adminLast reviewed: 25 October 2026. Fees and income thresholds rose on 1 July 2026.
Australia has several ways to work with sponsorship. This overview explains the main routes and their current costs.
Quick answer
- Skills in Demand 482 is the main temporary employer-sponsored visa.
- Employer Nomination Scheme 186 is the permanent employer-sponsored visa.
- Regional routes such as the 494 and state-nominated 190 and 491 visas can have broader occupation lists.
- A points-tested 189 visa needs no sponsor but is competitive.
Costs from 1 July 2026
| Item (from 1 July 2026) | Amount |
|---|---|
| Core Skills Income Threshold (CSIT) | A$79,423 (up from A$76,515) |
| Specialist Skills Income Threshold (SSIT) | A$146,576 (up from A$141,210) |
| Visa 482 Skills in Demand, main applicant | A$4,015 (up from A$3,210) |
| Visa 482, child | A$1,005 |
| Visa 186 Employer Nomination, main applicant | A$6,140 (up from A$4,910) |
Which route fits?
| Route | Employer sponsor needed? | Leads to PR? |
|---|---|---|
| 482 | Yes | Yes, through the 186 after meeting the conditions |
| 186 | Yes | It is permanent residence |
| 494 | Yes, in a regional area | Yes, through the 191 after three years |
| 189 | No | It is permanent residence |
| 190 / 491 | State nomination | Yes, 491 through the 191 |
The competitive points for a 189 visa in trades were described by one migration site as roughly 80 to 90 for construction trades, while the minimum is 65 points. Treat this as a guide only.
Checking an employer
- Ask whether the business is an approved sponsor.
- Ask for the nomination details and the occupation.
- Never pay your employer or an agent for the nomination.
Red flags and scams
- Anyone asking you to pay for a job offer, a sponsorship or a “guaranteed” visa.
- Job adverts with very high pay for beginners, or no interview.
- Contact only through WhatsApp, Telegram or a free email address with no company website or ABN.
- Fake government sites. Official sites end in .gov.au.
If you think you have been targeted, stop paying, keep all messages and receipts, and report it to Scamwatch. You can also email us at info@careerjobss.com.
Sources and references
- Vialto Partners: income thresholds and fees from 1 July 2026 (2 July 2026)
- Migratio: moving to Australia as a carpenter (21 October 2026)
- Department of Home Affairs
This guide is general information, not legal or immigration advice. Australian rules, fees and thresholds change often, usually on 1 July. Always confirm the current position on the Department of Home Affairs website or with a registered migration agent before making decisions. Corrections are welcome at info@careerjobss.com.
admin