Requirements, Costs, and Timelines for Employer-Sponsored Visas in Australia

This article explains the main employer-sponsored visas in Australia, who can apply, what employers must do, typical costs, and how long each step usually takes. It focuses on the Skills in Demand visa (subclass 482), the Employer Nomination Scheme (subclass 186), and the Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional visa (subclass 494). It also explains employer obligations, the Skilling Australia Fund levy, labour market testing, and realistic timelines.

Why employer-sponsored visas matter

Employer-sponsored visas let businesses fill skill gaps by bringing in workers with specific experience or qualifications. For many applicants this route is faster and more direct than applying under general skilled streams. Some employer-sponsored visas are temporary but lead to permanent residence. Others are permanent from the start. Knowing which visa fits your job, industry, and long term goals is essential before you apply.

The main employer-sponsored visas explained

Skills in Demand visa — Subclass 482 (Skills in Demand)

The Skills in Demand visa replaces earlier TSS visas. It is a temporary employer-sponsored visa with multiple streams, typically the Specialist Skills, Core Skills, and Labour Agreement streams. It lets approved employers sponsor skilled workers when they cannot find suitably qualified Australians. The visa duration varies by stream and occupation. Cost for a primary applicant starts from AUD 3,210 but can be higher depending on stream and timing. For up-to-date processing time estimates use the Home Affairs processing time tool.

Who it suits

• Employers who need to hire a skilled worker quickly.
• Skilled workers who want temporary work rights with a potential path to permanent residence via employer nomination if eligible.

Key employer steps

• Become an approved sponsor. Businesses typically apply to be a standard business sponsor. There is an application fee.
• Nominate an occupation and candidate. The employer must show they could not source a suitably qualified Australian. Labour market testing will often be required.
• Apply for the visa on the worker’s behalf or the worker lodges the associated application.

Costs and levies

• Visa application fee for primary applicant: from AUD 3,210. Additional charges apply for secondary applicants.

• Sponsors may pay a nomination fee and the Skilling Australia Fund levy. The SAF levy varies by business size and length of the nomination. Recent guidance shows SAF levy amounts and that they are payable when nominating or sponsoring.

Typical timelines

Home Affairs publishes processing time indicators and also prioritises some streams. For decision-ready applications processing medians can be measured in business days for core streams and as short as a week for specialist priority streams. Use the processing time tool for the latest estimates.

Employer Nomination Scheme — Subclass 186 (ENS)

The subclass 186 visa is a permanent employer-sponsored visa. It has three streams: Temporary Residence Transition, Direct Entry, and Labour Agreement. The visa allows a nominated skilled worker to live and work permanently in Australia. The base visa charge for a primary applicant starts from about AUD 4,910 but check Home Affairs for current fees.

Who it suits

• Workers already working for an employer on a temporary sponsored visa who meet experience and salary requirements and who the employer is willing to nominate.
• Skilled applicants who meet the Direct Entry criteria and who are nominated by an eligible employer.

Employer obligations and eligibility

• Employers must nominate an eligible position and candidate. They must meet sponsorship obligations and provide evidence that the role is genuine. Standard business sponsorship rules and obligations apply.

Costs and levies

• Visa application fees for the primary applicant are higher than many temporary visas. Employers may also be responsible for SAF levy payments when nominating. The SAF levy is intended to fund local training and apprenticeships.

Timelines

Processing times vary by stream and case complexity. Home Affairs offers a global processing times guide. For decision-ready applications the Temporary Residence Transition stream often processes more quickly than Direct Entry cases that require skill assessments and detailed checks.

Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) — Subclass 494

The subclass 494 visa allows regional Australian employers to sponsor skilled workers to live and work in designated regional areas. The visa is provisional and provides a pathway to permanent residence after meeting work and residence requirements. This visa helps direct skilled workers to regional labour markets.

Who it suits

• Skilled workers who are willing to live and work in specified regional locations.
• Employers in regional Australia who need long term staff but may not be able to recruit locally.

Costs and employer commitments

• Visa fees apply to applicants. Employers must be approved as sponsors. The SAF levy and nomination fees can apply depending on the employer and the arrangement. Timelines for decisions are shown in the processing time guide.

Pathway to permanent residence

• The 494 visa often leads to permanent residence via nomination for subclass 186 or other pathways after a qualifying period of regional work. Exact eligibility depends on occupation, location, and meeting the experience and training requirements.

Employer obligations and safeguards

Becoming an approved sponsor carries legal obligations. Employers must comply with sponsorship rules, maintain records, and ensure the sponsored worker has a valid employment contract. There are penalties for non-compliance. Businesses must demonstrate genuine need and meet labour market testing rules when required.

Important employer costs and levies

• Sponsorship application fee for a standard business sponsor. Employers generally pay a sponsorship charge to be approved as sponsors.
• Nomination fee for each vacancy the employer nominates. This fee is separate from the visa application fee.
• Skilling Australia Fund (SAF) levy payable by employers who nominate overseas workers. The levy is calculated by business size and length of the employment. The funds are used to support Australian training and apprenticeships. The levy can be material for smaller employers.

Labour market testing and evidence

Home Affairs requires employers to show reasonable steps to recruit locally before sponsoring overseas workers. This typically involves advertising the role in set ways and for a set period. If labour market testing rules are not followed the nomination can be refused. Stakeholders have raised concerns that testing requirements are strict and that failing to comply can be costly for employers.

Practical step-by-step for employers and applicants

For employers

• Decide which visa fits the role. The choice affects fees, commitments, and whether the role is temporary or permanent.
• Apply to become a standard business sponsor or verify you qualify as an existing sponsor. This takes time and requires company documents.
• Complete labour market testing where required and keep records.
• Lodge a nomination for the worker. Pay nomination fees and SAF levy where applicable.
• Support the worker to lodge the visa application once the nomination is approved.

For applicants

• Confirm your occupation is eligible and check whether a skills assessment is needed.
• Gather identity, skills, and health evidence. Police checks and health checks are standard.
• Lodge the visa application online once nomination is approved or as directed. Pay the visa fee and include dependants where needed.
• Track the application using ImmiAccount and respond quickly to requests for further documents. Faster responses help keep the timeline short.

Costs in practice — ballpark figures and where the money goes

Costs vary by visa, applicant nationality, dependent family members, and employer size. Below are common charges to budget for. Always check Home Affairs for exact current amounts before you commit.

• Visa application fees (primary applicant)

• Subclass 482: from about AUD 3,210.
• Subclass 186: from about AUD 4,910 for the Employer Nomination Scheme.

• Sponsor fees

  • Sponsorship application fee for businesses. Standard sponsor fees apply.

• Nomination fees

  • Paid by the employer for each nominated position. Check Home Affairs for current amounts.

• Skilling Australia Fund (SAF) levy

  • Paid by employers when nominating. The levy is higher for large employers. It can be a significant additional cost and is aimed at funding trainee and apprenticeship programs.

• Other costs

  • Skills assessments, police checks, health checks, migration agent fees if used, and translation costs. These add to the applicant’s outlay.

Realistic timelines and tips to avoid delays

• Use the processing time guide on the Home Affairs site to check medians. These are updated monthly and give a realistic window for decision-ready applications. Processing time can vary widely if further checks are needed.
• Prioritised streams exist. Some core and specialist streams are processed faster when applications are fully documented. For example, some 482 streams have medians measured in business days for decision-ready cases.
• Avoidable delays happen when employers or applicants fail to provide required documents, or when labour market testing fails. Keep clear records of advertising and recruitment steps. Respond promptly to Home Affairs requests.

Common pitfalls and how to avoid them

1. Underestimating SAF and nomination costs

   • Factor these into your hiring budget. Smaller businesses are affected more.

2. Poor labour market testing evidence

   • Follow the published advertising and record requirements. If your evidence is weak the nomination may be refused.

3. Applying for the wrong stream

   • Temporary streams and labour agreement streams have different rules. Confirm the stream before lodging.

4. Missing skill assessments or English requirements

   • These can block permanent pathways. Check whether your occupation needs a formal skills assessment.

Should you use a migration agent?

A registered migration agent can help prepare a complex nomination or an application with unusual circumstances. Agents add cost but they can reduce risk of refusal and speed up document preparation for complicated cases. If you use an agent, confirm they are registered with the Office of the Migration Agents Registration Authority.

Final checklist before you apply

• Employer is eligible and understands sponsorship obligations.
• Correct visa stream selected.
• Labour market testing completed with records.
• SAF levy and nomination fees budgeted.
• Applicant has required skills evidence, health checks, and police certificates ready.

Employer-sponsored pathways remain a main route for skilled workers who aim to work in Australia and, in many cases, gain permanent residence. The right strategy balances employer readiness, accurate nominations, and complete applicant documentation. Use the Home Affairs pages and the processing time tool before you lodge to avoid surprises.