Hire the skills you can't find locally
Employer sponsored visas let Australian businesses fill genuine skill shortages with overseas workers. The process has three parts: sponsorship approval, nomination of the position, and the worker's visa application.
The Skills in Demand visa (subclass 482) replaced the Temporary Skill Shortage visa from 7 December 2024. We guide employers and employees through each stage and help sponsors understand their ongoing obligations.
How we help
Practical support at each stage, handled by a registered migration agent.
- Standard business sponsorship applications
- Nomination of positions and occupations
- Market salary and labour market testing
- Worker visa applications
- Permanent pathways for sponsored staff
- Sponsor obligations and record-keeping
- Change of employer and new nominations
- Labour agreement enquiries
Pathways we assist with
A summary only. Each has detailed criteria, and settings change, so we confirm current requirements when we advise you.
Skills in Demand
Temporary visa for sponsored skilled workers, across several streams.
Employer Nomination
Permanent visa for workers nominated by an Australian employer.
Employer Sponsored Regional
Provisional regional visa with a permanent pathway.
Labour agreements
Agreements with government for needs outside standard programs.
Training visa
Workplace-based training to improve skills in an occupation.
Sponsor compliance
Guidance on meeting sponsor obligations after approval.
What employers should prepare
We'll give you a checklist tailored to you. These are the documents most often involved.
- ABN and business registration details
- Recent financial statements
- Organisation chart and position details
- Employment contract for the role
- Evidence of recruitment efforts
- Salary records for comparable roles
Frequently asked questions
How long does sponsorship approval last?
A standard business sponsorship is generally approved for five years. You'll still need to nominate each position and meet sponsor obligations throughout.
What are sponsor obligations?
They include paying the nominated salary, keeping records, notifying the Department of certain changes, and not recovering sponsorship costs from the worker. Breaches can lead to sanctions.
Can a worker change employer?
Sponsored workers can change employer if the new employer is an approved sponsor and lodges a new nomination. Timeframes apply if employment ends, so get advice early.
Other services
Talk it through with a registered agent
Book a consultation to get advice on your circumstances, the options open to you, and a written fee estimate before any work begins.