Employer sponsorship. Understand the role. Choose the right pathway.
Employers and workers carry separate obligations under subclasses 482, 186, 494 and 407. Compare them below, or go straight to the visa you are considering and discuss your side of the requirements with Amir.
Advice from Amir Adhikari, Registered Migration Agent (MARN 1803796), based in Melbourne.Consultations by phone, Zoom or at our Melbourne office.
Compare the four visas
General information only, not an eligibility assessment. Scroll the table sideways on smaller screens.
| Visa | Purpose | Outcome & duration | Future pathway |
|---|---|---|---|
| 482Skills in Demand Visa | Sponsored skilled employment | Temporary Generally up to 4 years; exceptions apply | Potential 186 pathway, subject to eligibility |
| 186Employer Nomination Scheme Visa | Employer-nominated permanent migration | Permanent Indefinite stay; initial travel facility is 5 years | Permanent residence after grant |
| 494Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) Visa | Sponsored regional skilled employment | Provisional 5 years | Potential 191 pathway, subject to eligibility |
| 407Training Visa | Approved occupational training | Temporary Up to 2 years | No direct PR pathway; a separate visa requires its own eligibility |
Ordinary employment vs training. Subclasses 482, 186 and 494 are for sponsored work in a nominated occupation. The 407 is for occupational training or professional development under an approved program; it is not a work visa for filling a vacancy, has its own eligibility and does not provide a direct permanent residence pathway. See the official training types (opens in a new tab).
If you are a business
Your side typically covers sponsorship or approval, nominating a genuine position or program, and meeting obligations after approval.
If you are a worker or trainee
Your side covers your own skills, qualifications, English, health and character, and the visa application itself.
General information only, not individual migration advice. See the Department’s employer-sponsored visa information (opens in a new tab) and current income threshold information (opens in a new tab) for 482, 186 and 494.
Employer-sponsored questions
Potentially. The business, role and worker must satisfy the relevant sponsorship, nomination and visa requirements. Approval is not automatic because an employer is willing to sponsor.
No. Subclass 186 is permanent after grant; 482 and 494 may support a later separate permanent application if eligible. Subclass 407 is training and has no direct permanent residence pathway.
It applies to certain nominations, subject to relevant exemptions and international trade obligations. Requirements differ by subclass and stream.
Potentially. Size or age alone does not decide eligibility. Genuine operations, the role, capacity, employment arrangements and relevant business evidence need assessment.
Employers cannot transfer or recover certain sponsorship and nomination costs from workers. Check which costs the employer must bear before making any payment arrangement.
Lodgement and approval sequencing differs by subclass. For subclass 407, the required sponsorship and nomination must be approved before visa lodgement; Australian Commonwealth Government agency sponsorship uses the applicable invitation arrangements instead of nomination. Do not apply that sequence as a blanket rule to every subclass.
Your matter:
Employer-Sponsored & Training Visas.
Selected service · Employer-Sponsored & Training Visas
A consultation assesses your circumstances, discusses realistic options and outlines possible next steps. It is not a visa or review application and not a representation agreement. Any further work, its scope and fees are agreed separately.
- 01Book your appointment
Choose an available appointment time and check the details before confirming.
Book appointment (opens booking page in a new tab) - 02Complete the visitor registration form
After booking, add your details and circumstances for your employer-sponsored & training visas consultation.
Complete registration form (opens in a new tab) - 03Attend your consultation
Appointments are normally by phone, via Zoom, or in person at our Melbourne office. Follow your appointment confirmation for the arrangements.
Urgent matter or approaching deadline? Call our office on 03 9620 3195 or mobile +61 415 997 528.Message (SMS)WhatsAppA booking does not lodge anything, preserve rights or extend a deadline.