Employer Sponsored Migration
Overview
Australia offers several employer-sponsored visa pathways for skilled workers nominated by Australian businesses. These visas allow employers to address critical skill shortages and bring in overseas talent when suitable local candidates are not available.
At Futai Migration, we assist both employers and employees through every step of the process — from sponsorship and nomination to visa application and compliance — across all major employer-sponsored visa subclasses.
Main Visa Options
1.Skills in Demand Visa – Subclass 482
The Subclass 482 visa enables employers to sponsor overseas workers to fill roles they cannot source locally. It can be a temporary solution or a pathway to permanent residency through the Subclass 186 visa.
Streams:
- Core Skills Stream– For most occupations on the Core Skills Occupation List. Grants up to 4 years a pathway to permanent residency after 2 years in many cases.
- Specialist Skills Stream – For highly skilled workers earning above the Specialist Skills Threshold (high-income stream). Offers more flexible occupation eligibility and a streamlined process.
2. Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) Visa – Subclass 494
- For skilled workers nominated to work in regional Australia.
- Valid for 5 yearsand requires living, working, and studying only in designated regional areas.
- Offers a pathway to permanent residencythrough the Subclass 191 visa after 3 years
Key Advantages:
- Supports migration to regional areas facing skill shortages.
- Direct pathway to PR via Subclass 191 after 3 years
Employer incentives in regional areas increase willingness to sponsor
3. Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) Visa – Subclass 186
- A permanent residencyvisa for skilled workers nominated by an approved Australian employer.
- Can be applied for directly or as a transition from a Subclass 482 visa.
Streams:
- Temporary Residence Transition (TRT)– For 482 visa holders who have worked for their employer for the required period.
- Direct Entry– For workers with a skills assessment and at least 3 years of work experience.
Labour Agreement – For workers nominated under a labour agreement.
Who Can Apply? (General Criteria)
You may be eligible if:
- You have a Full-time job offerfrom an approved Australian business.
- Your occupation is on the relevant skilled occupation list.
- You meet the skills, qualifications, and English language
- You satisfy health, character, and visa history
Requirements for Employers (Sponsors)
- Must be or become an approved sponsorfor subclass 494 and subclass 482
- Must show they cannot find a suitable Australian worker for the role.
- Must pay the Skilling Australians Fund (SAF) levy.
- Must offer market salary ratesand comply with workplace laws.
4. Designated Area Migration Agreement (DAMA)
Overview
A Designated Area Migration Agreement (DAMA) is a formal agreement between the Australian Government and a specific regional, state, or territory authority. It allows employers in designated areas to sponsor skilled and semi-skilled overseas workers for occupations that are not available under the standard migration programs.
How DAMA Works
- Employers must first seek endorsement from the designated regional authority before lodging a labour agreement request.
- Once approved, employers can nominate overseas workers under specific visa subclasses — commonly the Subclass 482 Temporary Skill Shortagevisa or the Subclass 494 Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional visa or Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) Visa – Subclass 186
Key Benefits of DAMA
- Wider occupation list– Includes roles not on the standard skilled occupation lists.
- Skill level flexibility– Allows semi-skilled occupations to be sponsored.
- English language concessions– Lower English test score requirements for certain occupations.
- Experience concessions– Reduced work experience requirements in some cases.
- Age concessions– For some permanent residency pathways, such as Subclass 186, DAMA may allow higher maximum age limits.
PR pathway – Many DAMA occupations have a clear pathway to permanent residency.
Who Can Apply Under DAMA?
You may be eligible if:
- You have a valid job offer from an employer located in a designated DAMA region.
- Your occupation is listed under that region’s DAMA occupation list.
- You meet the skills, experience, and English requirements (including any applicable concessions).
- You satisfy health, character, and other visa requirements.
DAMA Regions in Australia
Each DAMA region has its own:
- Occupation list
- Concession details
- Endorsement process
Examples include: - Northern Territory DAMA
- South Australia DAMA(Adelaide City Technology and Innovation Advancement Agreement & Regional SA DAMA)
- Western Australia DAMA regions
- Far North Queensland DAMA
- And more
Visa & Migration
- (TSS) Visa - Subclass 482
- Regional and Agriculture Visas
- Protection Visas
- Skilled Nominated Visa
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From the Blog
Latest Case Studies
Stay informed with real stories, expert insights, and practical guidance on Australian immigration law.
At Futai Migration, we share recent case studies to help you understand visa pathways, common challenges, and how our strategic approach achieves successful outcomes.
