Migration
Employer Sponsored Visas

Employer Sponsored Visas

Overview

Employer Sponsored Visas

The General Skilled Migration program aims to fill skill gaps in the Australian economy by focusing on individuals with skills in the occupation list.

Visa Types

  • Skilled Independent (Subclass 189) visa
  • Skilled Nominated (Subclass 190) visa
  • Skilled Independent (Subclass 189) visa

In-demand Occupations

  • Subclass 189: An occupation on the Medium and Long‑term Strategic Skills List of LIN 19/051: Specification of Occupations and Assessing Authorities) Instrument 2019
  • Subclass 190: An occupation in the Medium and Long‑term Strategic Skills List or Short‑term Skilled Occupation List of LIN 19/051: Specification of Occupations and Assessing Authorities) Instrument 2019 (as long as it is a position nominated by a State / Territory for this category)
  • Subclass 491: Any occupation in LIN 19/051: Specification of Occupations and Assessing Authorities) Instrument 2019 (as long as it is a position nominated by a State / Territory for this category)
Overview

Employer Sponsored Visas

The General Skilled Migration program aims to fill skill gaps in the Australian economy by focusing on individuals with skills in the occupation list.

The program covers a variety of visas, including a direct permanent residency with Skilled Independent (Subclass 189) and Skilled Nominated (Subclass 190) visas, as well as a staggering provisional track with Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) (Subclass 491) visa. Those who are willing to relocate to specific regional areas will receive additional points.

Visa Types

  • Skilled Independent (Subclass 189) visa
  • Skilled Nominated (Subclass 190) visa
  • Skilled Independent (Subclass 189) visa

In-demand Occupations

  • Subclass 189: An occupation on the Medium and Long‑term Strategic Skills List of LIN 19/051: Specification of Occupations and Assessing Authorities) Instrument 2019
  • Subclass 190: An occupation in the Medium and Long‑term Strategic Skills List or Short‑term Skilled Occupation List of LIN 19/051: Specification of Occupations and Assessing Authorities) Instrument 2019 (as long as it is a position nominated by a State / Territory for this category)
  • Subclass 491: Any occupation in LIN 19/051: Specification of Occupations and Assessing Authorities) Instrument 2019 (as long as it is a position nominated by a State / Territory for this category)
Visa Overview

Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS)

The Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) allows Australian businesses to sponsor skilled workers for permanent residence. Eligibility depends on occupation, age, English level, and salary criteria.

Target Market:

  • Australian companies hiring overseas talent
  • Overseas businesses expanding to Australia
  • Employees holding valid job offers

Nomination Requirements:

  • Genuine full-time position under the sponsor’s direct control
  • Occupation on the eligible list
  • Annual salary ≥ AUD 76,515 and not below the market rate
  • Employment conditions equivalent to Australians in similar roles

Streams:

  • Temporary Residence Transition (TRT)
  • Direct Entry (DE)
  • Labour Agreement (LA)
TRT Stream

Temporary Residence Transition (TRT) Stream

For applicants who have worked for their sponsoring employer on a TSS (Subclass 482) visa for at least 2 of the past 3 years. Offers a direct pathway to PR and eventual citizenship.

Nomination Requirements:

  • Business must be actively operating in Australia
  • Genuine ongoing need for the role
  • Full-time position available for at least 2 years after grant
  • Salary ≥ AUD 76,515 and market rate

Visa Requirements:

  • Worked in nominated occupation under a TSS visa ≥ 2 of last 3 years
  • Competent English
  • Under 45 years old (unless exempt)
  • Meet registration, health & character standards
Direct Entry

Direct Entry (DE) Stream

For skilled applicants with a positive skills assessment who can apply directly for PR without prior employment in Australia.

Nomination Requirements:

  • Lawfully operating Australian business
  • Genuine full-time position available for 2+ years
  • Occupation listed on the Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL)
  • Salary ≥ AUD 76,515 and market rate

Visa Requirements:

  • Positive skills assessment
  • At least 3 years post-qualification experience
  • Competent English• Under 45 years old
  • Meet health, character, and licensing requirements

Labour Agreements

Labour Agreement (LA) Stream

For employees who currently or will work for an employer under a Labour Agreement with the Department of Home Affairs. Stream terms and concessions depend on the industry agreement.

Documents

ENS 186 Document Checklist

  • ENS 186 Document Checklist Sponsor Requirements: genuine position evidence, market rate data, financial records.
  • Identity: passport & photos.
  • Family: birth/marriage certificates, dependency evidence, custody documents.
  • Skills: updated CV, qualifications, licences, references, skills assessment.
  • English, Health & Character: English test, police certificates, medicals.
Process

ENS 186 Application Process

  • Prepare and upload all translated documents.
  • Submit via ImmiAccount.
  • Include all dependants.
  • Standard processing time: 13–18 months.
  • Do not travel to Australia until visa grant.
  • Upon approval, receive electronic visa grant notice; refusal letters include appeal rights.
Success Stories

Discover how we helped

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  • Case 1 — 186 TRT (Hospitality Manager)

    Hong Kong applicant sponsored by a Sydney hotel; PR granted within 9 months.

  • Case 2 — 186 Direct Entry (Engineer)

    Mainland China engineer obtained skills assessment and DE grant in 10 months.

  • Case 3 — 186 Labour Agreement (Chef)

    Regional restaurant sponsorship via labour agreement; permanent residence secured.

Portrait of Johnny Kong, principal migration lawyer at Riverwood Migration
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Can I apply if I'm over 45?

You may qualify under specific exemptions (e.g. academic, medical, or transitional pathways).

Can my family apply with me?

Yes, eligible partners and dependent children can be included.

Do I need to stay with the same employer after PR is granted?

Generally yes, for at least 2 years, unless exceptional circumstances apply.

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