Sponsoring an overseas worker can fill a role that's hard to fill locally, but it involves several applications, strict salary rules and ongoing obligations for the employer. We guide Perth businesses and their workers through each step.
Because we're commercial lawyers as well as migration lawyers, we also look at the employment contract, the business's compliance and what happens if the arrangement ends.
How we help
- Standard business sponsorship
- Nominations and labour market testing
- Skills in Demand (482) visa applications
- Employer Nomination Scheme (186) for permanent residence
- Regional (494) sponsorship
- Sponsor compliance and Home Affairs monitoring
Good to know
- The Skills in Demand visa (482)
- The Skills in Demand visa replaced the Temporary Skill Shortage visa on 7 December 2024. It has a Specialist Skills stream for high earners, a Core Skills stream for occupations on the Core Skills Occupation List, and a Labour Agreement stream.
- Salary thresholds rise every 1 July
- Sponsored workers must be paid at least the market salary for the role and the relevant income threshold, which is indexed each 1 July. Check the current figures before you make an offer.
- A pathway to permanent residence
- The Employer Nomination Scheme (186) leads to permanent residence, including for 482 holders who have worked for their sponsor for the required period. The regional 494 visa can lead to the permanent 191 visa after three years.
- Exploiting visa holders is a crime
- Since 1 July 2024, it has been a criminal offence to coerce or exploit a temporary visa holder at work, and employers can be banned from employing more visa holders. Sponsors must also keep records and notify Home Affairs of certain changes.
General information current at October 2026, not legal advice. Laws, thresholds and fees change — get advice on your circumstances.
Questions
Can my Perth business sponsor an overseas worker?
Usually, if the business is lawfully operating, the role is an eligible occupation, you'll pay at least the market salary and the income threshold, and you've tested the local labour market where required.
Does a 482 visa lead to permanent residence?
It can. After working for their sponsor for the required period — generally two years — many 482 holders can be nominated for a 186 visa through the Temporary Residence Transition stream.
What are my obligations as a sponsor?
Pay the nominated salary and conditions, keep records, notify Home Affairs of certain changes, cooperate with monitoring, and pay reasonable return travel costs if asked. Breaches can lead to sanctions, fines or a ban on sponsoring.
How long does sponsorship take?
It depends on the occupation, the business and Home Affairs processing priorities, which change from time to time. We'll give you a realistic timeline once we know the details.