The employer sponsored visa programs enable local South Australian businesses to fill skills needs when they have been unable to fill a skilled position locally.

There are two employer sponsored visa pathways available to local businesses in South Australia:

  1. Labour Agreement Streams - DAMA - Temporary Skill Shortage visa (subclass 482) & Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 494)

    The South Australian Designated Area Migration Agreements (DAMA) enable employers to sponsor overseas workers under the Labour Agreement streams of the Temporary Skill Shortage (subclass 482) and the Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 494).

    Subclass 482 visa holders can subsequently be nominated by their employer through the DAMA for the permanent 186 visa after holding the 482 for 3 years. Subclass 494 visa holders may independently apply for the permanent 191 via after holding the DAMA 494 visa for 3 years.  

    South Australia has entered into two DAMA agreements: Adelaide Technology and Innovation Advancement Agreement and South Australian Regional Workforce Agreement.

    Employers interested in a Labour Agreement under the DAMA must first be endorsed by the South Australian Government. If the occupation you are trying to fill is listed on the DAMA Occupation List, this may be a pathway you can consider to recruit and sponsor overseas workers.
     
  2. Employer Sponsored Stream (RCB) - Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 494)

    This visa pathway enables employers to sponsor a skilled migrant. As part of the employer endorsement application process to the Department of Home Affairs, the employer needs to seek advice from a Regional Certifying Body (RCB). The Regional Certifying Body in South Australia is Skilled & Business Migration.

The following comparison table offers a guide to the different nominee (visa applicant) requirements for each visa stream. The following information is a guide online, and participants should check their eligibility against the Department of Home Affairs criteria prior to commencing.

  482 TSS (LA stream) 494 (LA stream) 494 (Employer sponsored stream)
Work Experience Generally 2 years, however concessions available depending on occupation. Generally 3 years, however concessions available depending on occupation. 3 years required. Exemptions may apply in some cases.
English Level Dependent on occupation. Concessions available - see occupation list. Dependent on occupation. Concessions available - see occupation list. Competent - IELTS 6 or equivalent.
Health Insurance Visa applicant must hold health insurance 494 Visa holders are eligible for Medicare 494 Visa holders are eligible for Medicare
Location Can be on/offshore to apply Can be on/offshore to apply Can be on/offshore to apply
Visa Term Up to 4 years, (up to 5 years for Hong Kong residents) 5 years 5 years
Age No age limit* Under 45. Concessions available - see occupation list.* Under 45. Exemptions may apply in some cases.
Skills Assessment For occupations not on the Combined List or non-ANZSCO occupations (070499), DAR skills assessment is required.
For other occupations, skills assessment may be required at nomination/visa application stage.
For occupations not on the Combined List or non-ANZSCO occupations (070499), DAR skills assessment is required.
For other occupations, skills assessment may be required at nomination/visa application stage.
Applicant must hold valid skills assessment. Exemptions may apply in some cases.
Occupation Must be specified in a labour agreement between the employer and the Commonwealth. Must be specified in a labour agreement between the employer and the Commonwealth. Must be nominated by a Standard business sponsor.
Cost There is no cost from Skilled & Business Migration for applying for a Labour Agreement Endorsement or RCB Advice. Costs of sponsoring a migrant worker are determined by the Department of Home Affairs.

The Department of Home Affairs is responsible for assessing and issuing visas. Please contact the Department of Home Affairs for further information, or for questions specific to visa requirements.

*Age limits applies if Visa Applicant decides to apply for ENS 186 visa at a later stage.

If you are having difficulty navigating these processes, you can seek immigration assistance from a third party who can help you understand all requirements and options available to you. Visit the Immigration Assistance page.