Companies That Sponsor 482 Visas in Australia: Top Occupations + Sponsor List (2026)
Australia's Subclass 482 (Skills in Demand) visa is one of the most popular work visa pathways globally. With 1,951,237 grants issued and 3,580 accredited business sponsors, Australia offers substantial opportunities for skilled workers worldwide.
Australia Visa Sponsorship by the Numbers
- 1,951,237 total Subclass 482 grants issued
- 3,580 accredited business sponsors
- 500+ eligible ANZSCO occupations
Top Occupations by Visa Grants
| # | Occupation | Grants |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Chef | 32,500 |
| 2 | Developer Programmer | 30,202 |
| 3 | Software Engineer | 28,246 |
| 4 | Resident Medical Officer | 28,006 |
| 5 | Cook | 26,137 |
| 6 | General Practitioner | 21,104 |
| 7 | Registered Nurse (Medical) | 20,382 |
| 8 | Marketing Specialist | 20,150 |
| 9 | ICT Business Analyst | 20,031 |
| 10 | Management Consultant | 19,023 |
| 11 | Cafe or Restaurant Manager | 18,528 |
| 12 | Accountant (General) | 17,271 |
| 13 | Motor Mechanic (General) | 16,486 |
| 14 | University Lecturer | 15,492 |
Notice the diversity: the top occupation is Chef (32,500 grants), followed by tech roles (Developer, Software Engineer) and healthcare (Medical Officer, GP, Nurse). Australia sponsors across all skill levels.
Top States by Visa Grants
| # | State | Grants | Share |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | New South Wales | 375,962 | 38.5% |
| 2 | Victoria | 230,174 | 23.6% |
| 3 | Western Australia | 159,962 | 16.4% |
| 4 | Queensland | 142,283 | 14.6% |
| 5 | South Australia | 30,161 | 3.1% |
| 6 | Northern Territory | 14,631 | 1.5% |
| 7 | ACT | 13,212 | 1.4% |
| 8 | Tasmania | 6,270 | 0.6% |
Key Sectors
Healthcare
Australia has critical shortages in healthcare — doctors, nurses, aged care workers, and allied health professionals. Medical roles account for 3 of the top 14 occupations by grants issued.
Technology
Developer Programmers (30,202) and Software Engineers (28,246) are the 2nd and 3rd most sponsored occupations. Sydney and Melbourne are the tech hubs with the most opportunities.
Hospitality
Chefs and Cooks combine for over 58,000 grants — the largest single sector. Cafe and Restaurant Managers add another 18,500. Regional Australia offers additional pathway benefits.
Professional Services
Accountants, Management Consultants, Marketing Specialists, and ICT Business Analysts are all in the top 14. These roles are concentrated in Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane.
How to Find Australian Sponsors
- Browse by occupation — AU visa sponsorship hub with data for every ANZSCO occupation
- Browse by state — see sponsorship data for NSW, Victoria, and other states
- Check sponsors — use Sponsor Check Tool
482 Visa Requirements
- Skills assessment: Required for most occupations via relevant authority
- English: IELTS 5.0+ (overall) with no band below 4.5
- Experience: Minimum 2 years relevant work experience
- Salary: Must meet the Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (TSMIT) of AUD $73,150
- Duration: Up to 4 years, with pathway to permanent residency
Related Guides
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