Skills in Demand (482)
Sponsor qualified tradespeople in eligible occupations for up to four years. May provide a pathway to permanent residence, subject to the employer and visa holder meeting the applicable requirements at that time.
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Trades Employers
Employer-Sponsored Migration for Skilled Trades
Fill skilled trade vacancies with qualified overseas tradespeople. We help employers across the trades sponsor plumbers, electricians, mechanics and refrigeration specialists — and manage the skills assessments they require.
482 & 186sponsorship pathways tailored to trades
The Workforce Challenge
Australia’s Skilled Trades Shortage
Licensed trades are in high demand across construction, services and maintenance. Trade sponsorship hinges on getting skills assessment, licensing and labour market testing right.
Common Challenges
- Widespread trade vacancies
Plumbers, electricians and mechanics are consistently hard to recruit locally.
- Skills assessment & licensing
Some trade applicants may require a formal skills assessment, depending on their occupation, passport country and visa pathway. Australian licensing is often required as well.
- Labour market testing
Trade nominations are refused when advertising evidence falls short.
- Meeting salary thresholds
Roles must meet the Core Skills Income Threshold and relevant award rates.
How We Help
- Skills assessment support
We coordinate the trade skills assessment process and prepare compliant applications.
- Licensing-aware planning
We factor state licensing requirements into your workforce and visa strategy.
- Compliant LMT
We manage labour market testing so your nominations hold up to scrutiny.
- Permanent residence planning
We plan ahead for permanent residence to help you retain the tradespeople you sponsor, where the applicable requirements are met.
Occupations We Sponsor
Skilled Trades Roles We Help Fill
A selection of occupations we commonly help trades employers sponsor. Eligibility depends on the occupation, visa program and current legislation — we’ll confirm the right pathway for each role.
- Plumbers
- Electricians
- Air-conditioning & Refrigeration Mechanics
- Motor Mechanics
- Automotive Electricians
- Cabinetmakers
- Fitters
- Metal Machinists
- Sheetmetal Trades Workers
- Gasfitters
- Locksmiths
- Diesel Mechanics
Don’t see the role you need? Many occupations can be sponsored through a Labour Agreement or DAMA even when they’re not on a standard list — ask us.
Occupation availability and visa eligibility depend on the applicable occupation lists, location, salary, candidate qualifications and experience, and whether a standard sponsorship, regional or labour agreement pathway is available.
Visa Pathways
Sponsorship Options for Trades Employers
We advise on and manage the visa program best suited to your roles, timeframes and long-term workforce plans.
Employer Nomination Scheme (186)
Retain skilled trades permanently through Direct Entry or the Temporary Residence Transition stream.
DAMA & Labour Agreements
For regional operations or hard-to-fill trades, access concessions beyond the standard program.
How It Works
From Recruitment to Visa — Managed End to End
1. Strategy call & workforce assessment
We review the roles you need to fill, assess occupation eligibility and recommend the most effective sponsorship pathway for your business.
2. Become an approved sponsor
We prepare and lodge your Standard Business Sponsorship (or negotiate a Labour Agreement / DAMA), establishing your business as an approved sponsor.
3. Nominate & lodge the visa
We manage labour market testing, salary benchmarking, the nomination and the worker’s visa application — ensuring every requirement is met.
4. Approval, obligations & permanent residence
We manage the application through to a decision, help you understand and manage your sponsorship obligations, and plan ahead for key workers. May provide a pathway to permanent residence, subject to the employer and visa holder meeting the applicable requirements at that time.
Free Preliminary Enquiry
Free Preliminary Employer Assessment
Tell us about your workforce needs. Our team will undertake an initial screening and advise whether sponsorship may be worth exploring and which professional service would be appropriate.
Responsible Migration Agent
Fiona Carre – Director
Registered Migration Agent – MARN 0638808
Stratton Migration Australia Pty Ltd
Stratton Migration Australia is led by Fiona Carre, Registered Migration Agent – MARN 0638808, and supported by an experienced migration team.
- An initial screening of your circumstances, at no cost
- A clear answer on whether we can assist
- The consultation or assessment service that fits, with fees confirmed before booking
Enquiring about your own visa? Submit an individual enquiry instead