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Who Can Apply for an Employer Sponsored Permanent Visa in Australia?

Here’s the thing about employer sponsored permanent visa — it’s not as simple as just having a full-time job.

Sure, a job offer is essential, but there’s more going on behind the scenes. Timing is crucial, and your role is outlined in the paperwork accordingly. Surprisingly, not all employers are approved to sponsor someone for permanent positions.

You might tick most of the boxes and still miss out because of one small detail. That’s why it’s worth taking a step back to understand who’s eligible and how to avoid the common slip-ups that can cost you your chance.

Who Can Apply, and What Are the Basic Requirements?

Not everyone with a job offer qualifies for an Employer Sponsored Permanent Visa, that’s where things get tricky.

To be eligible, you’ll need a few key things lined up:

    A genuine job offer from an Australian employer approved to sponsor permanent visas, meaning they are registered and meet immigration requirements.

    Skills and qualifications that correspond to a listed occupation on the relevant skilled occupation list. Additionally, your experience should be in line with the role, often requiring formal qualifications or certifications to back it up.

    Age and English language requirements. Generally, you must be under 45 years old at the time of application and meet competent English standards (though there are some exemptions).

    Health and character checks. As with most Australian visas, you must meet the essential health and background requirements. 

The employer sponsored permanent visa has two main streams; knowing which one aligns with you is more important.

    Temporary Residence Transition (TRT) is for those already working in Australia on a 482 visa, usually with the same employer for two to three years. This might be your path if you're already settled in your role.

    Direct Entry suits applicants who haven’t worked in Australia but have the right skills, experience, and qualifications. This stream typically involves a skills assessment. 

Both options have different requirements, so getting advice from a trusted migration agent can help you avoid costly mistakes.

Your Employer’s Role (And Why It Matters)

The employer-sponsored permanent visa process isn’t just about you; it also involves the business backing you. The sponsoring employer must be actively operating in Australia and offer a genuine, ongoing full-time position. They need to prove that no Australian citizen or permanent resident is qualified for the role.

More importantly, they must agree to pay a market salary and comply with workplace laws. If the employer doesn’t meet these conditions, your application could be refused, regardless of your own strong eligibility.

What If You’re Not Eligible Yet?

Not meeting the requirements right now doesn’t mean that your employer sponsored permanent visa door is closed. It just means there might be a few more steps involved. 

For example, some applicants start on a Temporary Skill Shortage (Subclass 482) visa and work toward eligibility. Others might need to upskill, gain more work experience, or wait until their occupation appears on the skilled list again.

If you're unsure of your situation, seeking honest expert advice is a good idea. A registered migration agent in Australia can outline your options and help you develop the best strategy to move forward.

Why It’s Worth Getting Help

This visa process isn’t exactly a do-it-yourself task. Between employer paperwork, eligibility rules, and shifting policies, there is a possibility that you might miss something important.

A migration agent in Australia helps you stay on track—no second-guessing and surprises. They know the system, what’s changed, and how to avoid delays. If you want to get it right the first time (and save yourself a lot of stress), expert help is well worth it.

In Summary

Applying for an employer-sponsored permanent visa isn’t just about being eligible on paper. It’s about understanding the process, choosing the right stream, and making sure both you and your employer are prepared.

The truth is that even strong candidates can fall short if just one detail slips through the cracks. That’s why it pays to get expert guidance early on. It saves time, reduces stress, and gives you a much better shot at success.

If you're ready to make Australia your long-term home, contact EEMS. Our experienced migration agents are here to guide you through the process with confidence and clarity.