Blackwood Blue

Workforce Solutions

Employer Sponsored Visas

Structured sponsorship programs to attract and retain skilled global talent.

The backbone of employer-sponsored migration

Employer-sponsored visas are the primary mechanism through which Australian businesses can recruit skilled workers from overseas. The four main programs — the Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) visa (subclass 482), the Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) (subclass 186), the Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (SESR) visa (subclass 494), and the Training visa (subclass 407) — provide pathways for temporary, permanent, regional, and training-based employment.

While these programs are well-established, navigating them effectively requires more than just completing forms. Occupation eligibility, skills assessments, labour market testing, salary benchmarking, and sponsorship obligations all require careful management — and errors can be costly.

Blackwood Blue manages employer-sponsored visa programs as part of a broader workforce strategy. We don't just process applications — we design the sponsorship program that best fits your business, manage the compliance obligations that come with it, and help you build a workforce that lasts.

The main employer-sponsored visa programs

TSS Visa (Subclass 482)

Temporary

The primary temporary work visa for employer-sponsored workers. Available in Short-Term, Medium-Term, and Labour Agreement streams, with visa periods of up to 4 years.

  • Requires approved Standard Business Sponsorship
  • Occupation must be on the relevant skills list
  • Labour market testing required in most cases
  • Pathway to permanent residence for medium-term stream

ENS Visa (Subclass 186)

Permanent

The primary permanent residence visa for employer-sponsored workers. Available via the Temporary Residence Transition stream (for existing TSS holders) or the Direct Entry stream.

  • Provides permanent residence directly
  • Requires employer nomination
  • Skills assessment required for Direct Entry stream
  • Age limit of 45 years (with some exceptions)

SESR Visa (Subclass 494)

Regional

The Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional visa provides a pathway for employers in regional Australia to sponsor workers, with a pathway to permanent residence after 3 years.

  • Must be located in a designated regional area
  • Broader occupation list than standard TSS
  • Pathway to permanent residence via subclass 191
  • 5-year temporary visa

Training Visa (Subclass 407)

Training

The Training visa allows employers to sponsor overseas workers or students to undertake occupational training or professional development in Australia. It is not a work visa — it is designed to build skills and capacity, either for the individual's benefit or to support the employer's workforce development objectives.

  • Suitable for structured workplace-based training programs
  • Can be used for professional development of existing overseas staff
  • Requires a registered training organisation or employer sponsor
  • Visa period of up to 2 years depending on activity

Our sponsorship management approach

01

Sponsorship Approval

We obtain or renew your Standard Business Sponsorship, ensuring your business is approved to sponsor overseas workers.

02

Occupation & Eligibility Assessment

We assess the occupation, skills, and qualifications of your proposed hire against program requirements.

03

Labour Market Testing

We design and execute a compliant labour market testing strategy to demonstrate genuine recruitment efforts.

04

Nomination & Visa Application

We prepare and lodge the employer nomination and visa application, managing all correspondence with the Department.

05

Ongoing Compliance

We manage your ongoing sponsorship obligations, including record-keeping, reporting, and worker monitoring.

Ready to sponsor your first overseas worker?

Book a Discovery Session to discuss your sponsorship needs and design a program that works for your business.