Business Sponsorship

Standard Business Sponsor (SBS) and Accredited sponsorship programs allow Australian businesses to sponsor overseas workers. Common visas include 482 (Skills in Demand – SID), 494 (Regional Work), and 407 (Training), helping businesses address workforce shortages and create growth opportunities.

Skills in Demand Visa (SID) – Subclass 482

- The Subclass 482 Temporary Skills Shortage (TSS) visa has been replaced by the Skills in Demand (SID) visa.

- This temporary visa allows employers to sponsor skilled overseas workers to fill positions they cannot source locally. It helps businesses address labour shortages and ensures they can maintain productivity by bringing in appropriately skilled professionals.

Regional Sponsored Work Visa – Subclass 494

- The Subclass 494 visa replaces the former RSMS 187 Direct Entry visa. There are 9,000 visas allocated per year for regional Australia, excluding major metropolitan areas like Melbourne, Sydney, and Brisbane.

Training Visa – Subclass 407

- The Subclass 407 Training Visa allows employers to sponsor overseas workers for structured workplace-based training to enhance skills in their occupation.

About This Visa


  • Temporary stay of up to 4 years for most SID visa holders (Subclass 482)

  • Employers can sponsor workers on MLTSSL or STSOL occupations (Subclass 482)

  • Positive Skills Assessment, competent English, and police clearances required (Subclass 482)

  • No private health insurance needed as holders have full access to Medicare (Subclass 482)

  • 5 years validity with eligibility for permanent residency after 3 years (Subclass 494)

  • Applicants must be under 45 years of age at the time of application (Subclass 494)

  • Must have 3 years of full-time employment in the nominated occupation (Subclass 494)

  • Positive Skills Assessment, competent English (dependents over 18 – Functional English), and police clearances required (Subclass 494)

  • Provides access to Medicare and essential benefits (Subclass 494)

  • Temporary visa, generally valid up to 2 years depending on the training program (Subclass 407)

  • Must have a sponsoring employer approved under SBS or Accredited Sponsorship (Subclass 407)

  • Provides access to professional development in Australia (Subclass 407)

  • Applicants must meet health and character requirements (Subclass 407)