Are you still waiting for your Employer-Sponsored PR to come through?
You might be sitting on a ticking time bomb.
Across Australia, tens of thousands of skilled professionals are discovering the harsh reality of delayed PR processing times. According to recent migration data, over 270,000 skilled migrants are stuck in visa queues – with many waiting over 18 months just for a decision.
If that sounds familiar, you’re not alone. The backlog for Subclass 186 Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) visas is at a record high, and the limited 14,000 annual visa allocations are being consumed faster than ever.
Why the Employer-Sponsored Path Is Slowing Down
The Subclass 186 Visa is meant to be a straightforward pathway to Permanent Residency – sponsored by your employer after you complete your work requirements. But the reality in 2025 is very different.
Many applicants are facing:
- Processing delays of 12 to 24 months or longer
- Incomplete nominations due to employer changes or business closures
- Uncertainty in employer commitment for long-term sponsorship
- Risk of refusal due to evolving Department of Home Affairs policy updates
The global demand for Australian PR is skyrocketing, but the supply of places under the employer-nominated stream remains extremely limited.
So, if you’re still waiting for your employer’s HR department to “get back to you,” you’re already behind.
The Data Doesn’t Lie
Back in 2015–16, the same story unfolded. Thousands of skilled migrants waited endlessly for sponsorship approvals that never arrived, while others who took control through General Skilled Migration (GSM) pathways secured their Permanent Residency years earlier.
Now, in 2025, history is repeating itself.
The Department is prioritising independent and state-nominated skilled visas like the Subclass 189, 190, and 491, where applicants are selected based on merit, not employer dependency.
Why You Should Take Control of Your PR Journey
If you’re serious about your future in Australia, stop depending on your employer to “sponsor your dream.”
Instead, build your own PR strategy through the GSM program, where you control the process, the points, and the timeline.
Here’s how each visa gives you more freedom:
Subclass 189 – Skilled Independent Visa
- No employer or state nomination required
- Permanent residency from day one
- Freedom to live and work anywhere in Australia
- Best suited for high-demand occupations (IT, engineering, healthcare)
Subclass 190 – State Sponsored Visa
- Sponsored by an Australian state or territory
- Priority processing and additional points boost
- PR granted directly upon approval
- Ideal for professionals aligned with specific state skill shortages
Subclass 491 – Skilled Regional (Provisional) Visa
- 5-year provisional visa leading to PR after 3 years
- Incentives to live and work in designated regional areas
- Strong pathway for applicants with lower points or fewer invites under 189
By planning strategically, you can transition from a temporary visa to permanent residency without depending on your employer’s timeline.
How CG Migration Can Help You Take Control
At CG Migration, we believe in empowering skilled professionals to build their PR future independently and confidently.
Our team of Registered Migration Agents (MARN Registered) helps you:
- Analyse your profile and calculate your points accurately
- Identify the best visa option (189, 190, or 491) for your occupation
- Prepare and lodge your skills assessment and Expression of Interest (EOI)
- Guide you through state nomination requirements and PR application steps
We ensure your application is not just complete – but competitive.
Don’t Repeat the Mistakes of 2015–16
The pattern is clear. Waiting too long for employer sponsorship in a congested system can mean years of uncertainty – or worse, visa expiry without PR outcome.
Don’t let your career and life in Australia depend on someone else’s paperwork.
Take control. Build your points. Strengthen your skills.
And when you’re ready, let CG Migration turn your plan into a PR reality.
Book a Consultation Today – Let our experts guide you through Australia’s skilled migration pathways – so you can move from uncertainty to Permanent Residency with confidence.