If an approved business can’t find a suitable Australian citizen or permanent resident to fill a job vacancy, they can invite an overseas worker to meet the skill shortage.

The employer can invite skilled workers either on temporary or permanent visas. There are multiple options available, each with its own set of requirements and conditions.

However, the employer must become an approved sponsor to nominate overseas workers for some visas. Without it, they won’t be eligible to invite overseas candidates.

Learn more about the Australian sponsorship and how to sponsor Overseas Skilled Workers to Australia in this blog.

What is an Australian Sponsorship?

Australian sponsorship allows an employer to sponsor overseas skilled workers to come and work in Australia. If the employer is not an approved sponsor, he cannot nominate a skilled worker for migration to Australia. Sponshorship is of various types based on several factors. Here’s a brief overview of the different types of sponsorship:

Standard Business Sponsorship (SBS): This is the most common type of sponsorship. With this sponsorship, businesses and employers can sponsor skilled workers for temporary or permanent visas. The validity of this sponsorship is five years.

Accredited Sponsorship: Accredited sponsorship is intended for businesses that frequently sponsor skilled workers. It offers additional benefits compared to standard sponsorship.

Temporary Activity Sponsorship (TAS): This sponsorship is designed for short-term activities, such as training or cultural exchanges. The validity period of this kind of sponsorship is five yeras from the date of grant.

So, here is the general process of applying for Australian sponsorship. Have a look!

How to Sponsor Overseas Skilled Workers to Australia?

The application process and the eligibility requirements for each type of sponsorship may vary depending on various factors. Here, I’ve mentioned the basic steps that employers must follow before applying for any type of sponsorship:

Step 1: Demonstrate the need for overseas workers.

Step 2. Check the occupation list.

Step 3. Select the appropriate visa

Step 4. Check sponsorship eligibility criteria

Step 5. Apply to become an approved sponsor

Step 6. Nominate the position

Step 7. Complete the visa application

Below is the detailed overview of each step so that you develop better understanding.

Step 1: Demonstrate the Need for Overseas Workers

If you want to sponsor or invite an overseas skilled worker to Australia, you have to show that you cannot find a suitable Australian candidate for that position. For this purpose, you have to conduct labour market testing (LMT).

In this test, as a sponsor, you advertise the position and show evidence of your recruitment efforts. The purpose is to demonstrate that there are no qualified Australian citizens or permanent residents available to fill the role. In simple words, there is a skill shortage in the country for that specific role.

That’s why you are considering inviting overseas skilled migrants. So, here are some of the requirements for labour market testing that you must meet.

Use at least two separate channels to advertise the vacancy.
Make sure the ads are displayed for at least 28 days.
Give proof of the ads and any responses you received.

Moreover, remember that certain occupations are exempt from labour market testing, so it’s important to verify the specific requirements for your industry.

Step 2. Check the Occupation List

Make sure that the occupation you are considering for sponsorship must be on the list of eligible skilled occupations. The Australian Government regularly updates this list based on Australia’s labour market needs.

The list includes a wide range of professions, from healthcare and engineering to IT and trades.
Each occupation has specific skill and qualification requirements that must be met by the candidate.

So, if your desired occupation is not listed, you may be required to negotiate a labour agreement with the Australian government.

To ensure compliance with the conditions of the nomination or visa, you must demonstrate that you will pay the skilled worker the applicable market salary. Moreover, your nominated occupation will determine the visa options or stream for which the employee can apply.

Step 3. Select the Appropriate Visa

Choosing the right visa is important for the sponsorship process. Therefore, choose a visa that suits the interests of your employee and your needs. To do so, use Visa Entitlement Verification Online (VEVO). Check the requirements and conditions of different skilled visas and then verify whether you meet the sponsoring eligibility criteria or not.

Here are some of the visa options for sponsored skilled workers. Explore each option in detail.

Temporary skill shortage visa (subclass 482)

This visa is designed to meet the skills shortage in the country. This visa is valid for up to four years. However, the duration of stay depends on the occupation and the worker’s qualifications.

Employer nomination scheme visa (Subclass 186)

It is a permanent visa and is suitable for those workers who have a high level of skill and experience. To demonstrate the expertise, the candidate must obtain a positive skills assessment.

Skilled employer-sponsored regional (provisional) visa (subclass 494)

The purpose of this visa is to meet the skill shortage in the designated regional areas. It is a temporary visa, and the candidate must submit a positive skills assessment to secure this visa.

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Step 4. Check Sponsorship Eligibility Criteria

You must ensure that your business meets the eligibility criteria before sponsoring a skilled worker. The eligibility criteria include meeting the financial stability requirements and compliance with Australian workplace laws. Further requirements include the following:

You must have a legally established and actively operating business in Australia.
You must have strong evidence of employing local labour.
You need to demonstrate that you would pay the sponsored worker at least the market salary rate.
Your occupation must be mentioned on the Skilled Occupation List.

Step 5. Apply to Become an Approved Sponsor

You need to become an approved sponsor to sponsor a skilled worker to Australia. For this purpose, you must submit an application to the Department of Home Affairs. Moreover, remember that you may also need to apply for accredited sponsorship, which offers priority processing.

Here is a general overview of the process of becoming an approved sponsor. Have a look.

Download the Standard Business Sponsor application via the ImmiAccount website.
Complete the sponsorship application form and attach the required documents.
The documents required for sponsorship include the Australian Business Number (ABN), financial statements, details of business ownership and management. evidence of local employment commitments.
Pay the application fee of AUD 420.
If your application is approved, you will receive a Transaction Reference Number (TRN).
Through this number, you will be considered eligible to sponsor workers for subclass 482 or subclass 494.

Remember that the Standard Business Sponsorship approval is typically valid for five years. After that, you can extend or renew it depending upon ongoing compliance with sponsorship obligations.

Step 6. Nominate the Position

Once you are an approved sponsor, the next step is to nominate the skilled worker for the designated position. For this purpose, complete a nomination application form and submit it through ImmiAccount. Provide the following information in your application:

Details of the position you are offering to overseas workers.
Evidence of compliance with salary requirements.
Labour market testing results (if applicable).
Submit the application fee for nominating a skilled worker, which is AUD 330.

If the nomination is approved, provide the TRN number to the skilled worker. They can apply for the visa using this number.

Step 7. Complete the Visa Application

This is the final step and is designed for skilled workers. However, you also need to ensure that your nominee meets the eligibility criteria. Here are some of the basic steps that the nominee must fulfil to apply for the visa.

The worker must provide evidence of their qualifications, work experience, and English language proficiency.
The worker may be required to submit a skills assessment from a relevant assessing authority.
The worker must meet health and character requirements set by the Department of Home Affairs.
Download the application form from the ImmiAccount website.
Fill it out correctly and attach all the required documents.
Pay the visa application fee and submit the form.
Wait for the visa outcome patiently, as the processing time varies depending on several factors.

Important Things to Remember for Sponsors

There are certain important things that every sponsor is required to meet. These include the following:

Sponsors must contribute to the Skilling Australians Fund (SAF) levy. This funding is intended for the training of Australian workers.
The funding amount depends on the business’s annual turnover and the duration of the visa.
Sponsors must comply with Australian workplace laws and visa conditions.
If the candidate meets certain eligibility criteria, there are many temporary visas, such as subclass 186, that offer pathways to permanent residency.

What is the Cost of Sponsoring Overseas Skilled Workers to Australia?

The employers are required to pay certain charges while sponsoring overseas skilled workers. Here is the breakdown of these costs:

Application costs
Skilling Australians Fund (SAF) levy

Detailed information on these costs is discussed below:

Application Costs for Sponsorship

The application costs for nomination and becoming an approved sponsor are different as:

For becoming an approved sponsor (SBS), you will have to submit AUD 420.
For nominating a candidate for Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) Visa (subclass 482), you will have to pay AUD 330.
For nominating a candidate for the Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) Visa (subclass 186), you will have to pay AUD 540.

Skilling Australians Fund (SAF) Levy

The SAF levy is a mandatory contribution that employers must pay when nominating a worker. The levy supports the training and development of Australian workers. However, the amount depends on the business’s annual turnover and the stay duration of the overseas worker.

If your business has an annual turnover less than AUD 10 million:

You will have to pay AUD 1,200 per year or part thereof for each subclass 482 visa worker.
You will have to pay AUD 3,000 in one-time payment for each 186 or 494 visa worker.

If your business has an annual turnover of AUD 10 million or more:

You will have to pay AUD 1,800 per year or part thereof for each TSS visa worker.
You will have to pay an AUD 5,000 one-time payment for each ENS or SESR visa worker.

Final Thoughts

So, there you have it—a comprehensive guide on how to sponsor overseas workers to Australia. By following the steps outlined above, you can successfully get the sponsorship to invite overseas skilled workers to Australia. Ensure that you meet the eligibility requirements and comply with the Australian labor market standards and laws.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Who can sponsor a skilled worker visa in Australia?

Any legally established and operating business in Australia can sponsor a skilled worker if they cannot find an Australian citizen or permanent resident to fill the position. However, the employer must meet the following criteria:

The employer must become an approved sponsor.
The employer must meet specific sponsorship requirements.
The employer must pay his employee at least the market salary rate.
The employer must pay the Skilling Australians Fund (SAF) levy.

How do I get sponsored to work in Australia?

Follow these steps to get sponsored by Australian employers:

Find an Australian employer willing to sponsor you through websites, networking, or contact companies directly.
Make sure your occupation is on the Skilled Occupation List.
The employer applies to become an approved sponsor and nominates you for a specific position.
Once nominated, you can apply for the relevant visa.

How do I find an employer to sponsor me in Australia?

Follow these instructions to find an employer in Australia:

Use platforms like SEEK, LinkedIn, and Indeed to find job listings that mention sponsorship.
Leverage professional networks, attend industry events, and connect with Australian professionals in your field.
Engage with agencies that specialize in placing overseas workers in Australian jobs.
Contact companies directly, especially those known to sponsor overseas workers. You can also check the list of accredited sponsors on the Department of Home Affairs website.

How to move to Australia as a skilled Worker?

Follow these steps to move to Australia as a skilled worker:

Ensure your occupation is on the Skilled Occupation List and that you meet the points requirement for skilled migration.
Obtain a skills assessment from the relevant assessing authority for your occupation.
Submit an EOI through SkillSelect, detailing your skills, experience, and qualifications.
If your EOI is successful, you will receive an invitation to apply for a visa.
Apply for the visa and provide all necessary documents.
Once your application is processed and approved, you will receive your visa and can move to Australia.

Which skilled visa is easiest for Australia?

The Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa (subclass 491) is one of the easiest skilled visas to obtain for Australia. This visa is designed for skilled workers who want to live and work in regional Australia. The points requirement is less as compared to other skilled visas.

Moreover, you can apply for the Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) Visa (subclass 191) after spending three years under this visa.

Which skilled worker is in demand in Australia?

Australia has a high demand for skilled workers in various sectors.

Healthcare professionals, including doctors, nurses, and allied health professionals, are particularly sought after.
Engineers, especially civil, mechanical, and electrical engineers, are also in high demand.
The information and communication technology (ICT) sector needs professionals such as software developers, cybersecurity experts, and network engineers.
Trades workers, including electricians, plumbers, and carpenters, are essential due to ongoing infrastructure projects.
Additionally, teachers, particularly in secondary education and special education.
Agricultural workers, including farm managers and agricultural technicians, are highly needed.