- By Saurabh Smar, Principal Solicitor, Global Vision Migration Lawyers
- 30 Jun, 2026
An Australian engineering and fabrication business required an experienced Welder (ANZSCO 322313) to address an ongoing skilled labour shortage and support operational demands.
The employer had already identified and recruited a suitable overseas worker but required expert legal assistance to ensure the sponsorship process complied with Australia's migration legislation.
Case Snapshot
The Challenge
The application required close legal management across multiple sponsorship requirements, including:
- Standard Business Sponsorship compliance
- Labour Market Testing (LMT)
- Genuine position assessment
- Salary benchmarking and nomination compliance
- Preparation of the Skills in Demand (Subclass 482) nomination
Our Approach
Global Vision Migration Lawyers managed the end-to-end employer sponsorship process by:
- Reviewing the employer's eligibility and compliance history.
- Preparing a legally compliant nomination supported by comprehensive evidence.
- Aligning the employment contract and position description with ANZSCO 322313 requirements.
- Ensuring Labour Market Testing, salary requirements and legislative obligations were fully satisfied prior to lodgement.
- Lodging a complete, decision-ready nomination with the Department of Home Affairs.
Outcome and Results
The Subclass 482 nomination was approved within one minute of lodgement, reflecting the quality, completeness and compliance of the application prepared before submission.
The employer was able to proceed confidently with the sponsored worker's visa application while maintaining full compliance with Australian migration law.
Results
- Occupation: Welder - ANZSCO 322313
- Visa: Skills in Demand (Subclass 482) - Core Skills Stream
- Nomination Approval: Approximately 1 minute from lodgement
- Application Quality: Complete, compliant and decision-ready
- Future Pathway: Eligible pathway towards the Employer Nomination Scheme (Subclass 186), subject to legislative requirements
Frequently Asked Questions
Important Note
Global Vision Migration Lawyers does not provide sponsorship, find employers for visa applicants, or connect workers with businesses. We provide immigration legal advice and manage the application process for employers who have already identified and recruited their workers. Workers seeking a sponsor should secure an employment offer independently before contacting us.
1. Can I sponsor a welder on a Subclass 482 visa in Australia?
Yes. Welder (First Class) at ANZSCO 322313 is listed on the Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL), making it eligible for sponsorship under the Core Skills stream of the Skills in Demand (Subclass 482) visa. The employer must hold Standard Business Sponsorship, complete labour market testing, and meet salary and other nomination requirements.
2. How long does it take to get a Subclass 482 nomination approved for a trade occupation?
Processing times vary depending on application volumes and the completeness of the submission. The Department publishes indicative processing times on its website. Well-prepared applications from established sponsors tend to move through faster. Concurrent lodgement of the nomination and visa application reduces overall elapsed time.
3. What salary do I need to pay a sponsored Welder (First Class) in Australia?
The salary must meet or exceed the Annual Market Salary Rate for the occupation and location, and also meet the Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (TSMIT). Both figures are updated periodically and should be confirmed against current Department guidance at the time of lodgement.
4. Do I need to complete labour market testing to sponsor a welder?
Yes. Labour market testing is required for most Subclass 482 nominations under the Core Skills stream, including for Welder. The testing must meet specific requirements as to timing, advertising platforms, duration, and content. Advertising completed more than four months before lodging the nomination is not valid.
5. Can the sponsored worker bring their family to Australia?
Yes. Secondary applicants including a spouse or de facto partner and dependent children can be included in the application or added later. They are generally granted the same visa conditions and duration as the primary holder.
6. What happens if the sponsored worker leaves my employment?
The worker has 180 consecutive days from ceasing employment to either find a new approved sponsor in the same occupation, be granted another visa, or depart Australia. The employer must notify the Department of the cessation of employment as soon as practicable. Failure to notify is a breach of sponsorship obligations.
7. Can a sponsored welder apply for permanent residence?
Yes. The primary pathway is the Employer Nomination Scheme (Subclass 186) Temporary Residence Transition stream, which requires the worker to have held a Subclass 482 and worked for the sponsoring employer in the nominated occupation for a qualifying period. Other pathways, including the Direct Entry stream and points-tested skilled migration, may also be available depending on individual circumstances.
8. What is the SAF levy and do I have to pay it?
The Skilling Australians Fund (SAF) levy is paid by the sponsoring employer at the time of nomination. The amount depends on the turnover of the business and the duration of the nomination. It is a mandatory payment that cannot be recovered from the sponsored worker.
9. Can I sponsor a welder who is already in Australia on a student visa?
Yes, in most cases. Workers already in Australia on a substantive visa can be nominated for a Subclass 482 and apply onshore. Section 48 bar considerations and other eligibility criteria should be confirmed with an immigration lawyer before lodgement.
Speak to an Immigration Lawyer About Sponsoring a Welder Today
If you have already recruited a qualified Welder and want to understand the sponsorship pathway, the timeline, and the obligations involved, the right time to get legal advice is before you make any promises to the worker.
Please note that GVM does not source workers, provide sponsors, or match employers with candidates. We are an immigration law firm. We manage the legal process for employers who have already made their hiring decision and need expert help to execute the sponsorship and visa application correctly.
Call Global Vision Migration Lawyers on 0430 081 804 or visit www.gvm.com.au to book a 15 mins free eligibility call with immigration lawyer Saurabh Smar.
We are available across Melbourne, Sydney, Canberra, Perth, and the Gold Coast.
