Overview
Employer sponsored visas are one of the most common pathways to permanent residency in Australia, especially for skilled workers who have a job offer from an Australian employer. The system involves the employer nominating a position and the worker applying for the visa. There are several visa subclasses depending on whether the role is temporary or permanent, and whether it is in a metropolitan or regional area.
Temporary Skill Shortage Visa (Subclass 482)
The TSS 482 visa allows employers to sponsor overseas workers for positions they cannot fill with Australian workers. There are two main streams: the Short-Term stream (up to 2 years, no PR pathway) and the Medium-Term stream (up to 4 years, with a pathway to permanent residency after 2-3 years). Your occupation must be on the relevant occupation list, and you must have at least 2 years of relevant work experience.
The salary must meet the Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (TSMIT), currently $70,000 per year, or the annual market salary rate for the position, whichever is higher. Your employer must also demonstrate genuine efforts to recruit Australians first through labour market testing.
Employer Nomination Scheme (Subclass 186)
The Subclass 186 is a permanent visa with three streams. The Temporary Residence Transition stream is for 482 visa holders who have worked for their employer for at least 2-3 years. The Direct Entry stream is for workers who have never held a 482 visa but have a skills assessment and meet other criteria. The Agreement stream is for workers sponsored under a labour agreement.
This visa grants immediate permanent residency and access to Medicare. Processing times vary from 6-12 months depending on the stream. The visa application charge is approximately $4,640.
Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Subclass 494)
The Subclass 494 is a provisional visa for skilled workers sponsored by employers in regional Australia. It is valid for 5 years and provides a pathway to permanent residency through the Subclass 191 visa after 3 years of living and working in a regional area. Regional areas include everywhere except Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane metropolitan areas.
This visa is increasingly popular as the government offers priority processing and additional incentives for regional visa holders, including extra points if they later apply for a skilled independent or nominated visa.
Occupation Lists
Your occupation must appear on the relevant skills occupation list. The Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL) covers the 482 Medium-Term and 186 Direct Entry streams. The Short-term Skilled Occupation List (STSOL) covers the 482 Short-Term stream. The Regional Occupation List (ROL) covers additional occupations for regional visas. These lists are updated regularly, so always check the current version on the Department of Home Affairs website.
Tips for Chinese Workers
If you are currently in Australia on a student visa or working holiday visa, employer sponsorship can be an excellent pathway to permanent residency. Start by identifying employers in your field who have a history of sponsoring workers. Networking through Chinese professional associations and WeChat groups can be valuable. Ensure your qualifications are assessed by the relevant assessing authority for your occupation before approaching potential sponsors.
Be aware of workplace exploitation risks. Your sponsor must pay you the market rate and meet all Australian employment law requirements. If you feel your employer is not meeting their obligations, you can contact the Fair Work Ombudsman confidentially without affecting your visa status.