Australia’s employer-sponsored visa programs enable businesses to address skill shortages by sponsoring qualified foreign workers. These programs also provide opportunities for skilled individuals from abroad to explore employment prospects with Australian employers in need of their expertise.

Process Overview:

The process for obtaining an employer-sponsored visa generally involves three key steps:

1. Standard Business Sponsorship (SBS):
   • Approval: Employers must become approved sponsors to nominate skilled workers. This involves demonstrating a lawful and active business operation, a commitment to training Australian citizens and permanent residents, and a history of compliance with Australian immigration and workplace laws.
2. Nomination Application:
   • Nomination: Once approved as a sponsor, the employer nominates a position to be filled by a skilled worker. The nomination must meet specific criteria, including:
     • Labour Market Testing (LMT): Providing evidence that the employer has tested the local labor market to ensure no suitably qualified Australian workers are available for the position.
     • Salary Requirements: Offering a salary that meets or exceeds the Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (TSMIT), which is currently AUD $53,900 plus superannuation.
     • Position Requirements: Ensuring the nominated position aligns with the relevant skilled occupation list and that the terms and conditions of employment are equivalent to those provided to Australian workers in similar roles.
3. Visa Application:
   • Application: The nominated skilled worker applies for the relevant visa. Applicants must meet specific requirements, including possessing the necessary qualifications, skills assessments, relevant work experience, and English language proficiency. Health and character requirements must also be satisfied.

Available Employer-Sponsored Visas:

Several visa options are available under the employer-sponsored program:

1. Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) Visa (Subclass 482):
   • Purpose: Allows employers to address short-term skill shortages by sponsoring skilled workers for up to four years, depending on the occupation and stream.
   • Streams: Short-Term, Medium-Term, and Labour Agreement streams, each with specific eligibility criteria.
   • Pathway to Permanent Residency: Certain streams may offer pathways to permanent residency.
2. Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) Visa (Subclass 186):
   • Purpose: Allows employers to sponsor skilled workers for permanent residency.
   • Streams: Direct Entry and Temporary Residence Transition streams, each with specific eligibility criteria.
   • Eligibility: Applicants must be nominated by an Australian employer and meet age, skills, and English language requirements.
3. Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) Visa (Subclass 494):
   • Purpose: Enables regional employers to address labor shortages by sponsoring skilled workers to live and work in regional Australia.
   • Validity: Valid for up to five years, with a pathway to permanent residency through the Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) Visa (Subclass 191).
   • Eligibility: Applicants must be nominated for a position in regional Australia and meet specific requirements.
4. Temporary Activity Visa (Subclass 408):
   • Purpose: Allows individuals to come to Australia temporarily to participate in specific activities, including research, religious work, or as part of a special program.
   • Eligibility: Applicants must be invited or sponsored to participate in an approved activity and meet specific requirements.
5. Occupational Training Visa (Subclass 407):
   • Purpose: Allows individuals to participate in workplace-based training to enhance skills in their current occupation, area of tertiary study, or field of expertise.
   • Eligibility: Applicants must be sponsored by an approved sponsor and meet specific requirements.