Employers can sponsor skilled migrants for a temporary or a permanent visa depending on their skill needs. 

Employers can bring skilled workers to Australia when they cannot fill a position from the local labour market. Before you consider employer nomination (sponsorship), you should find out whether there are any suitably qualified skilled workers already here in Australia, including temporary migrants on visas with full work rights.

If you have exhausted all options of employing a skilled worker locally and you are considering sponsoring a worker from overseas, there are a number of options. The most suitable employer nomination visa will depend on the skill level of the occupation, the salary level and, the length of time you need the skilled worker.

Department of Home Affairs' Visa Finder can help you find the right visa, whilst a registered migration agent can also provide advice for your circumstances.

Read detailed information on the Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) subclass 494 - Employer Sponsored stream.

Other employer nominated visa options through the Department of Home Affairs are detailed below.

The Temporary Skill Shortage visa (Subclass 482)

The Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) visa enables employers to address labour shortages by bringing in genuinely skilled workers where they cannot source an appropriately skilled Australian. It facilitates targeted use of overseas workers to address temporary skill shortages, while ensuring that Australian workers get priority. TSS visa holders can work in Australia in their nominated occupation for their approved sponsor under one of three streams:
  • the Short-Term stream
  • the Medium-Term stream
  • the Labour Agreement stream.
You must have the skills to fill a position nominated by an approved business for an approved occupation. Employers must be approved by the Department of Home Affairs to sponsor overseas workers. 
 
The maximum duration of the visa varies depending on the stream.

Labour agreements

Labour agreements enable approved businesses to sponsor skilled overseas workers when there is a demonstrated need that cannot be met in the Australian labour market and standard temporary or permanent visa programs are not available. 
Labour agreements are developed between the Australian Government (represented by the Department) and employers. They are generally in effect for five years and provide for visas to be granted under one or both of the following visa programs:
  • Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) visa (subclass 482)
  • Employer Nomination Scheme visa (subclass 186).

Read detailed information about this visa on the Department of Home Affairs website. Enquiries regarding this visa subclass should be directed to Department of Home Affairs.

The Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) enables employers to sponsor skilled workers to fill skilled vacancies. Employers can employ skilled workers from overseas or temporary residents who are living and working in Australia.

The Employer Nomination Scheme visa gives an overseas skilled worker permanent residence in Australia.

Read detailed information about this visa on the Department of Home Affairs website. Enquiries regarding this visa subclass should be directed to Department of Home Affairs.

This Temporary Work (Short Stay Specialist) visa allows travel to Australia to:
  • Do short-term, highly specialised, non-ongoing work
  • In limited circumstances, participate in an activity or work relating to Australia’s interests.
You must be invited or supported by the organisation you will be working for. The duration of the visa is up to three months (six months is allowed in limited circumstances).
 
Read detailed information about this visa on the Department of Home Affairs website. Enquiries regarding this visa subclass should be directed to Department of Home Affairs.

The Temporary Work (International Relations) visa has six streams including the Seasonal Worker Program, the Pacific Labour Scheme and the Domestic Worker stream. The duration of the visa depends on the stream. 

Read detailed information about this visa on the Department of Home Affairs website. Enquiries regarding this visa subclass should be directed to Department of Home Affairs.

The Training visa allows organisations to nominate people to take part in workplace-based training (to enhance their skills in their current occupation, area of tertiary study, field of expertise) or to participate in a professional development training program in Australia. 

Read detailed information about this visa on the Department of Home Affairs website. Enquiries regarding this visa subclass should be directed to Department of Home Affairs.

The Temporary Activity Visa is for people who want to come to Australia to participate in one of the activities listed for this visa. You must be supported or sponsored and meet the requirements of the relevant stream. 

Read detailed information about this visa on the Department of Home Affairs website. Enquiries regarding this visa subclass should be directed to Department of Home Affairs.