Employer Sponsored Visas
— For Businesses & Skilled Workers
Employer sponsored visas provide a direct pathway to Australia without the need for a points test. Whether you’re an Australian business with genuine skills shortages or a skilled worker seeking sponsorship, Good Price Visa Services guides both employers and applicants through every stage of the process.
- Skills in Demand Visa — Subclass 482
- Employer Nomination Scheme — Subclass 186 (Permanent)
- Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional — Subclass 494
The Three Main Pathways
Skills in Demand Visa (Subclass 482)
Skills in Demand Visa (Subclass 482)
Employer Nomination Scheme (Subclass 186) — Permanent
Employer Nomination Scheme (Subclass 186) — Permanent
Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Subclass 494)
Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Subclass 494)
For Employers
To sponsor an overseas worker, your business must:
- Become an Approved Business Sponsor
- Nominate the position at the correct salary rate (Australian Market Salary Rate)
- Meet ongoing compliance obligations including the SAF training levy
We guide businesses through every stage — from eligibility assessment to ongoing compliance.
For Skilled Workers
To be eligible as a sponsored applicant, you will generally need:
- An occupation on the relevant occupation list
- At least 2–3 years of relevant paid work experience
- English language proficiency (unless exempt)
- Health and character clearances
Common Questions
An employer sponsored visa allows an approved Australian business to sponsor a skilled worker for a job they cannot fill locally, often providing a pathway to permanent residency through visas such as the Skills in Demand (formerly 482), Employer Nomination Scheme 186 and Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional 494.
The Skills in Demand (482) visa is a temporary work visa, while the Employer Nomination Scheme 186 visa is a permanent residency visa. Many skilled workers first hold a 482 visa with their employer and then transition to the 186 after meeting work and eligibility requirements.
In many cases you can change employers, but the new employer must also be an approved sponsor and lodge a new nomination for you. You must continue to meet all visa conditions, so it is important to get advice before changing jobs on a sponsored visa.
Employer sponsored visas have minimum salary thresholds that must be met and are reviewed regularly. Your salary must be at least the required threshold and in line with the market salary rate for your occupation.
Yes. Most employer sponsored visas are designed with a clear pathway to permanent residence, particularly through the 186 visa or, in regional areas, through the 191 visa after meeting work and residency requirements.