Australian employers facing skills shortages now have several visa options to lawfully hire overseas workers. Choosing the right pathway is crucial because each visa has its own requirements, work rights, and limitations on how long a worker can stay and work for your business.
This guide explains the most commonly used visas — Subclass 482, Subclass 186, Subclass 494, Subclass 400, and Subclass 407 — in clear, non-technical language so you can make informed decisions for your workforce planning.
Skills in Demand Visa (Subclass 482)
The Skills in Demand (SID) visa replaced the old Temporary Skills Shortage (TSS) visa from 7 December 2024. Although it retains the subclass number 482, its rules are modernised to respond better to labour market needs.
This visa lets you sponsor a skilled overseas worker temporarily if you cannot recruit a suitably qualified Australian citizen or permanent resident. It is employer-linked, meaning the worker must be sponsored for a nominated position and can generally only work in that job.
How long the worker can work for you:
The visa is typically granted for up to four (4) years, depending on the stream and circumstances.
Main streams under SID:
- Core Skills Stream: This is the most common. Workers in occupations on the new Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL) and above a minimum income threshold can be nominated.
- Specialist Skills Stream: This is for senior or highly-paid specialists in any occupation (except some trades and technical roles), with higher salary requirements.
- Labour Agreement Stream: This is for employers with an approved labour agreement.
Time spent working on a SID visa generally counts towards eligibility for permanent residence under the Employer Nomination Scheme (Subclass 186) once eligibility criteria are met.
Employer Nomination Scheme (Subclass 186)
The Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) visa (Subclass 186) allows employers to sponsor overseas workers for permanent residence. This visa is for businesses that want to keep a worker long-term and offer them permanent employment. Once granted, the worker becomes a permanent resident and can continue working for you indefinitely.
How long the worker can work for you:
There is no time limit. The worker can stay and work for your business permanently once the visa is granted.
However, many employers expect the sponsored employee to continue with them for at least a couple of years after grant as a matter of good practice.
Key points:
- It generally requires the employer to demonstrate the role is genuine and ongoing, and the salary must meet market standards and income thresholds.
- Workers on a SID visa can transition to the ENS visa after two years of working under sponsorship.
- The Direct Entry stream is also available for workers who have not worked in Australia before.
This is the best option if your business needs a long-term solution and plans to retain overseas talent as part of the core workforce.
Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional Visa (Subclass 494)
The Subclass 494 visa supports employers in designated regional areas with skills shortages. This visa lets you sponsor a skilled worker to live and work in a regional area (generally anywhere outside Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane).
How long the worker can work for you:
The visa is valid for up to five (5) years, during which the worker must live and work in the nominated regional area for your business.
The 494 visa is useful if:
- Your role is genuinely needed in a regional location.
- You want a longer temporary stay with full work rights.
- You are considering longer retention, as the visa leads to permanent residence (Subclass 191) after at least 3 years’ regional work.
Family members of the skilled worker can generally be included, and dependents have full work and study rights for the visa duration.
Temporary Work – Short Stay Specialist Visa (Subclass 400)
The Subclass 400 visa is designed for short-term specialist work. It is not a long-term employment visa. It enables employers to bring in a specialist from overseas for a specific, short project or task that cannot be done locally.
How long the worker can work for you:
This visa is usually granted for up to three (3) months and can be extended to 6 months in some cases.
Use this visa when you need:
- A specialist to install or set up equipment
- Technical training that cannot be provided by a local worker
- A short-term consultancy
This visa is not suitable for ongoing workforce needs or as a pathway to permanent residency.
Training Visa (Subclass 407)
The Subclass 407 training visa helps employers bring in overseas workers for structured workplace training. This visa allows a person to come to Australia to undertake formal training or work-based development that is directly related to a skill they need to build for future roles.
How long the worker can work for you:
The visa can be granted for up to two (2) years, but the work undertaken must be part of a formal training plan. It is not meant to replace regular workers.
This pathway suits you if you want to:
- Train overseas staff in specific methods or systems
- Grow the capability of individuals who may later re-join your international operations
- Add value to Australia’s workforce through structured training programs
It should not be used as a normal employment visa.
How We Can Help
At SALIA Lawyers & Associates, we guide employers through every step of hiring offshore staff and navigating the complex visa system. We help you:
- Choose the right visa based on your business needs
- Prepare and submit sponsorship and nomination applications
- Ensure your job offers and contracts meet legal requirements
- Plan pathways from temporary to permanent residency
If you’re considering bringing skilled workers into your business, talking with us early can help reduce delays and compliance risks and keep your focus on running your business. Contact us today for a tailored advice.
Disclaimer: Please note that the information provided is intended as a general guide and should not be relied upon as legal or migration advice. As migration laws and regulations can change, we recommend consulting an Australian Lawyer or Registered Migration Agent for advice tailored to your circumstances.
