Choose the stream deliberately
Which stream you use affects processing, evidence, cost and whether permanent residence is realistically available later.
The employer-sponsored program is structured in streams that differ by occupation, salary and specialisation. Four things decide what's open to you: how cleanly the role maps to a recognised occupation, the salary against both the threshold and the market rate, skills and English requirements, and location.
What determines the stream
Occupation
Roles sitting between two occupations are a common source of difficulty.
Salary
Measured against the applicable threshold and the market rate. Both matter.
Skills & English
Requirements vary by occupation. Sequencing avoids doing an assessment twice.
Decide before you make an offer
The comparison is on cost, timeframe and residence pathway — not just which is fastest to lodge.
- The most defensible occupation, documented
- Salary benchmarked on both tests
- Candidate eligibility pre-screened
- Timeline coordinated to your start date
Thresholds change
Income thresholds and program settings are adjusted by government. We confirm the current position for your case in writing rather than quoting figures that may have moved.
Skills in Demand FAQs
Which stream applies to our role?
It turns on the occupation, the salary offered and the specialisation of the role. The differences affect processing, requirements and the path to permanent residence.
Do salary thresholds change?
Yes. Thresholds are indexed and adjusted by government, so we confirm current figures for your case rather than quoting a published number.
Does a sponsored visa lead to permanent residence?
Some pathways can, subject to requirements being met over time. It isn't automatic, and the sequence matters.
Can the person start before the visa is granted?
That depends on their current visa status and its conditions — one of the first things to check.
