Opal Migration Australia

Employer-Sponsored

Employer-sponsored visas are designed for employers to address skill shortages in their business that aren’t available in the local industry or marketplace.

Australian organisations and multinational entities based in Australia have several visa options available to sponsor skilled employees for temporary or permanent residence if suitable Australian citizens or permanent residents cannot fill that skilled job. Applicants must work for their sponsor in a designated occupation. Additional occupation lists have recently been introduced for employer-sponsored visa subclasses. Discover which visas you may be eligible for based on your occupation.

Employers have several avenues available to address skill shortages within their workforce. Opal Migration Australia offers a specialised Corporate Team to assist you in identifying the most suitable visa route for attracting and retaining individuals who will contribute to your growth, transfer vital skills to your team, and ensure the sustainability of your business.

Two of the main employer-sponsored visa types in this category are:

  • Temporary Skilled Shortage (TSS) Visa subclass 482 visa
  • Employer Nominated Scheme (ENS) subclass 186 visa.

For a comprehensive understanding of visa conditions and eligibility, it is advisable to seek guidance from our specialised Migration Agent. While we offer information on this webpage, consulting with a professional ensures tailored advice suited to your individual circumstances.

Temporary Skilled Shortage (TSS) Visa subclass 482 visa

Effective 18th March 2018, the Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) Visa (Subclass 482) succeeded the Temporary Work (Skilled) Visa (Subclass 457). Although similar in many respects, the TSS 482 visa has been designed to impose stricter requirements for entry or residency in Australia, especially for international students completing their studies in the country.

The TSS 482 visa offers three streams: short-term, medium-term, and labour agreement.

There are many important and complex requirements that must be fulfilled when applying for a TSS 482 visa. Some of the key requirements are outlined below:

  • Genuine need requirement
    • There must be a genuine need for the sponsor to employ the person to work in the position under their direct control.
  • Contract and employment requirements
    • There are certain contract and employment requirements that must be fulfilled and vary depending on the business and employment situation
  • Australian business sponsor
    • The sponsor must employ the nominee as an employee within the sponsoring company or an affiliated entity, as outlined in a formal employment contract signed by both parties.
  • Labour Market Testing (MLT) requirement
    • Among the various stringent requirements introduced with the TSS 482 visa, one notable change is the revision of the Labour Market Testing (LMT) requirement.
  • Work experience requirement
  • Salary requirement (ASMR)/ Fair Work High Income Threshold (FWHIT)
  • Non-discriminatory recruitment practices requirement
  • Skilling Australians Fund (SAF)
  • No adverse information
  • No suitably qualified/experienced Australian
Opal Migration Australia
Opal Migration Australia

Employer Nominated Scheme Visa

The Employer Nominated Scheme (ENS) subclass 186 visas are designed for employers to address long-term skill shortages across the whole of Australia. This includes large metropolitan areas like Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane.

The ENS visa is available to skilled workers from inside or outside of Australia.

There are three main streams when applying for this visa:

Direct Entry – For those who wish to apply directly for Permanent Residence from inside or outside of Australia*. This visa lets skilled workers, who are nominated by an employer, live and work in Australia permanently.

Temporary Resident Transition – This visa lets skilled workers, who are nominated by their employer, live and work in Australia permanently.

Transitional arrangements are available for certain 457 visa holders.

Labour Agreement Stream – This is for those nominated by an employer through a labour agreement. The Labour Agreement stream is accessible only in limited scenarios. This visa lets skilled workers who are nominated by their employers live and work in Australia permanently. The Labour Agreement stream might be for you if you currently work, or will work, for an employer who is a party to a labour agreement.

Skilled workers can apply through the ENS program if they:

  • Have been nominated by an approved Australian employer.
  • Are under 45 years of age (exemptions apply).
  • Meet the skills, qualifications, and English language requirements.
  • Meet health and character requirements.

For MLT Stream:

  • ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​You must hold a 457, TSS or a related bridging visa A, B or C.
  • Usually, you must have worked for your employer full-time for at least two years.
  • You must be nominated by your employer.

In some situations, it is possible to obtain a waiver of these requirements, so please consult our team to see if you are eligible.

*When applying for direct entry, applicants must have completed a skill assessment.