An Employer-Sponsored Visa in Australia allows Australian employers to sponsor skilled foreign workers to fill job vacancies that cannot be filled by local workers. These visas provide a pathway for temporary or permanent residence in Australia.

Types of Employer-Sponsored Visas:

1. Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) Visa (Subclass 482)

   • Allows skilled workers to work in Australia for an approved employer.
   • Valid for up to two to four years, depending on the occupation.
   • Requires the occupation to be on the Skilled Occupation List.
   • Employer must be an approved sponsor.
   • May lead to permanent residency through the Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) (Subclass 186).

2. Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) Visa (Subclass 494)

   • For skilled workers who want to work in regional Australia.
   • Valid for five years with a pathway to permanent residency after three years.
   • Employer must be in a designated regional area.

3. Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) Visa (Subclass 186)

   • A permanent residency visa for skilled workers sponsored by an Australian employer.
   • Available through three streams:
     • Direct Entry Stream (for highly skilled workers).
     • Temporary Residence Transition Stream (for 482 visa holders who have worked with their employer for at least 3 years).
     • Agreement Stream (for workers under a labor agreement).

4. Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme (RSMS) Visa (Subclass 187) – Closed to new applicants

   • Previously allowed skilled workers to work in regional Australia permanently but has been replaced by the Subclass 494 visa.

General Requirements:

• Applicant must have relevant skills, qualifications, and work experience.
• Employer must be an approved sponsor.
• The nominated position must be on the Skilled Occupation List (varies by visa type).
• English language proficiency requirements.
• Health and character requirements.