Australia Skilled Worker Visas
Skills in Demand (Subclass 482), Employer Nomination (186) and Regional (494) pathways
Australia recruits skilled tradespeople primarily through employer-sponsored visas. The Skills in Demand visa (Subclass 482), which replaced the former Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) visa in late 2024, allows approved employers to sponsor workers in eligible occupations. The Employer Nomination Scheme (Subclass 186) offers a permanent pathway, while the Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional visa (Subclass 494) and Designated Area Migration Agreements (DAMA) support employers outside major cities. Most trade occupations require a positive skills assessment, typically through Trades Recognition Australia (TRA), plus an English-language requirement. Demand is strongest in construction, resources, healthcare, and aged care.
Step-by-Step Process
Skills Assessment
Most trades require a positive skills assessment, generally through Trades Recognition Australia (TRA), confirming qualifications and experience meet the Australian standard for the nominated occupation. We help candidates assemble the evidence portfolio.
Employer Sponsorship & Nomination
An approved Australian employer becomes a Standard Business Sponsor and nominates the worker for a Subclass 482, 186, or 494 visa, or under a DAMA labour agreement, citing a genuine skills shortage in the eligible occupation.
Visa Application & English
The candidate lodges the visa application with the Department of Home Affairs, evidencing the skills assessment, an accepted English test (e.g. IELTS), health examinations, and police clearances. A licensed migration agent manages the lodgement.
Grant, Arrival & Registration
On grant, the worker travels to Australia, applies for a Tax File Number, and begins employment. Regional (494) and some DAMA roles include defined pathways toward permanent residence subject to ongoing eligibility.
Documentation Requirements
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a skills assessment for a trade?
In most cases, yes. Trade occupations generally require a positive skills assessment, usually through Trades Recognition Australia (TRA), before a visa can be granted. The assessment verifies that your qualifications and experience meet the Australian standard.
What is the Skills in Demand visa?
The Skills in Demand visa (Subclass 482) replaced the Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) visa in late 2024. It lets an approved employer sponsor a skilled worker in an eligible occupation. Depending on the stream and occupation, some holders may later pursue permanent residence.
What are DAMAs?
Designated Area Migration Agreements are regional labour agreements that let employers in specific areas access overseas workers for occupations in local shortage, sometimes with adjusted requirements. Eligibility depends on the specific agreement and occupation.
Is this guidance final?
No. This is general guidance only, and Australian visa settings, occupation lists, and requirements change regularly. We do not guarantee outcomes; all applications are managed by registered migration agents and assessed individually.
Legal disclaimer: Immigration law changes frequently. The information on this page is general guidance and reflects the best available understanding at the time of writing. All placements via WorkersFromAsia are reviewed for current visa route eligibility before the job is published. Contact us if you have specific questions about a candidate's eligibility.