Step 1: SBS Application
Employer applies for the Standard Business Sponsorship Application
Step 2: Labour Market Testing
Employer has to post the job advertisement to test if the local hiring is possible. For Training Visa, LMT is not required.
Step 3: Nomination Application
The employer nominates the worker and has to prove that the position is genuine. Wages should be as per the market salary rate.
Step 4: Visa Application
The employee or worker applies for the visa application. Related study and work experience is assessed here.
What Are Employer Sponsored Visas?
What Are Employer-Sponsored Visas?
Employer-sponsored visas are a category of Australian visas that allow businesses to sponsor skilled workers from overseas to fill job vacancies within their organisation. These visas are designed to address specific skill shortages in the Australian labor market, enabling employers to access talent that may not be available locally.
Purpose of Employer-Sponsored Visas
The primary purpose of employer-sponsored visas is to ensure that Australian businesses can continue to grow and compete globally by filling critical skill gaps with qualified international workers. These visas also provide a pathway for skilled workers to contribute to the Australian economy, often with the possibility of transitioning to permanent residency.
Who Are They For?
Employer-sponsored visas are intended for skilled workers who have the qualifications and experience needed to meet Australia's labor demands. They are suitable for:
- International Professionals: Individuals with specialised skills that are in demand in Australia.
- Australian Employers: Businesses seeking to fill positions where local talent is not available.
- Students and Graduates: International students or recent graduates who have the skills and qualifications to be employed by an Australian company.
- Temporary Workers: Skilled workers who wish to work in Australia for a specified period, with the possibility of extending their stay or applying for permanent residency.
These visas cater to a range of industries and occupations, providing opportunities for both temporary and long-term employment in Australia
Why Choose an Employer Sponsored Visa?
Employer-sponsored visas offer numerous advantages for both employees and employers, making them a preferred pathway for skilled migration to Australia. Here are some of the key benefits:
1. Pathways to Permanent Residency
- For Employees: Many employer-sponsored visas provide a direct or indirect route to Australian permanent residency, allowing skilled workers to live and work in Australia indefinitely. This can lead to further opportunities, such as access to Medicare, educational benefits, and eventually, Australian citizenship.
- For Employers: By offering a pathway to permanent residency, employers can attract and retain top international talent, ensuring long-term stability and growth for their business.
2. Opportunities for Career Advancement
- For Employees: Employer-sponsored visas allow skilled workers to advance their careers by gaining valuable experience in the Australian job market. Australia’s dynamic economy and diverse industries provide numerous opportunities for professional growth and development.
- For Employers: Bringing in highly skilled professionals can enhance the expertise within the company, leading to increased productivity, innovation, and competitiveness in the global market.
3. Meeting Australia’s Skills Shortages
- For Employees: Skilled workers with qualifications and experience in demand are highly sought after in Australia. Employer-sponsored visas enable these workers to fill critical roles where local talent may be unavailable, making them essential contributors to the Australian economy.
- For Employers: These visas allow businesses to address specific skills shortages, ensuring that they have the right expertise to meet their operational needs. This is particularly important in industries where specialized skills are scarce.
4. Flexibility in Employment
- For Employees: Depending on the visa subclass, employer-sponsored visas may offer flexibility in employment, such as the ability to change employers under certain conditions or transition from temporary to permanent residency.
- For Employers: Businesses can sponsor workers for temporary or permanent positions, depending on their needs. This flexibility allows companies to adapt to changing market conditions and workforce requirements.
5. Contributing to the Australian Economy
- For Employees: By filling essential roles, skilled workers contribute to Australia’s economic growth, bringing new skills, perspectives, and innovation to the workforce.
- For Employers: Employers who sponsor skilled workers are not only strengthening their own business but also contributing to the broader Australian economy by addressing critical skill gaps and supporting industry growth.
Compare Your Visa Options
Understanding the differences between various employer-sponsored visas is crucial for making the right decision, whether you're an employer seeking to sponsor a worker or an individual looking to migrate to Australia. Below is a brief comparison of key aspects of the most common employer-sponsored visas: Subclass 407, 482, 186, and 494.
| Visa Subclass | Visa Name | Eligibility Criteria | Duration of Stay | Pathway to Permanent Residency | Skill Level Required | Application Process Overview |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Subclass 407 | Training Visa | - Must be sponsored by an approved sponsor - For people to enhance their skills in eligible occupations or for capacity-building overseas | Up to 2 years | No direct pathway, but can gain experience for future applications | Requires training or work experience in the nominated field | - Sponsorship by an approved sponsor - Apply for the visa - Participate in the training program |
| Subclass 482 | Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) Visa | - Must be sponsored by an approved business - Must meet the skill level and English proficiency requirements | Up to 2 or 4 years, depending on the stream | Yes, after 2 years in the role using 186 TRT Stream | Occupations on the Medium and Short-Term Skills Lists | - Nomination by an approved sponsor - Visa application with supporting documentation - Health and character checks |
| Subclass 186 | Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) Visa | - Must be nominated by an approved Australian employer - Must meet skill, age, and English requirements | Permanent | Direct permanent residency | Requires higher skill level, usually a bachelor's degree or higher, plus relevant work experience | - Nomination by an employer - Application submission with evidence - Skills assessment and health checks |
| Subclass 494 | Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) Visa | - Must be sponsored by a business in a designated regional area - Must meet skill and English proficiency requirements | Up to 5 years | Yes, after 3 years via the Subclass 191 visa (Permanent Residency) | Occupations on the Regional Occupation List | - Employer nomination - Submit visa application - Meet regional requirements and conditions |
Key Takeaways
- Subclass 407 (Training Visa): Ideal for individuals seeking to enhance their skills or gain specific training in Australia, though it does not provide a direct path to permanent residency. Requires one year of study or work experience related to the nominated occupation.
- Subclass 482 (TSS Visa): Suitable for temporary work in Australia with a possibility of transitioning to permanent residency, through the 186 TRT Stream. Requires one year work experience related to the nominated occupation.
- Subclass 186 (ENS Visa): Provides a direct pathway to permanent residency for those with higher skill levels and qualifications, typically requiring a long-term commitment from both the employer and employee. Requires three year of work experience related to the nominated occupation.
- Subclass 494 (Regional Visa): Focused on regional areas, offering a longer stay with a clear pathway to permanent residency, encouraging skilled migration to less populated regions of Australia. Requires three year of work experience related to the nominated occupation.
How to Apply: Application Process Overview
The application process for employer-sponsored visas involves several key steps that both employers and prospective visa holders must follow. Each visa type has specific requirements, but the general process is similar across most employer-sponsored visas. Below is an overview of the typical steps involved:
1. Employer Sponsorship
- Step 1: Become an Approved Sponsor
- For Employers: Before you can sponsor a worker, your business must be approved as a standard business sponsor by the Australian Department of Home Affairs. This involves demonstrating that your business is legally established and actively operating in Australia, and that you have a genuine need for the position being filled by an overseas worker. Not all visa application requires SBS. Training visas need Temporary Activity Sponsorship.
- For Employees: Ensure that the employer you are working with is approved to sponsor you for the relevant visa.
2. Nomination of the Position
- Step 2: Nomination Submission
- For Employers: Once sponsorship is approved, you must nominate the position you wish to fill with an overseas worker. The role must meet specific criteria, such as being on the relevant occupation list for the visa type and offering market salary rates. You will need to provide evidence that the position cannot be filled by a local worker.
- For Employees: Confirm that the position being offered matches your skills and qualifications, and ensure that the nomination aligns with the visa requirements.
3. Visa Application
- Step 3: Prepare and Submit Visa Application
- For Employers: After the nomination is approved, the nominated worker can submit their visa application. Employers may assist with this process by providing necessary documentation, such as the employment contract, proof of the business’s sponsorship approval, and details about the nominated position.
- For Employees: Gather all required documents, including proof of identity, qualifications, work experience, and English language proficiency. Submit the visa application online through the Department of Home Affairs’ ImmiAccount portal. Ensure all information is accurate and complete to avoid delays.
4. Skills Assessment (if required)
- Step 4: Complete Skills Assessment
- For Employees: Depending on the visa subclass, you may be required to undergo a skills assessment to verify that you meet the skill level required for the nominated occupation. This is typically conducted by a relevant Australian assessing authority.
- For Employers: Ensure that your nominated worker meets the skill requirements and assist them with the assessment process, if necessary.
5. Health and Character Checks
- Step 5: Undergo Health and Character Checks
- For Employees: As part of the visa application, you will need to complete health examinations to ensure you meet Australia’s health standards. Additionally, you must provide police certificates from any country you have lived in for more than 12 months in the past 10 years to satisfy the character requirements.
- For Employers: Be aware that your sponsored worker must pass these checks before the visa can be granted.
6. Visa Decision
- Step 6: Await Visa Decision
- For Employees: Once your application is submitted and all required documents and assessments are completed, the Department of Home Affairs will process your visa application. Processing times can vary depending on the visa type, the complexity of the case, and the completeness of the application.
- For Employers: Monitor the progress of your sponsored worker’s visa application. If the visa is granted, make preparations for the worker’s arrival and employment in Australia.
7. Post-Visa Grant Requirements
- Step 7: Comply with Visa Conditions
- For Employees: After your visa is granted, you must adhere to the specific conditions attached to your visa, such as working for your sponsoring employer in the nominated occupation, and complying with Australian laws. For certain visas, you may need to stay in a specific region or continue working in the same occupation for a set period.
- For Employers: Ensure that the sponsored employee complies with the visa conditions. You are also required to meet ongoing sponsorship obligations, including ensuring that the worker’s employment conditions align with what was outlined in the nomination.
Detailed Information (Subclass 407, 482, 186, 494)
Subclass 407
Training Visa
Subclass 482
Temporary Skill Shortage Visa
Subclass 186
Direct Entry Stream
Subclass 494
SESR Visa