Employer-Sponsored Visas (Subclass 482, 186, DAMA)

Employer-sponsored visas allow skilled foreign workers to live and work in Australia when an eligible employer can’t find suitable Australian talent for a position. These visas offer both temporary and permanent residency pathways.

Key Visa Types:

• 1. Temporary Skill Shortage Visa (Subclass 482 – TSS)
  Allows Australian employers to sponsor foreign workers in occupations facing shortages.
  Stay duration: up to 4 years
  Requires approved employer sponsorship
  Includes Short-Term and Medium-Term streams
  
  2. Employer Nomination Scheme (Subclass 186)
  A permanent residency visa for skilled workers sponsored by an Australian employer.
  Includes Direct Entry and Temporary Residence Transition (TRT) streams
  Age limit: usually under 45 years
  Must be nominated for a full-time, eligible occupation
  
  3. DAMA – Designated Area Migration Agreement
  A special agreement between the Australian Government and regional areas that allows for occupation-specific concessions.
  For regional employers with local labor shortages
  Access to additional occupations and relaxed criteria
  Sponsored via Subclass 482 or 186 under DAMA framework

Eligibility Criteria

For Subclass 482:

• Valid job offer from a standard business sponsor
• Occupation listed on the STSOL or MLTSSL
• Minimum 2 years of relevant work experience
• Meet English language and health requirements
• Labour Market Testing (LMT) may apply

For Subclass 186:

• Nomination from an Australian employer
• Minimum 3 years work experience (in many cases)
• Age under 45 (unless exempt)
• Hold a positive skills assessment (if applicable)

Required Documents

• General:
• Valid passport
• Detailed resume/CV
• Educational qualifications and transcripts
• Employment references
• English language test results
• Skills assessment (if required)
• Police clearance & health check results
• For Employers:
• Approved business sponsorship
• Employment contract outlining role, salary, duties
• Labour Market Testing documentation
• Nomination approval from the Department of Home Affairs

Key Benefits

• Pathway to permanent residency (482 → 186 TRT stream)
• Can include family members (spouse & children)
• Full work rights with no employer change restrictions on PR
• Ideal for tradespeople, IT professionals, engineers, health workers, and more