Skilled Worker Visas in Australia
Reviewed by the Commoner Law Editorial Team. Sourced from Commonwealth Acts of Parliament, federal regulations, and official government guidance. State-level information reflects each state's own Acts and court decisions. Written in plain language for general understanding — this is educational content, not legal advice. Our editorial standards
What is this right?
Australia's employer-sponsored skilled migration runs through three main pathways: the subclass 482 (Temporary Skill Shortage), the subclass 494 (Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional), and the subclass 186 (Employer Nomination Scheme) for permanent residency. The 482 is the workhorse temporary visa; the 186 is what most 482 holders are eventually trying to reach.
The 482 lets you work for an approved sponsor for up to 4 years if your occupation sits on the approved skills list. The employer must pay at least the Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (TSMIT). Short-term stream occupations cap at 2 years; medium-term stream occupations allow up to 4 years with a pathway to PR.
The 186 is permanent. Two streams: Direct Entry (skills assessment required) or Temporary Residence Transition (available after working for your sponsor on a 482 for at least 2 years). Employer nomination is required either way.
All employer-sponsored visas come with serious sponsorship obligations — market salary rates, no recovering visa costs from the worker, no underpayment. The Department audits sponsors, and breaches can lead to barring.
When does it apply?
- You are a skilled worker with qualifications and experience in an occupation on Australia's Skilled Occupation List.
- An Australian employer has offered you a genuine position and is willing to sponsor you.
- You meet the skills assessment requirements from the relevant assessing authority for your occupation.
- You meet English language requirements (usually IELTS 5.0 overall or equivalent for the 482, higher for the 186).
What to Do If Your Australian Employer-Sponsored Visa Is at Risk
- Check whether your occupation is on the Short-term, Medium-term, or Regional Occupation List at the Department of Home Affairs website.
- Get a skills assessment from the relevant assessing authority before applying.
- Ensure your employer is an approved sponsor — they must apply for Standard Business Sponsorship first.
- Keep records of your employment conditions, pay slips, and contract to verify your employer meets their obligations.
- Apply for permanent residency through the subclass 186 Temporary Residence Transition stream once you have worked for your nominating employer for 2 years on a 482 visa.
What should you NOT do?
- Don't pay your employer to sponsor you — this is illegal and can result in cancellation of both the sponsorship and your visa.
- Don't work for a different employer than the one listed on your visa without first obtaining approval or a new nomination.
- Don't let your visa expire without applying for renewal or a new visa — overstaying makes you an unlawful non-citizen.
- Don't accept below-market wages — your employer must pay at least the TSMIT and the annual market salary rate.
Common Questions
When does skilled worker visas apply?
You are a skilled worker with qualifications and experience in an occupation on Australia's Skilled Occupation List.An Australian employer has offered you a genuine position and is willing to sponsor you.You meet the skills assessment requirements from the relevant assessing authority for your occupation.You meet English language requirements (usually IELTS 5.0 overall or equivalent for the 482, higher for the 186).
What should I do if my Australian employer is not meeting their sponsorship obligations or I want to change jobs?
Check whether your occupation is on the Short-term, Medium-term, or Regional Occupation List at the Department of Home Affairs website.Get a skills assessment from the relevant assessing authority before applying.Ensure your employer is an approved sponsor — they must apply for Standard Business Sponsorship first.Keep records of your employment conditions, pay slips, and contract to verify your employer meets their obligations.Apply for permanent residency through the subclass 186 Temporary Residence Transition stream once you have worked for your nominating employer for 2 years on a 482 visa.
What mistakes should I avoid with skilled worker visas?
Don't pay your employer to sponsor you — this is illegal and can result in cancellation of both the sponsorship and your visa.Don't work for a different employer than the one listed on your visa without first obtaining approval or a new nomination.Don't let your visa expire without applying for renewal or a new visa — overstaying makes you an unlawful non-citizen.Don't accept below-market wages — your employer must pay at least the TSMIT and the annual market salary rate.