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For employers · Construction & Trades

Sponsor Construction & Trades Workers in Australia

How to hire and sponsor overseas construction and trades workers — visa pathways, becoming an approved sponsor, and finding the right candidate

MARN 1576536 · Verifiable at mara.gov.au

Australia’s housing pipeline and infrastructure boom have created a sustained shortage of skilled trades and construction professionals. Employer sponsorship lets you secure a committed, skilled worker for 2–4 years, with a pathway to permanent residency.

Trades are assessed by Trades Recognition Australia (TRA); construction professionals such as engineers by Engineers Australia. Many roles suit regional (494) and DAMA pathways where concessions may apply.

Roles you can sponsor in construction & trades

Skills assessment: TRA (trades) · Engineers Australia (engineering roles). Occupation lists change — we confirm eligibility for your specific role before you commit.

The visa pathways

How employer sponsorship works

  1. Become a Standard Business Sponsor
  2. Complete Labour Market Testing (advertise the role correctly)
  3. Nominate the position and lodge the worker’s visa
  4. Understand the costs (government charges + SAF levy + fees)

Need to find the worker first?

Browse sponsor-ready overseas candidates in construction & trades on SponsorTalent — our free candidate marketplace. Find your match, then we handle the sponsorship and visa.

Find candidates on SponsorTalent →

Ready to sponsor?

Book a consultation for a clear, all-inclusive quote and a plan to get your worker sponsored — or grab the free 482 sponsorship guide.

Book a consultation Free 482 sponsorship guide

Frequently asked questions

How do I sponsor a construction and trades worker in Australia?

To sponsor an overseas worker you generally become a Standard Business Sponsor (SBS), nominate the position (meeting Labour Market Testing and salary requirements), and the worker applies for the visa — most commonly the Subclass 482 (Skills in Demand), or the 494 (Regional) or a DAMA pathway for eligible regional roles. A registered migration agent can manage sponsorship, nomination and the visa end to end.

What does it cost to sponsor construction and trades workers?

Costs include government charges (sponsorship, nomination, the Skilling Australians Fund levy) plus professional fees. The SAF levy alone is typically A$1,200–1,800 per year of the visa depending on business turnover. Use our sponsorship cost guide for a breakdown, and get a tailored quote for your situation.

Do I have to advertise the role first (Labour Market Testing)?

Yes — for most employer-sponsored nominations you must show genuine efforts to recruit Australian workers first, by advertising the role on the required platforms for the required period. We guide you through Labour Market Testing so the nomination isn’t refused on a technicality.

Can a small business sponsor a worker?

Yes. Businesses of any size can become approved sponsors, provided they are lawfully operating, have no adverse information, and demonstrate a genuine need for the position. We help small businesses navigate the process affordably.

← Employer sponsorship — full overview & all industries

General information only, not migration advice. Visa criteria, occupation lists, salary thresholds and DAMA areas change. Migration advice for your business is provided by Keshab Chapagain (MARN 1576536) only after a paid consultation under a written service agreement.