Timeline: How Long Does It Really Take to Sponsor a Worker?
A practical guide for regional employers
Quick Summary (for busy business owners)
Sponsoring a skilled worker isn’t instant — but it’s also not the marathon many employers imagine.
Most regional employers experience an end-to-end timeline of 3–7 months, depending on:
whether you already have SBS approval
whether the role requires Labour Market Testing (LMT) (mandatory 28-day minimum for most 482 roles)
how quickly you can prepare evidence
whether the worker is onshore or offshore
Home Affairs processing times (which fluctuate)
Important: This article shares general information only and is not immigration assistance. For visa advice, rely on a Registered Migration Agent (RMA). One of our RMA's will happily schedule a free 20 minute consult. My perspective comes from hiring and sponsoring workers myself as a regional employer.
Phase-by-Phase Breakdown
Phase 1 — Getting Ready (1–3 weeks)
This phase often determines whether your sponsorship runs smoothly or becomes a time-sink.
What you can do immediately:
Gather business documents (BAS, financials, lease, org chart, etc.)
Draft the job description
Clarify the occupation code (with your RMA)
Plan your LMT (if required)
Big Time-Savers
Start your Standard Business Sponsorship (SBS) early
Prepare all evidence in advance
Ask your accountant to prepare a brief sponsor viability statement confirming the business can meet wage and sponsorship obligations — this can significantly speed up the RMA's work
Phase 2 — Labour Market Testing (LMT) (28-day minimum)
For the 482 visa, most roles require mandatory LMT.
This means:
28 consecutive days of advertising
Specific platforms
Correct wording
Evidence captured correctly
Critical Risk: LMT mistakes are one of the most common reasons 482 nominations are refused.
A refused nomination wastes the time and government fees already spent — and adds months.
Getting LMT right the first time is essential.
Phase 3 — SBS Application (2–6 weeks)
If you don’t already have SBS approval, this step must be completed before a nomination can be lodged.
Typical timeframes:
Fast approvals: 2 weeks
Most common: 4–6 weeks
DAMA regions may add endorsement steps depending on the area
Key insight:
LMT and SBS can run at the same time.
You don’t need to finish one to start the other — a major time-saver.
Phase 4 — Nomination (3–8 weeks)
This is where the Department assesses:
whether the role is genuine
whether LMT was completed correctly (for 482s)
salary and market rate compliance
financial viability
RCB endorsement (for 494)
Delays occur when:
LMT evidence is incorrect or incomplete
Market salary assumptions aren’t supported
Documents are missing
The wrong ANZSCO code is used
A mandatory skills assessment applies (for certain occupations/countries) and hasn't been completed — this can be a major delay, especially for trades
Phase 5 — Visa Application (3 weeks – 6 months)
This is where the worker submits their personal documents (health, character, work history, etc.)
Typical ranges (not promises):
482 visa (TSS): 3 weeks – 3 months
494 visa: 2 – 6 months
This is the pathway to the permanent 191 visa
186 visa (TRT): Widely variable — often 3–9 months
Delays at this stage are usually due to:
overseas police checks
medical exams
complex migration histories
Department workload spikes
Phase 6 — Travel, Notice Period & Start Date (2–10 weeks)
After approval:
Offshore applicants typically need 4–8 weeks to relocate
Onshore workers may start within 1–2 weeks
Trades often need time to move tools, organise licensing and induction
Putting It All Together — A Realistic Timeline
Total realistic timeframe:
3–7 months
How to Cut 4–8 Weeks Off the Timeline
1. Start SBS Immediately
This can run concurrently with LMT — not sequentially.
2. Get LMT Right the First Time (482)
This avoids refusals and the cost/time blowouts that come with them.
3. Prepare a Full Evidence Folder
Financials, screenshots, org charts, pay data — everything in one place.
4. Identify the Occupation Early
Changing ANZSCO codes mid-process is a huge delay.
5. Ensure Skills Assessments Are Started Early (if required)
Many trades from certain countries must complete one before a successful nomination/visa.
Key Takeaways for Regional Employers
Sponsoring a worker is structured, not overwhelming
The fastest cases are when SBS, LMT, and evidence prep run efficiently
Most delays are preventable
Plan for 3–7 months start to finish
Starting early avoids downtime when a key staff member quits or can’t be replaced locally
Glossary of Terms
SBS (Standard Business Sponsorship): Business approval required before sponsoring workers.
LMT (Labour Market Testing): Mandatory 28-day advertising for most 482 roles.
Nomination: Confirms the role, salary, and need for the worker.
ANZSCO: Occupation classification framework used in migration programs.
RCB (Regional Certifying Body): Local authority assessing some regional nominations (e.g., 494).
482 Visa: Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) visa for employer-sponsored workers.
494 Visa: Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (SESR) visa — pathway to the 191 permanent visa.
186 Visa: Employer Nomination Scheme permanent visa.
Skills Assessment: A mandatory competency verification for certain occupations and passport countries.
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Source: AU Visas Employer Guide Series
Disclaimer
The content provided is here is for informational purposes only and does not constitute immigration or legal advice. It is subject to change. Consult an Australian MARA registered agent or lawyer for professional advice before making any application
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