Can STSOL occupations be sponsored by employers?

If you're looking at working in Australia and your occupation sits on the Short-Term Skilled Occupation List (STSOL), one of the first questions you’ll ask is: Can an employer actually sponsor me?

The short answer is yes — but with limitations.

Let’s break this down clearly.

What Is STSOL?

The Short-Term Skilled Occupation List (STSOL) is a list of occupations that Australia considers in demand, but typically only in the short to medium term.

It’s different from the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL), which supports stronger permanent residency pathways.

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Can Employers Sponsor STSOL Occupations?

Yes — STSOL occupations can be sponsored by an approved employer, most commonly under:

1️⃣ Temporary Skill Shortage Visa (Subclass 482)

Temporary Skill Shortage visa (subclass 482)

This is the most common pathway.

If your occupation is on the STSOL:

• You may be sponsored under the Short-Term stream
• The visa is typically valid for up to 2 years (or 4 years if an International Trade Obligation applies)
• It can usually be renewed once onshore

However — and this is important — this stream does not automatically lead to permanent residency.

2️⃣ Employer Nomination Scheme (Subclass 186) – Limited Cases

Employer Nomination Scheme visa (subclass 186)

In most cases, STSOL occupations are not eligible for direct permanent residency under subclass 186.

There are rare exceptions through:

• Labour agreements
• Regional concessions (in some cases)
• If the occupation later moves to MLTSSL

But you should never assume PR is guaranteed just because you’re employer-sponsored.

What This Means in Practical Terms

If you're on STSOL and get employer sponsorship:

✅ You can legally work in Australia
✅ You gain valuable Australian work experience
✅ Your employer handles part of the visa process

But:

⚠️ Your visa is temporary
⚠️ PR pathways are more limited
⚠️ Policy can change over time

This is why career and visa strategy matter — especially if long-term settlement is your goal.

Strategic Consideration: Is STSOL a Good Starting Point?

For many international graduates and migrants, STSOL sponsorship is a stepping stone.

You might:

• Gain Australian experience
• Transition to another occupation
• Move into a role on the MLTSSL later
• Switch to regional sponsorship pathways

If you’re unsure how this fits into your long-term plan, it’s worth reviewing your broader visa strategy and career positioning. We regularly break this down inside our Australia migration resources at https://brigenai.com/ — especially for graduates planning post-study pathways.

For official visa requirements and eligibility, always refer to the Australian Government’s Department of Home Affairs website:
https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/

Final Thoughts

Yes — STSOL occupations can be employer-sponsored, primarily under the 482 visa.

But sponsorship does not automatically equal permanent residency.

Before accepting a job offer, ask:

• Which stream am I being sponsored under?
• Does this visa have a PR pathway?
• What are my long-term options?

A short-term visa can still be a smart move — as long as it fits into a clear long-term plan.