TSS 482 · ENS 186 · Labour Agreement
When an Australian employer needs your skills, the employer-sponsored pathway offers a direct route to work and permanent residency. CMG supports both employers and applicants through every stage.
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Overview
Understanding Your Options
Australia's employer-sponsored program allows approved employers to sponsor skilled overseas workers when they cannot find suitable Australian staff. The Temporary Skill Shortage visa (subclass 482) provides a temporary work pathway of 2–4 years, while the Employer Nomination Scheme (subclass 186) offers direct permanent residency. Both require the employer to be an approved sponsor, the position to be a genuine full-time role, and the worker to meet skills, English and health requirements. Labour Market Testing (LMT) — advertising the position to local workers first — is mandatory for most 482 applications.
Key Facts
Eligibility
Key Requirements
Approved Employer Sponsor
RequiredThe employer must be approved by the Department of Home Affairs as a Standard Business Sponsor (SBS). New sponsors must demonstrate business legitimacy, financial viability and a commitment to training Australian workers.
Nominated Occupation
RequiredThe sponsored position must be in an occupation on the relevant skilled list. MLTSSL occupations qualify for the 4-year 482 stream and the 186 TRT stream; STSOL occupations for the 2-year 482 stream only.
Skills & Qualifications
RequiredYou must have qualifications and at least 2 years of recent work experience in the nominated occupation. A formal skills assessment may be required depending on the occupation.
English Proficiency
RequiredMinimum Competent English (IELTS 5.0 in each band) for 482. Proficient English (IELTS 6.0) is required for certain occupations and for the 186 ENS visa.
Salary at Market Rate
RequiredThe salary must meet the Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (TSMIT — currently AUD $73,150 per year) and be equivalent to the Australian market salary rate for the position.
Labour Market Testing (LMT)
RequiredFor most 482 applications, the employer must demonstrate genuine attempts to recruit Australian workers first — typically through Seek and LinkedIn advertising within 4 months of lodgement.
Visa Subclasses
Choose Your Pathway
Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS)
Employer-sponsored temporary work visa. Two streams: Short-Term (2 years, STSOL occupations) and Medium-Term (4 years, MLTSSL occupations with pathway to 186 PR).
- 2-year stream for short-term occupation list
- 4-year stream for MLTSSL occupations
- Family members may accompany
- MLTSSL stream may lead to 186 PR via TRT
Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS)
Permanent residency through employer sponsorship. Two streams: Direct Entry (DE) for overseas applicants, and Temporary Residence Transition (TRT) for 482 holders.
- Permanent residency from grant
- Direct Entry or TRT stream
- TRT requires 3 years on 482 (MLTSSL)
- Must be under 45 (or exempt) for DE stream
Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional)
Regional employer-sponsored provisional visa. 5-year visa for regional areas with pathway to 191 PR after 3 years of living and working regionally.
- For regional or low-population growth areas
- Employer must be regionally based
- 5-year provisional visa
- Leads to 191 PR after 3 years
Process
Step-by-Step Process
Employer Becomes an Approved Sponsor
The sponsoring employer applies to become an Approved Standard Business Sponsor (SBS). This requires demonstrating a lawful and active business, financial capacity and a commitment to training Australian workers.
Occupation & Salary Assessment
CMG confirms the position is on the relevant skilled list and that the offered salary meets or exceeds the TSMIT and the annual market salary rate for the role in the location.
Labour Market Testing (LMT)
The employer advertises the position on Australian job boards (Seek, Indeed, LinkedIn) for at least 28 days. Advertisements must be recent (within 4 months) and detail the position, employer and salary range.
Nomination Application
The employer lodges a Nomination application with full LMT evidence, position description and market salary rate evidence. Processing takes 1–3 months.
Visa Application
Once nomination is approved (or concurrently for streamlined arrangements), the worker lodges the visa application including employment evidence, English test results, skills documentation and health clearances.
Health & Character Checks
All applicants complete health examinations at an approved panel physician and provide police clearances from all relevant countries. Biometrics may also be collected.
Visa Grant
Upon approval, the 482 visa is granted with conditions allowing the holder to work for the sponsor in the nominated occupation. The 186 grants permanent residency upon grant.
Fees
Government Fees & Costs
| Government Fees 2025–26 | Fee (AUD) |
|---|---|
| 482 primary applicant | AUD $3,115 |
| 482 secondary applicant (18+) | AUD $1,555 |
| 186 primary applicant | AUD $4,770 |
| 186 secondary applicant (18+) | AUD $2,385 |
| Employer nomination fee | AUD $540 |
| Skills assessment (if required) | AUD $500–$900 |
| English test (IELTS General) | AUD $385 |
| CMG professional service fee | POA |
| Estimated Total | AUD $6,000–$10,000 (primary applicant) |
Government fees are set by the Department of Home Affairs and subject to annual indexation. Shown are 2025–26 rates. Employer and applicant fees are separate.
Documents
Required Documents
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Whether you're an employer looking to sponsor a skilled worker, or a professional with a job offer in Australia — CMG handles the entire process from sponsorship approval to visa grant.