Employer Sponsored Visa Program — Your Gateway to Work & Settle in Australia with Employer Support

Australia's Employer Sponsored Visa Program offers skilled and semi-skilled workers the opportunity to live and work in Australia when sponsored by an approved Australian employer. These programs help employers address genuine skill shortages while offering a structured pathway for migrants toward permanent residency.

1. Subclass 482 — Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) Visa

• Employer must be an approved Standard Business Sponsor
• Occupation must be on relevant Skilled Occupation List
• Minimum 2 years of work experience
• English Requirement:
  • Short-Term Stream: IELTS 5.0 (no band < 4.5)
  • Medium-Term Stream: IELTS 5.0 (no band < 5.0)
• Labour Market Testing required

2. Subclass 494 — Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) Visa

• Employer located in a designated regional area
• Occupation must be on the Regional Occupation List (ROL)
• 3 years relevant work experience
• Positive Skills Assessment required
• English: IELTS 6.0 (no band < 6.0)

3. Subclass 186 — Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) Visa

• Employer nomination under approved standard business sponsorship
• Age under 45 years (unless exempt)
• Occupation on MLTSSL
• Direct Entry or Temporary Residence Transition Streams available
• English: IELTS 6.0 (Competent English)
• Positive Skills Assessment (for Direct Entry)

4. DAMA — Designated Area Migration Agreement

• Regional employer-specific agreement approved by the Australian Government
• Allows sponsorship for occupations NOT listed on standard skilled occupation lists
• Offers concessions on English, age, and skills assessment
• Focus on filling skill shortages in specific industries in regional areas
• Occupations may include semi-skilled roles such as:
  • Aged Care Workers
  • Hospitality Staff
  • Agricultural Workers
  • Meat Processing Workers
  • Truck Drivers
  • Childcare Workers

DAMA Regions Include:

• Northern Territory (NT DAMA)
• Far North Queensland (FNQ DAMA)
• South Australia (Adelaide City & Regional DAMAs)
• Orana Region (NSW)
• Victoria's Great South Coast DAMA
• Pilbara DAMA (WA)

Pathway to PR: Many DAMAs offer PR transition via Subclass 186 or 191 after working for a specified period under the agreement.

• Work only in the nominated occupation with the approved sponsor
• Comply with all visa conditions, including health insurance and work limitations
• Family members can study and work in Australia
• PR pathways may require a minimum period of employment and income threshold compliance

1. Employer Applies for Sponsorship or Labour Agreement (For DAMA, a separate Labour Agreement negotiation is required)
2. Nomination Application by Employer — Employer nominates the position and occupation
3. Visa Application by Employee — Applicant lodges visa with supporting documents
4. Skills Assessment (if required) — Positive assessment required for certain occupations
5. English Language Test — Satisfy English criteria (with concessions possible under DAMA)
6. Health & Character Checks
7. Visa Grant

• Guaranteed employment with an Australian employer
• Bring family members with full work & study rights
• Opportunity to gain Australian work experience
• Access to pathways for permanent residency
• DAMA offers flexibility for regional and semi-skilled roles
• Priority processing for critical sectors (healthcare, construction, regional services)