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UAEEmployer Sponsored visas (482, 186, 494)
These visas are for skilled workers who have an Australian employer ready to sponsor them, and for employers who need to bring in skilled staff. This guide explains the main options for both.
Reviewed by Arun Padmani, MARN 2418630 · Government charges checked November 2026The main options
Skills in Demand (482)
A temporary visa for a sponsored position. Streams cover specialist skills, core skills and labour agreements.
Read the guide →Employer Nomination Scheme (186)
A permanent visa. Streams include Direct Entry, a Temporary Residence Transition stream for people already working on a temporary visa, and Labour Agreement.
Read the guide →Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (494)
A provisional visa for sponsored positions with employers in regional Australia, with a later pathway to permanent residence.
Read the guide →What the Department looks at
- Employer: be an approved sponsor, with a genuine business and a genuine position.
- Employer: nominate a position on the right occupation list and meet the minimum salary and market rate rules.
- Employer: meet sponsorship obligations, including training and record keeping, and pay the government levies that apply.
- Worker: have the skills, qualifications and experience the position needs, with a skills assessment where required.
- Worker: meet the English, health and character requirements for the visa.
Government visa application charge
| Visa | Charge (AUD) |
|---|---|
| Skills in Demand (482), main applicant | $4,015 |
| Employer Nomination Scheme (186), main applicant | $6,140 |
| Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (494), main applicant | $6,140 |
| Core Skills Income Threshold (CSIT), from 1 July 2026 | $79,423 |
| Specialist Skills Income Threshold (SSIT), from 1 July 2026 | $146,576 |
Sponsorship, nomination and levy charges are separate. The income thresholds apply to Skills in Demand (482) and Employer Nomination Scheme (186) applications lodged on or after 1 July 2026.
Charges from 1 July 2026, taken from the Home Affairs fee chart supplied to us. Other costs such as health checks, police certificates and biometrics may apply. Confirm the current charge on the Home Affairs website before you lodge. Our professional fee is quoted separately in writing.
Documents checklist
Common questions
Do I need a job offer first?
Yes. These visas depend on an employer who is willing to sponsor you for a specific position.
How long does it take to become permanent?
It depends on the visa pathway and your work history. We map the route with you and tell you what to do at each stage.
Can I change employers on a 482?
Usually you can move to another approved sponsor, with conditions and time limits. Speak to us before you resign or change jobs.
Can a small business sponsor someone?
Yes, if it meets the sponsor requirements. We assess the business and the position first, so you know what to expect.
Employer or employee?
We help employers become approved sponsors and nominate positions, and we help workers prepare their own applications.
Book a consultationArun Padmani, MARN 2418630Skills assessment
Most occupations need a positive assessment before you apply. We help you choose the authority and prepare.
Read the guide →