |
| Skills in Demand (482) nomination For each nomination. | $330 |
| Employer Nomination Scheme (186) nomination Nil for Temporary Residence Transition or labour agreement positions in regional Australia. | $540 |
| Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (494) nomination | Nil |
| Skilling Australians Fund levy, 482, turnover under $10 million For each year of the visa period nominated. | $1,200 |
| Skilling Australians Fund levy, 482, turnover $10 million or more For each year of the visa period nominated. | $1,800 |
| Skilling Australians Fund levy, 186 or 494, turnover under $10 million Paid once, with the nomination. | $3,000 |
| Skilling Australians Fund levy, 186 or 494, turnover $10 million or more Paid once, with the nomination. | $5,000 |
Hiring or being sponsored?
We act for employers and workers, often both together.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between the 482, 186 and 494 visas?
The Skills in Demand visa (482) is a temporary visa for up to 4 years. The Employer Nomination Scheme visa (186) is permanent. The Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional visa (494) is a 5-year regional visa with a pathway to permanent residency through the 191.
Can an employer-sponsored visa lead to permanent residency?
Yes. Many 482 visa holders move to permanent residency through the 186 visa after working for their sponsor, generally for 2 years. 494 visa holders can apply for the 191 visa after 3 years in a regional area.
What if my employer has never sponsored a worker before?
Your employer first needs to become an approved standard business sponsor, then nominate your position before you apply for the visa. We guide employers through sponsorship, nomination and their ongoing obligations. See our For employers page.
General information only, not migration advice. Visa rules change often. We'll confirm what applies to you in a consultation. Last reviewed October 2026 by SavieMEC's registered migration agents.