Employer Sponsored Visas

Overview

The Employer Nomination Scheme (Subclass 186) visa is a permanent residency pathway for skilled workers who have been nominated by an Australian employer. Unlike temporary work visas, the 186 visa grants you and your family immediate permanent residence in Australia.

Which 186 Stream is Right for You?

The 186 visa has three distinct streams, each designed for different situations:

Temporary Residence Transition (TRT) Stream

• Already working in Australia? This stream is for 482 (or former 457) visa holders who have held a Subclass 482 visa for at least 2 years

• No occupation list restrictions – if you’re currently on a 482/457 working in any occupation, you can potentially qualify

• Must be under 45 years old (with limited exemptions)

• English language requirements apply – generally Competent English level

Direct Entry (DE) Stream

• New to Australia or changing employers? This stream is for skilled workers who haven’t worked in Australia on a 482/457 or are changing employers

• Occupation must be on the skilled occupation list

• Requires a formal skills assessment and at least 3 years of relevant work experience

• Must be under 45 years old (with limited exemptions)

• English language requirements apply – generally Competent English level

Labour Agreement Stream

• Specialised industries or roles? This stream is for workers nominated under a formal labour agreement between an employer and the Australian government

• Requirements vary based on the specific agreement terms

• May have different age, English, and skills requirements

Key Features & Benefits

• Immediate permanent residency – no provisional period

• Include your family members – partner and dependent children can be included

• Access to Medicare – Australia’s public healthcare system

• No travel restrictions – enter and leave Australia freely

• Pathway to citizenship after meeting residency requirements

Common Issues & What to Watch For

• Age limit is strictly enforced – must be under 45 at time of application (exemptions are rare)

• Employer requirements are stringent – business must be actively operating in Australia

• SAF levy costs – employers must pay the Skilling Australians Fund levy (several thousand dollars)

• Market salary rates must be met – employers cannot underpay 186 nominees

• Position must be genuine – Department scrutinises the need for the position

• Application timing is critical – especially for TRT stream transitions

How Riverwood Migration Can Help

Our strategic approach to 186 visa applications means we:

1. Assess your eligibility across all three streams to determine your optimal pathway

2. Develop nomination strategies with your employer to maximise approval chances

3. Review and strengthen skills assessments to ensure they meet requirements

4. Address potential red flags before they become issues

5. Manage complex documentation for both you and your employer

6. Stay on top of changing requirements so you’re always compliant

Many 186 applications fail due to employer nomination issues or technical compliance problems. Our expertise ensures your application has the strongest possible foundation.

Ready to Secure Your Future in Australia?

Book a consultation with our expert migration lawyers to assess your 186 visa eligibility and develop a tailored strategy for your permanent residency journey.

Overview

The Skills in Demand (SID) Visa (Subclass 482) is Australia’s primary employer-sponsored temporary work visa, designed to help Australian businesses sponsor skilled overseas workers when suitable local talent isn’t available.

This visa replaced the Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) visa in late 2024, introducing greater flexibility, clearer permanent residency pathways, and a three-stream structure that better matches Australia’s current workforce needs.

Key Features

• Live and work in Australia for up to 4 years (5 years for Hong Kong passport holders in some cases)

• Travel freely in and out of Australia during your visa period

• Include your family members (partner and dependent children) on your application

• Change employers without losing your visa status (with a 180-day grace period to find a new sponsor)

• Clear pathway to permanent residency via the Employer Nomination Scheme (Subclass 186)

• All time spent on a 482 visa counts toward PR eligibility, even if you change employers

The Skills in Demand (SID) Visa (Subclass 482) has three streams:

The 482 visa is divided into three distinct streams, each designed for different skill levels and circumstances:

1. Specialist Skills Stream

• For highly skilled professionals earning at least $135,000 per year

• No occupation list restrictions (excluding trades, machinery operators, drivers, and labourers)

• Priority processing with a target of just 7 days

• Perfect for executives, specialists, and high-demand professionals

2. Core Skills Stream

• For occupations listed on the Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL)

• Minimum salary threshold of $73,150 (indexed annually)

• Processing time target of 21 days

• Includes a wide range of professionals, registered nurses, trades workers, and many other skilled occupations

• The most commonly used stream for skilled migration

3. Labour Agreement Stream

• For occupations not covered by the other streams (typically lower-paid or sector-specific roles)

• Requires the employer to have a formal labour agreement with the Australian government

• Salary threshold below $73,150, according to the specific agreement

• Common in aged care, disability support, and other specialised sectors

Eligibility Requirements

For Visa Applicants

• Be nominated by an approved sponsoring employer for a genuine position

• Have the skills and experience required for your nominated occupation (typically at least 12 months of full-time equivalent experience in the past 5 years)

• Meet English language requirements (usually IELTS 5.0 in each component or equivalent)

• Satisfy health and character requirements

• Hold adequate health insurance for your stay in Australia

For Employers

• Be an approved Standard Business Sponsor (SBS) or have a Labour Agreement

• Demonstrate genuine need for the position

• Show evidence of Labor Market Testing (usually advertising the position for at least 4 weeks within 4 months before nomination)

• Pay at least the Australian Market Salary Rate (AMSR) and meet the minimum salary threshold for the relevant stream

• Demonstrate financial capacity to employ and sponsor the worker

Application Process

• Sponsorship: Employer becomes an approved Standard Business Sponsor (valid for 5 years)

• Nomination: Employer nominates a specific position with supporting evidence

• Visa Application: Employee applies with required personal documentation

Costs to Consider

• Application fee: $3,115 for primary applicant, $3,115 for adult dependents, $780 for dependents under 18 (as of May 2025)

• Skilling Australians Fund (SAF) levy: Paid by the employer (varies based on business size and visa duration)

• Health examinations and Insurance

• Skills assessments (if required for your occupation)

Common Issues and Watch-Outs

• Salary thresholds: Must be maintained throughout the visa period

• Position genuineness: Department closely scrutinises whether positions are created solely for visa purposes

• Labor Market Testing: Must be conducted properly before nomination

• Occupation eligibility: Particularly important for Core Skills stream applicants

• Dependent eligibility: Partners must prove genuine relationship

How Riverwood Migration Can Help

At Riverwood Migration, we specialise in employer-sponsored visas and have helped hundreds of businesses and skilled workers navigate the complexities of the 482 visa process. Our services include:

• Full eligibility assessment for both employers and employees
• Strategic advice on which stream best suits your circumstances
• Guidance on occupation selection and skills assessment requirements
• End-to-end application management, from sponsorship through to visa grant
• Assistance with employer compliance obligations
• Planning for your pathway to permanent residency
• Support with family member applications

Ready to Start Your 482 Visa Journey?

Book a consultation with our experienced migration team to assess your eligibility and develop a strategic plan for your Skills in Demand visa application. Our straight-talking, practical approach will save you time, reduce stress, and maximise your chances of success.

Overview

Skilled Employer-Sponsored Regional (Provisional) visa (Subclass 494) allow regional employers to address identified labour shortages within their region by sponsoring skilled workers where employers can’t source an appropriately skilled Australian worker.

Skilled Employer-Sponsored Regional (Provisional) visa (Subclass 494) has three streams:

1. Employer-Sponsored stream

This visa enables regional employers to address identified labour shortages within their region by sponsoring skilled workers where employers can’t source an appropriately skilled Australian worker.

You must:

• be nominated to work in an occupation on the relevant skilled occupation list;

• have at least 3 years relevant work experience in your nominated occupation;

• have a relevant skills assessment, unless an exemption applies;

• work only for your sponsor or associated entity, unless an exemption applies;

• be under 45 years of age, unless an exemption applies;

• meet minimum standards of English language proficiency.

It allows you to:

• live, work and study only in designated regional areas of Australia for 5 years;

• travel to and from Australia for 5 years;

• if eligible, apply for permanent residence after 3 years from the time your visa is granted.

Cost

• This visa costs AUD4,115 for the main applicant, AUD2,060 for each dependent 18 years and over, and AUD1,030 for each dependent under 18 years. It costs an additional AUD4,890 if any dependent applicants who are 18 years and over do not have functional English.

• This extra charge is called a second instalment.

• You will have to pay other costs including English language tests, health checks, police certificates and biometrics.

2. Labour Agreement stream

This stream is for skilled workers nominated by employers who have a labour agreement. Labour agreements are developed between the Australian Government (represented by the Department) and employers.

You must:

• be nominated to work in a specified occupation under the terms of a labour agreement;

• have at least 3 years relevant work experience in your nominated occupation;

• have a relevant skills assessment, if this is specified in the labour agreement;

• work only for your sponsor;

• be under 45 years of age, unless the labour agreement states otherwise;

• meet minimum standards of English language proficiency.

It allows you to:

• live, work and study only in designated regional areas of Australia for 5 years;

• travel to and from Australia for 5 years;

• if eligible, apply for permanent residence after 3 years from the time your visa is granted.

Cost

• This visa costs AUD4,115 for the main applicant, AUD2,060 for each dependent 18 years and over, and AUD1,030 for each dependent under 18 years.

• It costs an additional AUD4,890 if any dependent applicants who are 18 years and over do not have functional English. This extra charge is called a second instalment.

• You will have to pay other costs including English language tests, health checks, police certificates and biometrics.

3. Subsequent Entrant

This visa is for members of the family unit of a Skilled Employer-Sponsored Regional (SESR) (Provisional) visa (subclass 494) holder who are applying separately for their SESR visa and wish to join the primary SESR visa holder in Australia.

You must:

• be a member of the family unit of a primary SESR visa holder

It allows you to:

• stay in Australia while this visa is valid;

• live, work and study only in designated regional areas of Australia for up to 5 years;

• travel to and from Australia for up to 5 years.

Cost

• This visa costs AUD4,115.

• It costs an additional AUD4,890 if the subsequent entrant is 18 years and over and does not have functional English. This extra charge is called a second instalment.

• You will have to pay other costs including English language tests, health checks, police certificates and biometrics.

Overview

The Subclass 408 visa allows you to stay in Australia temporarily to participate in specific approved activities across entertainment, sports, religious work, research, and more. It’s a versatile visa designed for people with a genuine need to contribute to Australian events or programs.

Key Features

• Multiple streams tailored to different activities (entertainment, sports, research, etc.)

• Flexible duration based on your activity (typically up to 2 years)

• Apply from inside or outside Australia

• Work rights limited to your nominated activity

• Family members can be included in your application

• Eligibility Requirements

To qualify for a Subclass 408 visa, you must:

Be sponsored by an approved Temporary Activities Sponsor (or supported by an eligible Australian entity for stays under 3 months)

• Have a genuine intention to stay temporarily

• Have adequate health insurance coverage

• Demonstrate sufficient funds to support yourself

• Meet health and character requirements

• Have no outstanding debts to the Australian government

Available Streams

Common Challenges and Pitfalls

• Sponsorship complications: Finding an approved sponsor can be challenging

• Activity approval: Not all activities qualify under the program

• Documentation gaps: Failing to properly document your proposed activities

• Visa duration planning: Ensuring your visa covers the entire activity period

• Return travel expectations: Demonstrating genuine temporary stay intentions

• How Riverwood Migration Can Help

Navigating Subclass 408 visa applications requires strategic planning and precise documentation.

Our approach includes:

• Comprehensive assessment of your eligibility and most suitable stream

• Strategic sponsorship guidance to secure appropriate sponsorship

• Documentation preparation tailored to your specific activity

• Application lodgement with attention to detail

• Liaison with the Department throughout processing

• Clear path forward regardless of your circumstances

Next Steps

Getting the right strategy for your Temporary Activity Visa is crucial. Our expert migration lawyers can assess your situation and provide clear guidance on the most effective pathway.

Book a Consultation with Riverwood Migration 

Last updated: May 2025

Overview

The Subclass 407 visa is a temporary visa for professionals seeking structured workplace training or professional development in Australia. Unlike other work visas, this pathway is specifically designed for skills enhancement rather than general employment.

Key Features

• Duration: Up to 2 years (or the length of your training program, whichever is shorter)

• Work rights: Limited to your approved training program (minimum 30 hours weekly)

• Sponsorship: Requires an approved Temporary Activities Sponsor

• Structure: 70% must be workplace-based training

• Processing: Currently around 12 months

• Who is Eligible?

To qualify for a Subclass 407 visa, you must:

• Be at least 18 years old

• Have at least 12 months of full-time experience in your occupation within the past 24 months

• Have functional English language skills

• Meet health and character requirements

• Hold adequate health insurance for your entire stay

• Be nominated by an approved sponsor for a specific training program

Three Training Pathways

Common Issues and Pitfalls

• Sponsorship limitations: Not all Australian businesses are approved 407 sponsors

• Training plan gaps: Training must be structured and clearly outlined—vague plans lead to refusals

• Experience shortfalls: Proving relevant 12-month experience is often challenging

• Program duration: Training must justify the requested visa period

• Salary concerns: Payment must be equivalent to Australian standards for similar roles

• How Riverwood Migration Helps

Our expertise ensures your 407 visa application succeeds where others fail:

• Sponsorship strategy: We guide businesses through the sponsorship approval process or connect applicants with existing sponsors

• Training plan development: We create robust training plans that meet Department requirements

• Documentation mastery: We identify and address evidence gaps before Home Affairs does

• Experience validation: We help articulate your professional experience to satisfy visa criteria

• Compliance monitoring: We ensure both sponsors and visa holders meet ongoing obligations

• Is the 407 Visa Right for You?

The 407 visa might be perfect if:

• You need professional registration for your occupation in Australia

• Your employer wants to provide structured training before permanent sponsorship

• You’re seeking a career boost through Australian workplace experience

• Your overseas employer wants to enhance your skills through Australian training

• However, it’s not suitable for general work purposes or for those without relevant qualifications or experience.

Ready to Explore Your Training Visa Options?

Book a consultation with our specialist migration lawyers to assess your eligibility and develop a strategic approach to your 407 visa application.

Disclaimer: Information current as of May 2025. Migration regulations change frequently—consult a registered migration agent for advice specific to your situation.