Australia’s employer-sponsored visa program allows eligible Australian employers to sponsor skilled overseas workers when they need suitably qualified employees. Depending on the visa pathway, workers may be able to work in Australia temporarily, in a regional area, or obtain permanent residence.

Skills in Demand Visa – Subclass 482

The Skills in Demand (SID) visa (Subclass 482) allows approved employers to sponsor skilled overseas workers for eligible positions in Australia. It is generally granted for up to four years and includes the Core Skills, Specialist Skills and Labour Agreement streams.

Eligible Subclass 482 visa holders may have a pathway to permanent residence through the Employer Nomination Scheme (Subclass 186).

Employer Nomination Scheme – Subclass 186

The Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) visa (Subclass 186) is a permanent residence visa for eligible skilled workers nominated by an Australian employer.

Depending on the applicant’s circumstances, pathways may include the Temporary Residence Transition, Direct Entry and Labour Agreement streams.

Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional Visa – Subclass 494

The Subclass 494 visa allows eligible employers in designated regional areas to sponsor skilled workers. It is a five-year provisional visa and can provide eligible visa holders with a pathway to permanent residence.

Designated Area Migration Agreements – DAMA

A DAMA is not a separate visa. It is an agreement that enables approved employers in designated regions to access certain occupations and, where available, concessions that may not be accessible through the standard skilled migration program.

DAMA arrangements can operate through employer-sponsored visa pathways such as Subclass 482, Subclass 494 and Subclass 186.

EmployerSponsored Visa Pathways

Temporary Employment

Subclass 482 – Skills in Demand
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Employer-sponsored skilled work
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Up to 4 years
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Potential pathway to Subclass 186 Permanent Residence

Regional Employment

Subclass 494 – Regional
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Work for an eligible employer in a designated regional area
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5-year provisional visa
↓
Potential pathway to Permanent Residence

Permanent Employment

Subclass 186 – ENS
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Employer nomination
↓
Permanent Residence

DAMA

Regional employer agreement
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May provide access to additional occupations and/or concessions
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Can operate through 482 / 494 / 186 pathways

Important: Visa requirements, occupation eligibility, salary thresholds, work experience, English requirements and sponsorship criteria vary between pathways and may change.

Need help choosing the right employer-sponsored visa?
Book a consultation with one of our experienced advisers to discuss the pathway that may be suitable for your circumstances.