TooRoo Migration Lawyers are recognised for their deep expertise in employer-sponsored migration, having assisted a broad range of Australian businesses and skilled professionals across multiple industries. Whether you're an employer seeking to fill a critical skills gap or a worker exploring visa options to live and work in Australia, our team provides strategic, up-to-date advice tailored to your needs. We guide clients through every stage of the sponsorship and visa process, ensuring compliance with evolving immigration laws and delivering practical solutions with a focus on long-term outcomes.

Australia offers a variety of employer-sponsored visas for skilled foreign workers. These visas allow individuals to live and work in Australia for an approved employer, with many offering a pathway to permanent residency. Family members may be included in all employer-sponsored visa applications.

Skills in Demand (SID) Visa

Best for: Skilled foreign workers sponsored by an approved Australian employer

The Skills in Demand (SID) visa is Australia’s new employer-sponsored temporary work visa, replacing the former Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) visa. It allows businesses to sponsor overseas workers to fill genuine skill shortages in Australia, with a pathway to permanent residency.

1. Core Skills Pathway

Designed for skilled workers in occupations on the Core Skills Occupation List, this stream targets critical sectors and provides a clear pathway to permanent residency.

• Requires 1 year of relevant full-time experience

• Occupation must be on the Core Skills Occupation List

• Includes a pathway to the Subclass 186 permanent visa

2. Specialist Skills Pathway

Tailored for high-income earners earning at least $135,000 per year, this stream allows fast-tracked sponsorship for highly skilled professionals in any occupation, except trades and machinery operators.

• No formal occupation list applies

• Fast processing times

• PR pathway available

3. Essential Skills Pathway

Still under development, this stream will apply to lower-paid essential workers in sectors with acute shortages (e.g. aged care, disability support) under labour agreements. It is being developed in consultation with unions and industry stakeholders.

Key Features of the SID Visa

Sponsored by an approved Australian business

• Valid for up to 4 years, depending on stream

• Includes family members

• Offers a direct pathway to permanent residency

• Replaces the now-discontinued Subclass 482 TSS visa

Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) Visa – Subclass 494

Best for: Regional employment leading to permanent residency

The 494 visa allows skilled workers to be sponsored by an employer in a designated regional area of Australia. It provides a pathway to permanent residency through the Subclass 191 visa after 3 years of regional work and residence.

• Valid for 5 years

• Requires a skills assessment and 3 years’ experience

• Must live and work in a designated regional area
  Pathway to PR via Subclass 191

Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) Visa – Subclass 186

Best for: Skilled workers seeking permanent residence

The ENS visa allows employers to sponsor skilled workers for permanent residency. It includes streams for Direct Entry, Temporary Residence Transition, and Labour Agreements.

• Permanent visa

• Available to current temporary visa holders and new overseas applicants

• Requires occupation on the relevant skills list and usually 3 years' experience

• Skills assessment and English language requirements apply

Training Visa – Subclass 407

Best for: Occupational training or professional development

The 407 visa allows individuals to undertake workplace-based training in Australia to improve their skills in an eligible occupation. It’s ideal for structured workplace training or professional development.

• Valid for up to 2 years

• Must be sponsored by an approved temporary activities sponsor

• Suitable for trainees, interns, and professionals

• Not a direct PR pathway