This table lets you compare sponsored visas for skilled workers. You can sponsor someone to come to Australia permanently or temporarily to fill a nominated skilled role.
If you want to sponsor someone to travel to Australia for other short-term work or activities, or for training, learn more about 
   other ways of bringing someone.
| Visa | Length | Unique features | Skill or qualification requirements | 
|---|
            Skills in Demand (SID) (subclass 482)
  | 1-4 years | - Visa holders can only work for you or an associated entity unless 
                  exempt from this requirement
 - Visa holders must work only in nominated occupation
 - Specialist skills stream available for all ANZSCO major group 1,2,4,5 and 6 occupations earning above the Specialist Skills income threshold
 - Hong Kong visa holders may stay up to 5 years
  
  | - applicants must have the skills to perform the nominated occupation
 - applicants must have 12 months work experience in the occupation or a related field
 
  | 
| 
            Employer Nomination Scheme (subclass 186) | Permanent | - No geographical restrictions
 - Temporary residence transition stream for SID visa holders in all occupations
 - The employment will be for at least a period of 2 years after visa grant
 
  | - Direct Entry stream applicants require a skills assessment (unless exempt)
 - Relevant registration or licensing must be held if required
 
  
  | 
| 
            Skilled    Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 494) | 5    years  | - Work must be in a designated regional area
 - The employment will be for at least a period         of 5 years after visa grant 
 
  | - Employer Sponsored stream applicants require         a skills assessment (unless exempt) 
 - Relevant registration or licensing must be         held if required
 
  | 
 
Other criteria apply to these visas. Consult the visa specific page for more complete details on the criteria for the grant of each visa type.