Australia: employer-sponsored visas by job
Australian employers sponsor foreign workers on the Skills in Demand visa (subclass 482), and after two years the same employer can nominate them for permanent residence. Figures are primary applicants granted from Oct 2025 – Sep 2026.
Routes to permanent residence
Australia: route to permanent residence
Graduate in Australia, work on a graduate visa, then get PR through the points test or an employer.
- Student visaAustralian degree
- Subclass 485Temporary graduate visaWork rights after graduation
- Skills assessmentOccupation and pointsAge, English, experience, study in Australia
- 189 / 190 / 186Points-tested or employer PR visaInvitation through SkillSelect, or employer nomination
- PRPermanent residence
Australia: route to permanent residence
Trades and many other jobs can be sponsored on the Skills in Demand visa, then after two years the same employer can nominate you for PR.
- ExperienceShow your trade skillsAt least 1 year of relevant experience; some trades need a formal skills assessment
- Subclass 482Skills in Demand, Core Skills streamOccupation on the Core Skills list; salary at least A$79,423 from Jul 1, 2026
- WorkStay with your sponsor2 years full time
- Subclass 186Employer nomination, transition streamGenerally under 45
- PRPermanent residence
Rules as of October 2026. Sources: MyVisa, Skills in Demand 2026 guide, Magpie on 482 to 186 in 2026, Home Affairs visa listing. Always confirm with the official immigration authority.
Visa types and requirements
Pick a visa to see its language, education and experience requirements, how long it lasts and where it leads.
Subclass 500 Student visa
- Language
- Set by the course; a visa minimum also applies
- Education
- Enrolment in a registered (CRICOS) course
- Experience
- None
- Other conditions
- Proof of funds and health insurance
- Length of stay
- Length of the course
- Leads to
- Subclass 485
Subclass 485 Temporary graduate visa
- Language
- IELTS 6.5 overall, at least 5.5 in each band
- Education
- Australian course of at least 2 academic years, finished in the last 6 months
- Experience
- None
- Other conditions
- Age 35 or under (under 50 for research master's or PhD)
- Length of stay
- Usually 2 to 3 years, by qualification
- Leads to
- Skilled visa (189/190) or employer sponsorship
Subclass 482 Skills in Demand visa (Core Skills)
- Language
- IELTS 5.0 overall
- Education
- Qualification or skills assessment as the occupation requires
- Experience
- At least 1 year in the occupation
- Other conditions
- Occupation on the Core Skills list; salary at least A$79,423 from Jul 1, 2026
- Length of stay
- Up to 4 years
- Leads to
- Subclass 186 after 2 years with the sponsor
Subclass 186 Employer Nomination Scheme (transition stream)
- Language
- IELTS 6.0 in each band (competent English)
- Education
- None beyond the 482
- Experience
- 2 years full time with the sponsoring employer
- Other conditions
- Under 45 when nominated (some health jobs exempt)
- Length of stay
- Permanent
- Leads to
- Citizenship after 4 years of residence
Subclass 189 Skilled Independent (points tested)
- Language
- At least competent English (IELTS 6.0 each); more earns points
- Education
- Positive skills assessment in a listed occupation
- Experience
- Earns points; not always required
- Other conditions
- Under 45; at least 65 points and an invitation through SkillSelect
- Length of stay
- Permanent
- Leads to
- Citizenship after 4 years of residence
October 2026 rules. Sources: MyVisa Skills in Demand 2026 guide, Magpie Consultants on 482 to 186 in 2026, IELTS Australia on the 485 visa. Confirm with the official immigration authority before applying.
Sponsored visas granted by job
Australia doesn't publish sponsor names, so these pages show volumes, nationalities and locations instead of an employer list. 67,284 primary 482 visas were granted across all jobs in this period.
Manufacturing
- Welder 2,011 granted +55% vs year before
- Assembly line worker 0 granted
- Industrial machinery mechanic 974 granted +10% vs year before
Food processing and farms
- Meat and poultry trimmer 1 granted -50% vs year before
- Meat packer 20 granted +67% vs year before
- Butcher 183 granted +26% vs year before
- Livestock and poultry farmworker 7 granted +75% vs year before
Construction and repair
- Electrician 219 granted 0% vs year before
- Plumber 658 granted +53% vs year before
- Construction laborer 257 granted +162% vs year before
- Auto mechanic 2,897 granted -18% vs year before
Hospitality and logistics
- Cook 7,204 granted -14% vs year before
- Hotel housekeeper 10 granted +100% vs year before
- Warehouse worker 18 granted +38% vs year before