Employer Sponsored Visas (ENS)
Australia offers several types of employer-sponsored visas, which allow skilled workers to live and work in Australia based on sponsorship from an Australian employer. These visas are designed to address skill shortages in the Australian labour market.
Key Requirements for Employer-Sponsored Visas:
- Nomination by an Approved Employer: For most employer-sponsored visas, applicants must be nominated by an Australian employer whose approval the government has granted.
- Skills and Qualifications: Applicants must meet the skills and qualifications required for the occupation they are nominated for, often demonstrated through an assessment of skills.
- English Language Proficiency: Most employer-sponsored visa applicants must meet specific English language requirements, typically demonstrated through an English language test.
- Health and Character Checks: Applicants must meet specific health and character requirements to ensure they are fit to live and work in Australia.
Skills in Demand Visa Visa (SID) (Subclass 482)
This is a temporary visa for foreign workers sponsored by an Australian employer to fill skilled positions in Australia. It is designed to address skills shortages in the workforce.
The Subclass 482 Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) visa, now part of the Skills in Demand (SID) visa program, comprises three distinct streams: Core Skills, Specialist Skills, and Labour Agreement. Each stream caters to specific workforce needs and has unique eligibility criteria.
A. Core Skills Stream
Addresses labour shortages by bringing in skilled workers where employers can’t source an appropriately skilled Australian worker.
Eligibility Criteria:
- Nominated occupation must be on the Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL).
- At least 1 year of relevant work experience in the nominated occupation or a related field.
- English language proficiency: Achieve specific test scores in an approved English language test.
- Salary requirements: Must be paid the Annual Market Salary Rate (AMSR) for the occupation and no less than the Core Skills Income Threshold (CSIT).
- Skills assessment: Required if specified for the occupation.
- Work restrictions: Must work only for the sponsoring employer or associated entity, unless exempt.
Stay Duration:
- Up to 4 years; 5 years for Hong Kong passport holders.
Pathway to PR
- May be eligible to apply for Subclass 186 under the Temporary Residence Transition stream.
B. Specialist Skills Stream
Attracts highly qualified workers in high-demand sectors.
Eligibility Criteria:
- Nominated occupation must be on the Medium and Long-Term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL).
- Salary requirements: Must be paid the Annual Market Salary Rate (AMSR) for the occupation and no less than the Specialist Skills Income Threshold (SSIT).
- English language proficiency: Achieve higher test scores compared to the Core Skills stream.
- Skills assessment: Required if specified for the occupation.
- Work restrictions: Must work only for the sponsoring employer or associated entity, unless exempt.
Stay Duration:
- Up to 4 years
Pathway to PR
- Eligible for permanent residency via the Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) visa (subclass 186) after 2 years.
C. Labour Agreement Stream
For employers who have a Labour Agreement with the Australian Government to address specific workforce needs.
Eligibility Criteria:
- Nominated occupation must align with the terms of the Labour Agreement.
- Salary requirements: Must meet the Annual Market Salary Rate (AMSR) for the occupation and no less than the Labour Agreement Income Threshold (LAIT).
- English language proficiency: Requirements may vary depending on the agreement.
- Skills assessment: Required if specified in the agreement.
- Work restrictions: Must work only for the sponsoring employer or associated entity, unless exempt.
Stay Duration:
- Varies depending on the terms of the Labour Agreement.
Pathway to PR
- Often includes pathways to permanent residency depending on the terms of the Labour Agreement.
Employer Nomination Scheme (Subclass 186)
This permanent visa allows skilled workers nominated by an Australian employer to live and work in Australia permanently.
Streams:
- Direct Entry Stream: This is for applicants who are not already working in Australia or do not meet the Temporary Work (subclass 482) visa requirements.
- Labour Agreement Stream: This is for applicants nominated under a labour agreement between the employer and the Australian government.
- Temporary Residence Transition Stream: For workers who have held a subclass 457 or subclass 482 visa for at least 2 years and are being nominated for permanent residency by their employer.
Eligibility:
- Applicants must be nominated by an approved Australian employer, meet relevant skills and qualifications, and satisfy age and language requirements.
Permanent Residency:
- Yes
Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme Visa (Subclass 187)
This permanent visa allows skilled workers nominated by an employer in a regional area of Australia to live and work permanently.
Streams:
- Direct Entry Stream: For workers who have not worked in Australia or are applying directly for a permanent visa.
- Temporary Residence Transition Stream: For workers who have held a subclass 457 or subclass 482 visa and are nominated by an employer in a regional area for permanent residency.
Eligibility:
- Applicants must be nominated by an employer in a designated regional area, meet the required skills and qualifications, and meet age, language, and health requirements.
Permanent Residency:
- Yes
Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) Visa (Subclass 494)
This is a temporary visa for skilled workers who an Australian employer sponsors in a regional area. It allows workers to live and work in regional Australia for up to 5 years.
Eligibility:
- Applicants must be nominated by an eligible employer in a regional area, meet skills and qualifications requirements, and meet health and character requirements.
Pathway to Permanent Residency
- After holding the subclass 494 visa for 3 years, the worker can apply for the permanent Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional Visa (subclass 186).
Temporary Visa:
- Yes (with a pathway to permanent residency)
Training Visa (Subclass 407 Visa)
The Training Visa (subclass 407) is a temporary visa that allows individuals to come to Australia to participate in workplace-based training to improve their skills in an occupation. This visa benefits those looking to enhance their skills through structured training programs with an approved Australian employer.
Purpose:
- This visa allows you to participate in training programs, such as workplace-based training, internships, or professional development activities to enhance your skills in your nominated occupation.
Duration:
- This is a temporary visa, and the visa length will depend on the training program. The maximum stay is generally up to 2 years, but it can vary.
Pathway to Permanent Residency:
- The subclass 407 visa is temporary, and while it does not lead directly to permanent residency, it can be a helpful stepping stone. Participants in the training program may gain valuable skills and experience, which could enhance their future migration options (such as through a skilled migration visa or an employer-sponsored visa).
Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) visa (Subclass 191)
The Subclass 191 Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) visa is designed for individuals who have lived, worked, and studied in designated regional areas of Australia on an eligible visa. This visa allows holders to live and work in Australia permanently.
Eligibility Criteria:
To qualify for the Subclass 191 visa, applicants must:
- Hold an eligible visa: Typically, this includes the Subclass 491 (Skilled Work Regional) or Subclass 494 (Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional) visas.
- Reside in a designated regional area: Applicants must have lived, worked, and studied in a designated regional area of Australia.
- Meet income requirements: There is no minimum income requirement specified for this visa. However, an applicant must provide notices of assessment issued by the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) for the previous three income years out of the five years of the eligible visa.
- Comply with visa conditions: Ensure compliance with the conditions of the eligible visa held.
Visa Benefits:
Holders of the Subclass 191 visa are entitled to:
- Live and work anywhere in Australia: Enjoy the freedom to live and work in any part of the country.
- Sponsor eligible family members: Sponsor eligible family members for permanent residence.
- Apply for Australian citizenship: If eligible, you can apply for Australian citizenship.
If you believe one of these visa options may be suitable for your circumstances and could support your pathway to settling in Australia, we invite you to book a consultation with us. Let 26 Degrees Migration be your trusted partner in achieving your migration goals with confidence and clarity.
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