Australia operates a points-based and employer-sponsored visa system designed to attract skilled professionals while addressing workforce needs. For international employees relocating to Australia for corporate assignments, understanding the visa pathways and application process is essential for compliance and successful integration.

Australian immigration distinguishes between temporary and permanent visa pathways, with employer-sponsored routes offering streamlined access for skilled workers. This guide focuses on the primary temporary work visa categories available to professionals joining Australian employers.

While your employer (as your sponsor) manages the visa application process, this resource provides practical context on what to expect throughout your relocation.

Temporary Skill Shortage visa

The Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) visa (subclass 482) is the primary pathway for skilled workers sponsored by Australian employers to fill positions that cannot be filled by the local workforce. This visa has replaced the previous subclass 457 visa and operates under a similar framework.

The TSS visa has three streams: Short-Term (occupations on the Short-Term Skilled Occupation List, valid for up to two years with one onshore extension), Medium-Term (occupations on the Medium and Long-Term Strategic Skills List, valid for up to four years with pathway to permanent residence), and Labour Agreement (for employers with approved labour agreements).

To qualify, you must be nominated by an approved Australian employer (the sponsor), work in an occupation on the relevant skilled occupation list, meet the minimum skills and qualifications requirements for the role, and demonstrate English language proficiency (unless exempt).

TSS visa holders can bring dependent family members (partner and children), who are granted full work and study rights in Australia. TSS Medium-Term stream holders become eligible for permanent residence pathways after three years.

Employer Nomination Scheme

The Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) visa (subclass 186) is a permanent residence pathway for skilled workers nominated by their Australian employers. This visa offers three streams: Temporary Residence Transition (for existing TSS or subclass 457 visa holders), Direct Entry (for workers applying from overseas or on other temporary visas), and Labour Agreement.

To qualify for the Temporary Residence Transition stream, you must have worked for the nominating employer on a TSS visa for at least three years. For the Direct Entry stream, you must meet age, skills, qualifications, and English language requirements, and have at least three years of relevant work experience.

ENS visa holders receive permanent residence, allowing indefinite stay in Australia, full work rights, access to Medicare (Australia’s public healthcare system), and eligibility for Australian citizenship after meeting residency requirements.

Intra-company transfer visa

The Temporary Work (International Relations) visa (subclass 403) includes a stream for intra-company transfers, allowing employees of overseas businesses to transfer to an Australian branch, subsidiary, or affiliate for temporary assignments. This stream is designed for senior managers and specialists.

To qualify, you must have worked for the overseas business for at least 12 months in a senior managerial or specialist role, and the Australian entity must be a related entity within the same corporate group. Transfers are temporary and typically granted for up to four years.

This visa is less commonly used than the TSS visa for corporate relocations, as the TSS Medium-Term stream offers similar benefits with a clearer pathway to permanent residence.

Application process and timeline

TSS visa applications involve three stages: employer sponsorship approval, nomination of the position, and the visa application by the employee. The employer must first be approved as a standard business sponsored by the Department of Home Affairs, then nominate the specific position, before the employee can apply for the visa.

Processing times for TSS visas vary depending on the stream and whether the application is lodged onshore or offshore. Standard processing ranges from one to four months. Priority processing is not available for TSS visas.

Health examinations and police clearances are mandatory for all applicants and must be completed as part of the visa application process. These can extend timelines if not arranged in advance.

Dependent visas and family relocation

Partners and dependent children can be included in TSS and ENS visa applications. Dependents receive the same visa validity as the primary applicant and have full work and study rights in Australia.

Family members must also meet health and character requirements, including medical examinations and police clearances from all countries where they have lived for more than 12 months in the past 10 years.

Compliance and visa obligations

TSS visa holders must work only for the sponsoring employer in the nominated occupation. Changing employers requires a new visa application with a new sponsor. Visa holders must notify the Department of Home Affairs of any changes to employment, residential address, or passport details.

Employers have ongoing obligations to TSS visa holders, including meeting minimum salary requirements (the Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold, currently AUD 70,000 per year or the market rate, whichever is higher) and maintaining sponsorship compliance.

All visa holders and their dependents must maintain adequate health insurance coverage for the duration of their stay. Employer-sponsored relocations typically include health insurance arrangements.

MovePlus support

The MOVEPLUS™ platform is designed to track visa validity dates, expirations, compliance requirements, and renewal timelines, helping employers stay informed of key deadlines and obligations.

Through the MOVEPLUS™ platform, visa documentation is centralised, and key milestones such as petition, consular processing timelines and submission deadlines can be tracked when this information is provided by the immigration partner.  This coordination helps reduce administrative burden and supports better oversight of important tasks and timelines.

Conclusion

Australia’s employer-sponsored visa system offers clear pathways for skilled professionals, with the TSS visa serving as the primary route for corporate relocations. The system balances temporary work authorisation with permanent residence options for medium-term stream holders.

Your employer (as your sponsor) manages the application and compliance process. MovePlus supports the logistical coordination, ensuring timelines are met and obligations are tracked throughout your assignment.

Sources

• Australian Department of Home Affairs: Visa guidance for temporary and permanent skilled workers
• TSS visa (subclass 482): Eligibility requirements and application procedures
• Fair Work Ombudsman: Employer obligations for sponsored workers

Disclaimer:

Information provided in this article is current as of April 2026 and is subject to change as immigration laws and regulations evolve. This content is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Consult a qualified immigration adviser for case-specific guidance.