A Complete Guide to the Business Sponsor Visa in Australia: Subclass 482 and Subclass 186


Employer-sponsored visas play an essential role in helping Australian businesses address skill shortages by allowing them to hire qualified overseas workers. For skilled professionals, these visas offer the opportunity to build a long-term career in Australia, and in many cases, a pathway to permanent residency. Two of the most common employer-sponsored visas are the Skills in Demand (SID) Visa Subclass 482 and the Employer Nomination Scheme Visa Subclass 186. Below is a clear overview of how each visa works and the steps involved for both employers and visa applicants.


Subclass 482 Visa

Skills in Demand Visa


Introduced in December 2024, the Skills in Demand (SID) visa (subclass 482) replaced the former Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) visa. This temporary employer-sponsored visa allows Australian employers to fill genuine skill gaps in their workforce when there are no suitable Australian workers available.


The Subclass 482 visa includes three streams:

  • Specialist Skills
  • Core Skills
  • Labour Agreement


Applicants must meet skill, English language, and health requirements. Employers must offer a salary that aligns with Australian market standards for the nominated occupation.


This visa generally allows holders to:

  • Work in Australia for up to four years
  • Bring eligible family members


In some cases, transition to permanent residency through employer nomination pathways


How the 482 Visa Process Works

Step One: Sponsorship


Before a business can sponsor an overseas worker, it must apply to become a Standard Business Sponsor (SBS).


 This step confirms that the business:

  • Is legally operating in Australia
  • Has the financial capacity to meet sponsorship obligations
  • Will comply with workplace and immigration requirements
  • Sponsorship approval allows the business to nominate skilled overseas workers when needed.


Step Two: Nomination


Once approved as a Standard Business Sponsor, the employer must nominate the role that needs to be filled.


 This step ensures that the position:

  • Is genuine and necessary to the business
  • Meets Australian market salary standards
  • Is offered on fair and lawful employment terms
  • The nominated occupation must also be suitable for the stream under the Skills in Demand visa.


Step Three: Visa Application


The overseas worker then submits their visa application.


 This assessment focuses on the applicant’s:

  • Skills and qualifications
  • Relevant work experience
  • English language ability
  • Health and character requirements
  • The applicant must provide detailed evidence to show they are qualified and intend to work in the sponsored role.


Subclass 186 Visa

Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS)


The Subclass 186 Visa is a permanent employer-sponsored visa that allows skilled workers to live and work in Australia as permanent residents. It is designed for applicants who have the skills and experience required by an Australian employer.


Applicants must meet requirements related to:

  • Skills and work experience
  • English proficiency
  • Health and character
  • Age (generally under 45 years, with some exceptions)
  • Applicants can also include eligible family members, such as a partner and dependent children.


How the 186 Visa Process Works

Step One: Nomination


The employer must nominate a genuine, skilled position within the organisation.


The nomination must show that:

  • The role is needed for the business
  • The salary meets Australian market standards
  • Employment conditions are lawful and fair
  • The position must also align with the occupation requirements of the 186 visa stream.


Step Two: Visa Application


After the nomination is lodged, the applicant submits their visa application.


 The assessment focuses on:

  • Skills assessment results (if required)
  • Work experience and qualifications
  • English language ability
  • Health and character checks
  • This step ensures the applicant meets the requirements for the nominated occupation and visa subclass.
  • Which Visa Is Right for You?
  • The correct pathway depends on your circumstances and long-term goals.


Choose the Subclass 482 Visa if:

  • You are being hired temporarily by an Australian employer
  • You want the option to transition to permanent residency later
  • Your occupation is in demand and aligned with the SID streams


Choose the Subclass 186 Visa if:

  • You meet the skills and experience requirements for the role
  • You want to become a permanent resident immediately
  • You have employer support for a long-term position


Both visas offer valuable opportunities for skilled overseas workers and support Australian businesses facing workforce shortages.


Final Thoughts

Employer-sponsored visas are an important pathway for skilled professionals who want to build a career in Australia. Whether you are applying for the temporary Subclass 482 Skills in Demand Visa or the permanent Subclass 186 Employer Nomination Scheme, it is essential to understand the requirements and prepare your application carefully. At Lumeda Migration, we assist both employers and visa applicants throughout the sponsorship, nomination, and visa process. If you need guidance on selecting the right pathway or preparing your application, we are here to help.
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