In other words, extending job offers to and employing suitable workers for positions where there is a shortage of talent in Australia.

However, as one would expect, there are requirements to meet to be eligible to do this. In some cases the requirements are solely for the visa applicant. There are also visas with requirements for both the applicant and the employer.

Before we get to that, let’s look at how employer sponsored visas differ from general skilled migration visas.

What is the difference between employers sponsored visas and general skilled migration visas?

The difference between these visa categories lies mainly in how your eligibility is determined. When it comes to general skilled migration visas, you usually have to take a points test and score above a certain threshold to be eligible to apply for a work visa.

There is no points test for employer sponsored visas. Instead, you have to be nominated by an Australian employer to work in your occupation. Some sponsored visas also require that this occupation is on a skilled occupation list.

There is a similarity between these visa categories too – you must have the skills and experience necessary to perform the tasks of your occupation.

Now let’s move on to the visas that fall under the employer sponsored category.

What are the available employer sponsored visas?

Australia has three employer sponsored visas:

• Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 494)
• The Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) (subclass 186)
• The Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme (RSMS) (subclass 187)

Who can apply for the subclass 494 visa?

The Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) visa has two streams under which you can apply for a visa:

• Employer Sponsored stream
• Labour Agreement stream

To apply for a subclass 494 visa under the Employer Sponsored stream you must:

• Be under the age of 45, unless you’re exempt
• 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 you’re exempt
• Meet the English language, health and character requirements

To apply under the Labour Agreement stream your employer must have a labour agreement with the Australian government and you must:

• Be under the age of 45, unless the labour agreement states otherwise
• 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
• Meet the English language, health and character requirements

The requirements for both visa streams also state that you have to live and work in designated regional areas of Australia. Regional Australia is all of Australia except for Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane.

Who can apply for the subclass 186 visa?

The Employer Nomination Scheme has three streams:

• Direct Entry Stream
• Labour Agreement stream
• Temporary Residence Transition stream

To apply for a subclass 186 visa under the Direct Entry stream you must:

• Be under the age of 45
• Be nominated by an Australian employer
• Work in an occupation that’s on the list of eligible skilled occupations
• Have at least 3 years relevant work experience, unless you’re exempt
• Have a positive skills assessment, unless you’re exempt
• Meet the English language, health and character requirements

To apply under the Labour Agreement stream you must:

• Be a skilled worker who’s nominated by an Australian employer with a labour agreement
• Be under the age of 45
• Have suitable work experience and skills
• Meet the English language requirements
• Meet the health and character requirements

To apply under the Temporary Residence Transition stream you must already work in Australia and:

• Hold a subclass 457, Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) visa or related Bridging visa A, B or C
• Usually, have worked for your employer for at least 3 years full time while holding a subclass 457 or TSS visa
• Have been nominated by an Australian employer whose nomination was approved in the 6 months before you apply
• Be under the age of 45, unless you’re exempt
• Meet the English language, health and character requirements

Who can apply for the subclass 187 visa?

To apply for a Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme visa, you must:

• Be under the age of 45
• Hold a substantive visa or a Bridging visa A, B or C
• Usually, have worked for your employer in regional Australia for at least 3 years full time while holding a subclass 457 or Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) visa
• Have been nominated by an Australian employer whose nomination was approved in the 6 months prior to you applying
• Have the required skills and qualifications needed to perform the tasks of the nominated occupation
• Meet the English language, health and character requirements

Up to November 2019, the subclass 187 visa also had a Direct Entry stream, but this stream was replaced by the Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 494).

Can I bring my family?

Yes, your family is allowed to join you on all the visas discussed above. Any family members who do want to join you, must meet Australia’s health and character requirements.

How long does it take to get my visa?

Australia’s Department of Home Affairs judge each visa application it receives on a case-by-case basis, which means processing times vary based on individual circumstances.

For instance, whether you’ve lodged a complete application with all the necessary documents or how long it takes to get additional information such as health checks from external agencies.

Can I also apply for permanent residency?

The Employer Nomination Scheme visa and the Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme visa are permanent residence visas. In other words, if you’re granted either of these visas, you have permanent resident status.

The Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) visa, on the other hand, is a temporary visa but you’ll be eligible to apply for permanent residence after 3 years if you meet the requirements.

Want to find out if you could apply for one of the employer sponsored visas for Australia?

Take the first step today by booking your free initial assessment online. Our consultants will explain how the emigration process works and discuss the best way forward with you.