Employer sponsorship is the most direct route to working in Australia — but finding a willing sponsor takes strategy. Here's how to position yourself and approach Australian businesses the right way.
Why Employer Sponsorship Is Worth Pursuing
The Subclass 482 Temporary Skill Shortage visa lets you live and work in Australia with a pathway to permanent residency via the 186. Unlike the points-tested 189 or 190, you don't need a high points score — you need the right employer.
But finding that employer is the challenge most applicants face.
Step 1: Know Whether Your Occupation Is Eligible
Not all occupations qualify for 482 sponsorship. Your occupation must appear on either the:
MLTSSL (Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List) — allows sponsorship for up to 4 years with a pathway to permanent residency
STSOL (Short-term Skilled Occupation List) — allows sponsorship for up to 2 years, with limited extension options
Check the current lists on the Home Affairs website or speak to a migration agent before targeting employers.
Step 2: Understand What It Costs an Employer
Becoming a Standard Business Sponsor involves:
A sponsorship application fee and compliance obligations
Paying the Skilling Australians Fund (SAF) levy — approximately AUD $1,800 per year for small businesses (turnover < AUD $10m) or AUD $3,000 per year for larger businesses
Paying you at or above the TSMIT of AUD $73,150
Conducting Labour Market Testing (advertising the role locally first)
Many employers are unaware of these obligations. Part of your job is to educate them — gently.
Step 3: Target Businesses Already Accustomed to Sponsorship
Some employers are already approved sponsors and have done it before. These are your best prospects:
Large corporations in mining, construction, engineering, healthcare, and IT
Hospitals and healthcare networks
Consulting firms and Big 4 accounting practices
Companies with international parent organisations
Businesses in regional areas experiencing chronic skills shortages
Search LinkedIn for companies with "visa sponsorship" in job ads. Use Seek's "visa sponsorship" filter.
Step 4: Make Yourself Exceptionally Easy to Sponsor
Reduce friction at every step:
Get your skills assessment done first so you can show the employer it's already complete
Have a migration agent's contact details ready so they can speak directly to a professional
Prepare a one-page summary of what sponsoring you involves and costs
Emphasise any skill that is genuinely hard to find locally
Step 5: Leverage the Right Channels
Seek.com.au — Australia's largest job board, filter by "visa sponsorship available"
LinkedIn — connect with Australian recruiters in your industry
Referrals — a warm introduction dramatically increases success rates
Professional associations — joining Engineers Australia, AHPRA, ACS etc. can connect you with employers
NWI's network — we work with employers who have sponsored before and are open to doing so again
Be Patient — And Be Ready
Sponsorship takes time to arrange. Many applicants spend 6–18 months finding the right employer. The key is to approach every interaction professionally, demonstrate your skills clearly, and remove as much administrative burden from the employer as possible.
Once you have an employer willing to sponsor, our team can manage the entire application process.