What Visas Let Australian Employers Hire Overseas Workers?
482, 494, 186, and DAMA labour agreements each suit different situations. Here's a plain-English comparison for employers hiring trades and technical roles — and why the visa decision itself always sits with a MARA-registered migration agent, not RecruitUp.
A note on visa guidance: RecruitUp Global is a recruitment agency, not a migration agent. All content on this site is for general educational purposes only. For immigration advice or to lodge a visa application, consult a MARA-registered migration agent. RecruitUp specialises in finding and placing qualified South African tradespeople with Australian employers who are ready to sponsor — we handle the recruitment side, not the visa lodgement.
482 vs 494 vs 186 vs DAMA, at a glance
Figures are current as of 2026–27 and general in nature — always confirm with a MARA-registered migration agent before relying on them for a specific case.
| Feature | 482 Core Skills | 494 Regional | 186 ENS | DAMA |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Best suited to | Most trades roles, any location | Trades roles outside greater capital cities | Long-term/permanent roles after a qualifying period | Specific regions or industries with a negotiated agreement |
| Visa length | Up to 4 years (Core Skills) | 5 years | Permanent | Varies by agreement, often mirrors 482/494 terms |
| PR pathway | Via Subclass 186 after 2–3 years | Via Subclass 191 after 3 years in a regional area | Is the permanent visa | Usually via 482/494-equivalent PR pathway in the agreement |
| Occupation list | Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL) | Broader — includes some CSOL-ineligible roles | Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL) | Set by the specific agreement, can include off-CSOL roles |
| Income threshold | CSIT — $79,423 p.a. (2026–27) or market rate | Same TSMIT threshold applies | Same threshold applies | May allow a concession rate under the specific agreement |
| Labour Market Testing | Required for most nominations | Required | Not usually required (direct entry stream) | Terms set by the agreement |
Which visa suits a trades role?
The Subclass 482 Core Skills stream is the visa that drives the majority of employer-sponsored trade placements. It covers roles on the Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL), which includes most trades — electricians, plumbers, carpenters, diesel mechanics, boilermakers, and more.
The Subclass 482 Specialist Skills stream, by contrast, is not an option for trades: it explicitly excludes trades workers, machinery operators, drivers, and labourers, regardless of the salary on offer. If you see "Specialist Skills" mentioned for a trades role, that's worth double-checking with your agent.
A third stream — often called "Essential Skills" — has been flagged in policy discussion, but no implemented Essential Skills stream currently exists. Don't plan a hire around it until a MARA-registered agent confirms otherwise.
When does the 494 make sense?
For employers located outside a greater capital city, the 494 offers a broader occupation list and a more direct three-year pathway to permanent residency via the Subclass 191 visa. For a metro employer, the 482 is usually simpler.
What is a DAMA?
A Designated Area Migration Agreement is a negotiated deal between the Australian Government and a specific region or industry, allowing sponsorship of occupations or concessions not otherwise available. Terms vary widely by agreement — confirm the specifics with your migration agent before relying on one.
What about permanent (186)?
The Subclass 186 Employer Nomination Scheme grants permanent residency directly, typically used as the next step after 2–3 years on a 482 Core Skills visa with the same employer — not usually the first visa used to bring a worker to Australia.
Who decides which visa is right for your business?
A MARA-registered migration agent — not RecruitUp Global. RecruitUp is a recruitment agency: we source, screen, and shortlist candidates. We are not a migration agent and do not provide immigration advice. Every visa strategy decision on a RecruitUp placement is made by one of our licensed migration partners, based on your specific location, occupation, and circumstances.
Employer-Sponsored Visas — FAQ
What visas can Australian employers use to hire overseas workers?+
Which visa suits a trades role?+
When does the 494 regional visa make sense over the 482?+
What is a DAMA?+
What about permanent sponsorship — the 186 visa?+
Who decides which visa is right for my business?+
Related guides
482 Visa: Complete Employer Guide
Streams, eligibility, processing times, and occupation list.
Read more →482 to Permanent Residency
How the 186 ENS pathway works after a 482 placement.
Read more →Hire Overseas Tradespeople in Australia
The complete employer's guide — process, cost, and timeline.
Read more →Hire Tradespeople in Regional Australia
The 494 visa pathway explained for regional employers.
Read more →MARA Partner Agents
The licensed migration agents RecruitUp refers employers to.
Read more →Sponsorship Compliance Mistakes
The most common employer errors — and how to avoid them.
Read more →