Bridging Visa Australia
Employers Sponsored
Helping Australian businesses sponsor skilled overseas workers — from nomination lodgement to visa grant, and ongoing compliance obligations.
How It Works
Sponsoring an Overseas Worker — The 3-Stage Process
Become a Sponsor
Apply to become an Approved Standard Business Sponsor (ASBS). Our immigration lawyers manage the entire application, including all supporting documents and business activity evidence.
Nominate a Position
Lodge a nomination for the specific role you need to fill. We take care of Labour Market Testing, salary benchmarking, occupation list checks and nomination conditions.
Worker Lodges Visa
Your worker applies for their visa — Subclass 482, 186, 494 or other. We prepare and lodge the full application on their behalf, or work alongside their own lawyer where preferred.
Ongoing Compliance
Once the visa is granted, your sponsorship obligations continue. We provide ongoing compliance support, record-keeping guidance and visa condition monitoring throughout the sponsorship period.
Types of work and skilled visas in Australia
There are a number of skilled visas available for foreign workers in Australia, which are designed to suit different occupations or circumstances. Choosing the right visa depends on many factors, including your long term goals, so it’s important to seek professional advice to determine which option and pathway is best for you. The first factor to consider is which occupation best matches your skills and experience, which will in turn determine which pathways you may be eligible for.
Subclass 482
Skills in Demand (SID) Visa
Australia’s primary temporary employer sponsored visa, introduced in late 2023 to replace the TSS visa. It operates across three streams — Specialist Skills for high-salary earners, Core Skills for occupations on the relevant list meeting the salary threshold, and Essential Skills coming soon. It allows businesses to address skill gaps quickly while the sponsored worker builds a pathway toward permanent residence.
Govt fee: ~$3,340 · Nomination: ~$540
Subclass 186
Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) Visa
The primary permanent employer sponsored visa. Two streams: the Temporary Residence Transition (TRT) stream for workers who have held a 482 visa for 2–3 years with the same employer, and the Direct Entry stream for workers with 3+ years experience in their nominated occupation. Grants permanent residence from day of visa grant.
Govt fee: ~$4,640 · Permanent
Subclass 494
Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional)
For employers operating in designated regional areas of Australia. Allows sponsorship of skilled workers for 5 years, with a pathway to permanent residence via the Subclass 191 after 3 years of regional residence and work. Ideal for regional businesses struggling to attract local workers.
Govt fee: ~$3,340 · Regional only
Subclass 408
Temporary Activity Visa
A flexible short-term visa for specific temporary activities including entertainment, sport, religious work, research, and invited participant activities. Also used for pandemic event stream activities. Useful for businesses bringing in specialists for short-term projects or events where a full sponsorship arrangement is not appropriate.
Govt fee: ~$365 · Activity-specific
Subclass 400
Temporary Work (Short Stay Specialist) Visa
For highly specialised overseas workers needed for short-term, non-ongoing work in Australia — typically no more than 3–6 months. Common uses include equipment installation, training, specialist consulting, and technical projects. No formal employer sponsorship approval required, making this a fast and flexible option for specific needs.
Govt fee: ~$365 · Max 6 months
Not Sure Which Visa Suits Your Business?
Book a free business consultation and we’ll map the fastest and most cost-effective pathway for your specific hiring needs.
Sponsorship Obligations Are a Legal Requirement — Not Optional
As an approved sponsor, you are legally required to meet ongoing obligations — including record-keeping, notification requirements and ensuring your sponsored workers’ conditions are properly maintained. Failing to comply can result in sanctions, removal from the sponsorship program and significant civil penalties. Our immigration lawyers provide ongoing compliance support to make sure your business stays protected at every stage.