Subclass 482
Skills in Demand visa
A temporary employer-sponsored pathway for eligible nominated roles and applicants.
← All migration pathways
Work in Australia
Connect the right role, employer and visa pathway.
Explore employer-sponsored pathways and understand how the nomination, occupation and visa application need to work together.
Start with the role
A job opportunity is only one part of the pathway.
Employer-sponsored migration commonly involves obligations for both the sponsoring business and the visa applicant. The position, nominated occupation and applicant’s background must align.
The correct pathway depends on factors including the employer, location, occupation, skills, experience, English ability and whether the intended stay is temporary or permanent.
Common work pathways
Which employer-sponsored option may be relevant?
These are broad descriptions only; streams and eligibility must be checked for the proposed role and applicant.
Subclass 186
Employer Nomination Scheme
A permanent employer-sponsored visa with streams including Direct Entry and Temporary Residence Transition.
Subclass 494
Regional employer sponsorship
A provisional pathway for eligible employment in designated regional Australia.
Other options
Work rights through another visa
Some people may have work rights through a different visa, but the conditions must be checked carefully.
Align the application
Show a genuine match between person and position.
- ✓Confirm the employer, role and nominated occupation meet pathway rules.
- ✓Document relevant qualifications, skills and employment history.
- ✓Address English, licensing and skills assessment requirements where applicable.
Do not overlook
Employer support cannot cure an ineligible application.
- ×Do not assume every occupation or business can use every sponsorship pathway.
- ×Do not provide employment claims that cannot be independently supported.
- ×Do not begin work unless your current visa permits it.
Preparing your evidence
Build evidence around the nominated role.
The employer and applicant provide different but connected evidence. Consistency across both sides matters.
- 01 Passport and identity records
- 02 Detailed employment references
- 03 Qualifications and transcripts
- 04 English-language evidence where required
- 05 Skills assessment where required
- 06 Registration or licensing evidence
- 07 Nomination and position information
- 08 Health and character documents
Application journey
From first check to a decision.
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01
Assess the role
Check the occupation, duties, location and proposed employment arrangement.
-
02
Check both parties
Review sponsor, nomination and visa requirements together.
-
03
Prepare each stage
Coordinate accurate employer and applicant evidence.
-
04
Comply after grant
Understand work limitations and obligations attached to the pathway.
Costs and timing
Check current information before you act.
Costs can include sponsorship and nomination charges, visa charges, levies, assessments, health checks and documents. Responsibility for particular costs is regulated; check current official guidance.
Common complications
Small inconsistencies can create large questions.
- • Job duties that do not align with the nominated occupation
- • Insufficiently documented work experience
- • Licensing or registration gaps
- • Changes to the employer, position or applicant circumstances
Frequently asked questions
Clear answers to common starting questions.
Does a job offer guarantee a work visa? +
No. The employer, nomination and applicant must each satisfy the requirements of the relevant pathway.
Can any employer sponsor me? +
No. The business must be eligible for the relevant sponsorship or nomination process and meet its obligations.
Do I need a skills assessment? +
It depends on the visa, stream, occupation and applicant circumstances. Some pathways require one while others may apply different evidence rules.
Can employer sponsorship lead to permanent residence? +
Some pathways are permanent and some temporary pathways may connect to later options, but eligibility is never automatic.
Authoritative sources
Check the official rules.
The following official pages were used to prepare this guide.
Sources last checked: 24 July 2026.
Your next step
Would you like clarity before you apply?
Tell us about your circumstances. We can help you identify the questions and evidence that deserve attention.
General information only: This page does not provide personal migration advice or guarantee eligibility, processing time or an outcome. Requirements and government information can change. Check current official information and consider professional advice for your circumstances.