For skilled people from Ukraine, Europe and beyond
Work in Australia with a visa for the whole family
Australian companies are looking for skilled people: welders, mechanics, builders, electricians, engineers, IT specialists, health workers, auditors. Our Australian partners look for an employer, and a Registered Migration Agent provides the visa advice and assistance.
Right now we are working with the first 10–20 applicants. Nobody can promise a visa. First, we work with our partner Registered Migration Agent to assess whether there may be a suitable Australian migration pathway for you.
- up to 4 yearsof work on a 482 visa
- from AUD 79,423minimum salary per year
- no age limitfor the work visa itself
Who this is for
Wherever you live
In Ukraine, in the EU, in the USA or in another country. Your citizenship and your current status can be any: citizen, residence permit, temporary protection.
You have work experience
Relevant work experience is required. The exact qualification and experience requirements depend on the occupation and individual circumstances and will be assessed by the Registered Migration Agent.
You are ready for English
You usually need an English test result. As a general guide, the level is around IELTS 5.0 or equivalent. The exact requirement depends on the occupation, visa arrangements and individual circumstances and will be confirmed during the assessment.
You will move where the work is
The employer may not be in Sydney or Melbourne. If you are ready to move to any city, you have more options.
If you are in Ukraine now. Anyone can fill in the form. How and when you leave Ukraine is your own decision: we do not advise on leaving. Our part is the Australian employer and the visa.
How it works
Form
You send a short form and, if you have one, your CV.
Assessment
The Registered Migration Agent looks at your experience, education, English and family, and assesses whether there may be a suitable pathway for you.
English and skills
If needed, you take an English test. For some occupations you also need a formal skills assessment.
Finding an employer
Our Australian recruitment partner looks for a company that needs your skills. This is usually the longest step.
Sponsorship and visa
The employer nominates the position, and you apply for the visa together with your family.
Moving
After the visa decision, you move and start work.
First the employer, then the visa. Nobody gets a 482 visa first and looks for a job after that. When there is an employer, the agent can give you real timelines and the exact costs.
The 482 visa "Skills in Demand"
The main pathway: a work visa sponsored by an Australian employer.
- Length
- Up to 4 years of work for an Australian employer.
- Age
- The visa itself has no upper age limit. This matters for people over 45 who do not qualify for points-based programs.
- Permanent residence
- The visa can lead to it. But most employer-sponsored permanent residence programs have an age limit of under 45, unless an exemption applies.
- Family
- Your husband or wife and your dependent children can be in the same application. Your partner has the right to work. Children live and study in Australia.
- Requirements
- Relevant work experience, suitable skills and English. The exact requirements depend on the occupation and individual circumstances. Some occupations also need a formal skills assessment or an Australian licence.
- Employer
- The job must be genuine. The salary must be at least the market rate and at least the government minimum. The employer pays the sponsorship costs.
Which occupations are needed
The government's Core Skills Occupation List has more than 450 occupations. It is not only trade jobs. Right now the Australian companies our partners work with most often look for people in mining, engineering, construction and mechanics.
Needed right now (October 2026)
- ICT customer support officers
- Carpenters, especially formwork carpenters
- Motor mechanics
- Civil engineers
- Civil designers (civil plumbing)
- Metal machinists
- Fitters and welders
Also wanted: heavy diesel mechanics, electrical engineers, mechanical engineers, geologists.
Trades and technical
- Welders and metal fabricators
- Fitters and machinists
- Motor mechanics
- Carpenters and joiners
- Electricians
- Chefs
- Engineering technicians
Professional and office
- Engineers: civil, mechanical, electrical
- Software engineers and systems administrators
- Cyber security professionals, ICT analysts
- Construction project managers, quantity surveyors
- Architects
- Auditors, marketing specialists, HR advisers, management consultants
- Health professionals
Some occupations that are not regarded as skilled in other countries can be recognised as skilled occupations in Australia, particularly in trades and construction. But a job title appearing on an eligible occupation list does not automatically mean that you qualify. Your actual duties, experience, qualifications and other relevant requirements need to be assessed.
Full list of occupations (PDF on the Australian Government website).
What you can earn
The minimum salary for a 482 visa is now AUD 79,423 per year, or the market rate for the occupation if it is higher. On top of the salary, the employer pays 12.5% into your retirement fund (superannuation).
| Heavy diesel mechanic | 120,000–140,000 |
|---|---|
| Welder, metal fabricator, carpenter, bricklayer | 85,000–100,000 |
| Civil engineer | 100,000–120,000 |
| Systems engineer, cyber security analyst | 100,000–120,000 |
| IT customer support | 80,000–90,000 |
These are indicative salary ranges only. Actual salaries depend on the employer, location, experience and position. Figures as of September 2026.
What the move costs
We want the numbers to be clear from the start, before you decide anything.
| Government visa fee, main applicant | 4,015 |
|---|---|
| Adult partner | 4,015 |
| Each child under 18 | 1,005 |
| Migration agent fees, one person | from 4,125 |
Other costs: English test, medical check, police certificates, document translations, skills assessment (if needed), flights, and money for the first weeks before your first salary.
Example: two adults and one child. The government visa fees alone are AUD 9,035. Add the agent fees, flights and the first month of living costs.
The employer pays the sponsorship costs and is not allowed to pass them on to you.
If you do not have large savings
- Flexible payment arrangements may be available depending on individual circumstances.
- A family can apply in two stages: the worker first, the rest of the family later. This spreads the costs over time, but the family lives apart for a few months.
Amounts as of September 2026. Government fees change. The agent confirms the exact amount before you apply.
Who does what
Skills to Australia helps skilled professionals learn about employment opportunities in Australia and connect with Australian migration professionals.
Our international team provides candidate outreach, communication and administrative support.
Australian immigration advice and assistance are provided by Registered Migration Agent Yuya Ueda (MARN 2117689).
How to avoid scams
Nobody can guarantee a visa
No one can guarantee you a visa or a job. If someone does, be careful.
Check the agent
Every Registered Migration Agent in Australia has a registration number (MARN). Our partner is Yuya Ueda, MARN 2117689. You can find him on the government OMARA register.
The employer pays for sponsorship
An employer is not allowed to take money from you for sponsorship or for nominating the position.
Payments
Only make payments in response to a legitimate invoice or payment request issued through the authorised Australian business. Do not send money to private bank cards.
Common questions
I am over 45. Do I have a chance?
The 482 visa has no age limit. Permanent residence is harder: most employer-sponsored permanent residence programs have an age limit of under 45, unless an exemption applies. The agent looks at your case separately and does not say no in advance.
I do not have a diploma.
In some cases relevant work experience can be considered instead of a formal qualification. The exact requirements depend on the occupation and individual circumstances and are assessed by the Registered Migration Agent. Experience is usually shown with documents such as a letter from the employer, payslips or tax records.
My experience was a long time ago. Does it count?
Recent experience in your occupation matters. How recent and how much depends on the occupation and individual circumstances. The Registered Migration Agent assesses this.
Do I need to know English?
Yes. You usually need an English test result. As a general guide, the level is around IELTS 5.0 or equivalent. The exact requirement depends on the occupation, visa arrangements and individual circumstances and will be confirmed during the assessment.
Can I bring my family?
Yes. Your husband or wife and your dependent children can be in the same application. Your partner can work, and children go to school. Whether adult children can be in the same application depends on their age and whether they depend on you: the agent checks this separately.
My partner cannot move with me now. What can I do?
This depends on your family's circumstances and needs to be assessed by our Registered Migration Agent. Describe your situation in the form, and we will refer it to him.
How long does it take?
There is no single number. Finding the employer usually takes the longest. When there is an employer, the agent can give quite exact visa timelines.
I am in Ukraine. Can I send the form?
Yes. Anyone can fill in the form, wherever they live now. Leaving Ukraine is each person's own decision, and we do not advise on it.
Where will I live in Australia?
Where the employer is. It can be a big city or a regional area, for example near mines or construction sites. Being ready to move anywhere gives you more chances.
How much does the first assessment cost?
For the launch, the initial assessment is complimentary and without obligation for the first 10–20 applicants.
What happens to my data?
We handle personal information securely and confidentially and only use or share it for the purposes for which it was collected, with your consent, where necessary to provide our services, or where required or permitted by law. Certain records may be retained where required by applicable Australian laws and professional obligations.
Assessment form
5–7 minutes. Your form goes to our partner Registered Migration Agent for an initial assessment. For the first group of applicants it is complimentary and without obligation. Nobody can promise a visa.