Employer Sponsorship and State Nomination: Can You Combine Them

Two pathways that don’t exclude each other

Many migrants in Australia hold a 482 visa (Temporary Skill Shortage) and wonder whether they can pursue state nomination for a 190 or 491 visa at the same time. The short answer is: yes, you absolutely can. The two pathways operate independently, and pursuing state nomination does not affect your existing 482 visa.

In practice, this is one of the more widely used migration strategies in Australia — keeping a job and a valid visa through the 482 while building a case for state nomination in parallel.

Where the 482 visa sits in the bigger picture

The 482 visa allows an employer to sponsor an overseas worker to work in Australia for a set period. It is a temporary visa — you are permitted to work, but only for the sponsoring employer and in the occupation listed on the visa.

The biggest limitation of the 482: you are tied to your employer. If you lose your job, you must find a new sponsoring employer or move to another visa. This is exactly why many 482 holders prefer not to depend entirely on this pathway and look for an additional, independent route.

Prerequisites for pursuing state nomination in parallel

To pursue state nomination while holding a 482 visa:

1. An EOI in SkillSelect: you need to submit an EOI for the 190 or 491 visa, completely separate from the fact that you hold a 482 visa
2. An eligible occupation: the occupation on your 482 and the occupation in your EOI are often the same, but you need to check whether that occupation is on the state’s list
3. Skills assessment: state nomination requires a skills assessment from an authority recognised by the DHA — different from the process an employer runs for a 482
4. Enough EOI points: base points plus points from work experience in Australia

Advantages for current 482 holders

People already working in Australia on a 482 visa actually have some advantages when applying for state nomination:

• Australian work experience points: each year of work in Australia adds EOI points, helping you become more competitive
• Connection to the state: if you are working in that state, you may be able to demonstrate a genuine connection — a factor many states prioritise
• Stability: a stable job and income in Australia provides a strong foundation for a nomination application
• Employer support letter: some states accept, or place value on, a support letter from your current Australian employer

The common 482 to 190 pathway

This is one of the more widely used migration routes:

1. Arrive in Australia on a 482 visa and accumulate experience and EOI points
2. At the same time, submit an EOI for the 190 visa and complete a skills assessment
3. Lodge an SOI with the state, demonstrating your connection and relationship to the state
4. Receive a nomination from the state, with 5 points added to your EOI
5. Receive an invitation from the DHA and lodge your 190 visa application
6. The 190 visa is granted — moving you from temporary to permanent residence

Throughout this process, your 482 visa remains valid and you continue working as normal. There is no need to stop working or take a break from your job.

Risks to keep in mind

• Timing: the state nomination process can take a while, and your 482 visa may expire before you receive a nomination or the 190 visa. Plan your timing and renew the 482 if needed.
• Change of job: if you change employer or occupation while applying for nomination, update your EOI immediately
• No guarantee: a nomination is not guaranteed — you need a plan B

Combining the two pathways is a sensible strategy, but it needs careful management to avoid letting the 482 visa expire while a nomination application is still being processed.