Australia employer-sponsored work visas
Australia's main employer-sponsored work visa is the Skills in Demand visa (subclass 482). An approved Australian business must sponsor you and nominate you for a specific role, and you must have the skills, experience and English the role needs. It can later lead to permanent residence through employer nomination.
Who is it for?
- Skilled workers with a job offer from an approved Australian sponsor.
- Applicants with relevant work experience and, for some occupations, a skills assessment.
English requirement
You must meet the minimum English level for the visa using an accepted test, unless exempt. Check the current scores on the Home Affairs visa page.
Costs and timelines
The employer pays sponsorship and nomination costs, including the Skilling Australians Fund levy. You pay the visa application charge for yourself and any family members, plus health checks. Home Affairs publishes processing times.
Step by step
- Employer becomes an approved sponsor.
- Employer lodges a nomination for your position.
- You lodge the visa application in ImmiAccount.
- Complete health checks and provide police certificates.
Documents checklist
- Employment contract and nomination details.
- Work references and qualifications.
- Skills assessment, if required for the occupation.
- English test results, passport and character documents.
Common reasons for refusal
- Experience not matching the nominated occupation.
- Nomination refused because the role is not genuine.
- English or health requirements not met.
Frequently asked questions
Can I apply for a 482 visa without an employer?
No. The Skills in Demand visa needs an approved Australian employer to sponsor and nominate you for a specific role.
Does a 482 visa lead to PR?
It can, through the employer-nominated permanent residence visa, if you and your employer meet the requirements at that time.