Understanding the Points-Based System for Australian Skilled Visas | Australian Migration Resource

Applying for an employer-sponsored work visa in Australia offers a clear pathway for skilled professionals and organisations eager to fill roles with overseas talent. Whether you are a skilled worker, a family supporting a migrant, a carer, or an employer, understanding the employer-sponsored visa process is essential to ensure compliance, a smooth migration journey, and successful employment in Australia.

What is an Employer-Sponsored Work Visa?

An employer-sponsored work visa allows Australian employers to sponsor specific skilled labour from overseas when they cannot find an appropriately skilled Australian worker. The most common types of employer-sponsored visas in Australia are:

These visas are crucial for Australia's workforce needs, especially in sectors experiencing skill shortages.

Why Employer-Sponsored Visas are Important

Addresses Skills Gaps: Allows businesses and organisations to address local skill shortages.
Boosts Economic Growth: Injects new skills and perspectives into Australia's workforce.
Supports Regional Development: Ensures regional communities have access to critical workers.
Pathway to Permanent Residency: Some streams offer routes to becoming a permanent resident.

How to Apply for an Employer-Sponsored Work Visa

1. Employer’s Role

Before an individual can apply, an Australian employer must:

Become an approved sponsor: The business applies for sponsorship status by proving they are a legally operating business and meet training requirements.
Nominate a Position: The employer nominates an occupation from the relevant skilled occupation list and demonstrates the position is genuine, meets minimum salary requirements, and cannot be filled by an Australian citizen or permanent resident.

2. Employee’s Role

Once a nomination is lodged or approved:

Apply for the Visa: The skilled worker submits their visa application online, providing evidence of their qualifications, work experience, English proficiency, health, and character.

3. Main Streams and Their Requirements

Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) Visa (subclass 482)

Short-term stream (up to 2 years; up to 4 if an international trade obligation applies): For occupations listed on the Short-term Skilled Occupation List (STSOL).
Medium-term stream (up to 4 years): For occupations on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL); pathway to permanent residency after 3 years.
Labour agreement stream: For employers negotiating a custom agreement with the Australian Government.

Basic eligibility:

Sponsored by an approved business.
Occupation on the relevant list.
Meet skills, work experience, and English requirements.
Health and character checks.

Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) Visa (subclass 186)

Direct Entry stream: For applicants with skills and qualifications who have not worked in Australia or have only briefly.
Transition stream: For subclass 482 or 457 visa holders who’ve worked at least 3 years in Australia in their nominated occupation.

Basic eligibility:

Sponsored for a position lasting at least 2 years.
Aged under 45 (some exemptions).
Skills and English language requirement.
Health and character checks.

Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme (RSMS) Visa (subclass 187)

No longer open to new applications, but existing holders retain visa benefits.

4. Process Overview

Employer applies for standard business sponsorship (if not already a sponsor).
Employer nominates a skilled position.
Employee/labour applicant applies for the visa.
Department of Home Affairs assesses all applications.
Visa grant and start work in Australia.

Key Benefits and Features

Faster visa processing for high-demand roles.
Permanent residency potential.
Spouses and immediate family can accompany the main applicant.
Accessible to people of all abilities, with reasonable adjustments.

Common Challenges and Solutions

Complex paperwork and eligibility requirements:
Solution: Use reputable migration agents or checklists from resources like ausvisalibrary.com.
Changing occupation lists:
Solution: Confirm your occupation is on the relevant skilled list right before applying.
English language requirements:
Solution: Prepare early and take recognised tests (IELTS, TOEFL, PTE).
Genuine position evidence (for employers):
Solution: Maintain records of recruitment efforts and business operations.
Age restrictions on the ENS visa:
Solution: Explore available exemptions or alternative visa pathways.

Most Common Professions Sponsored

Australian employer-sponsored visas are commonly used for:

Healthcare professionals: Nurses, doctors, physiotherapists, aged care workers
Information technology: Software engineers, analysts, developers
Trades: Electricians, plumbers, carpenters
Engineers: Civil, mechanical, mining
Hospitality: Chefs, restaurant managers
Education: Early childhood teachers, special needs educators
Agriculture: Farm managers, livestock workers

Example scenario:
*"Sarah, a registered nurse from the UK, is sponsored by a regional hospital in Victoria as they cannot find enough