Employer Sponsored Visas

Skills in Demand Visa Subclass 482

As of December 7, 2024, the Skills in Demand (SID) visa has replaced the Temporary Skills Shortage (TSS) visa.

The Subclass 482 Skills in Demand Visa allows Australian employers to sponsor suitably qualified eligible overseas workers for a temporary work visa.

There are three separate streams of nomination in the Skills in Demand program: Specialist Skills, Core Skills, and Labour Agreement. As each stream has its own distinct requirements, it is important to understand each stream in detail in the context of your business, and business needs to determine which one will give you the best possible outcome for your business and for your sponsored workers.  

We care about your success and offer comprehensive and experienced legal support for both employers and visa applicants to take the frustration and confusion out of the process as much as possible.

The Skills in Demand program offers a pathway to permanent residency. To be eligible for permanent residency via the Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) Subclass 186 visa, Skills in Demand visa holders must have completed at least two years of full-time, relevant work experience within the three years prior to applying. 

Employer Nomination Scheme Visa Subclass 186

The Subclass 186 Employer Nomination Scheme visa enables skilled workers to achieve permanent residency in Australia through sponsorship by an eligible Australian employer. 

There are three available streams: Direct Entry, Temporary Residence Transition, and Labour Agreement streams. Each has different rules including whether a health waiver is available.

Direct Entry stream

Before they can apply, applicants must have a valid positive skills assessment in the nominated occupation, at least three years of relevant work experience, and have at least competent English. Applicants must meet the skills and qualifications required for the nominated occupation.

Transitional steam

SID (Subclass 482) and 457 Visa holders can transition to permanent residency through the Temporary Residence Transition stream once they have completed at least two years of full-time, relevant work experience within the three years prior to applying. 

Labour Agreement Stream

Eligibility depends on the terms of the specific Labour Agreement, which may include concessions on requirements around available occupations, age, skills, and English language requirements. We can negotiate a company specific, or industry specific Labour Agreement where the standard program doesn’t suit your business needs for skilled workers. Our principle solicitor, Alex Ronayne is also an expert commercial lawyer so we provide your business with a complete service in negotiating and contracting with the government. 

Subclass 407 Visa

The Subclass 407 Training Visa is a temporary visa designed for individuals who want to develop their skills, gain practical experience, or undertake professional development in Australia while working. It allows participants to engage in structured, workplace-based training across a range of industries, supporting career growth and skill enhancement. 

An important requirement of the Training Visa program is in the preparation of a detailed and technical training plan.

Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) Visa Subclass 494

The Subclass 494 visa offers skilled workers the opportunity to live, work, and study in designated regional areas of Australia through sponsorship by a regional employer. This program was created by the Parliament to address skills shortages in regional communities by enabling employers to fill critical roles with qualified overseas talent.

This provisional visa provides a clear pathway to permanent residency after three years, making it an excellent option for skilled individuals seeking to establish themselves in regional Australia on a long-term basis.