A long-respected country for skilled individuals looking for better employment opportunities and quality of living, Australia continues to grow in popularity as the economy strengthens and qualified individuals are sought after. For overseas individuals, the employer-sponsored visa tends to be one of the most trusted options for living and working in Australia.
If you are asking, How do I go about obtaining an employer-sponsored visa for Australia? This guide will walk through the entire step-by-step process of making an application, outline visa types and eligibility, and how to maximize your success with a visa consultant Perth.
Understanding Employer-Sponsored Visas in Australia
Employer-sponsored visas enable Australian employers to sponsor skilled workers from overseas for positions that cannot be filled locally. Visa sponsorships can be temporary or permanent, depending on the visa subclass and individual circumstances.
There are mainly two predominant types of employer-sponsored visa options:
- Temporary Skill Shortage Visa (Subclass 482) – referred to as the employer-sponsored visa 482, this visa permits the successful visa applicant to work for an employer in Australia or associated businesses for 1-4 years.
- Employer Nomination Scheme (Subclass 186) – the visa allows skilled workers to live and work in Australia after being nominated for the position by an Australian employer and is a permanent work visa.
Step 1: Find a Sponsoring Employer
The first and critical step is to source an Australian employer who has committed to sponsoring you. The employer must be an approved sponsor which is regulated by the Department of Home Affairs.
To be eligible, the employer must:
- Be a lawful and safe operation in Australia
- Show a legitimate requirement for a skilled employee
- Provide a position that is on the Skilled Occupation List (SOL)
- Meet the salary rate and terms of employment requirements
Industries such as IT, healthcare, engineering, and hospitality tend to frequently sponsor foreign talent due to a skill shortage.
Step 2: Selecting the Appropriate Visa Stream
You will need to select between the Employer-Sponsored Visa 482 or the Employer Nomination Scheme Subclass 186, depending on your qualifications, work experience, and what the employer needs.
Temporary Skill Shortage Visa (Subclass 482)
This visa is mainly applicable if you are looking to work temporarily in Australia.
Key features include:
- Duration: Up to four years, per stream
- Required sponsorship from an employer approved by the Department of Home Affairs.
- Relevant skills and experience are required.
- Family members are able to join you on the visa.
- There are some pathways to permanent residency after working for a few years with your innovation skills and experience.
Employer Nomination Scheme (Subclass 186)
This visa is applicable for permanent residency (PR) for skilled workers.
Key features include:
- PR status, allowing the person to stay in Australia indefinitely.
- Option to sponsor family members
- Similar work and study rights as PR.
- Access to Medicare and PR benefits, such as citizenship status.
- Requires employer nomination from an approved employer, plus 3 years of relevant experience working in Australia.
If you are already in Australia, or have been granted a skilled sponsorship visa such as the Subclass 482, you may be able to apply for the 186 visa through the Temporary Residence Transition (TRT) stream.
Step 3: Verify Your Eligibility
It’s critical to verify that you meet the eligibility criteria for the visa you are applying for before applying.
Typical eligibility factors include:
- Holding a valid job offer from an approved employer in Australia
- Your occupation appears on the eligible skill occupations list.
- You meet the skill and qualification requirements
- You have satisfactory English language skills
- You pass health and character checks
For the Employer Nomination Scheme Subclass 186, additional requirements include at least three years of full-time relevant work experience and being under 45 years of age (with certain exceptions).
Step 4: Employer Submits a Nomination Application
Once verified as eligible, you can submit a nomination application to the Department of Home Affairs together. Your employer must demonstrate that the job is legitimate, that they will pay the correct salary, and that they will pay for all sponsorship obligations.
Your employer will need to include in the application:
- Business registration documents
- Evidence of financial capacity
- Labour Market Testing (LMT) evidence (to demonstrate attempts to source Australian workers)
- Employment contract and details of the position
The nomination will need to be submitted to the Department of Home Affairs to be granted before your visa application or at the same time.
Step 5: Submit Your Visa Application
Once your nomination has been approved, you can submit your visa application online through the Department of Home Affairs website.
You will need to submit:
- Your passport and any identity documents
- Skills assessment report (if applicable)
- Evidence of English language proficiency (IELTS, PTE, etc.)
- Health and character certificates
- Employment offer and contract
Ensure all documents are correct and current to avoid delays or refusals.
This is where seeking guidance from a visa consultant Perth can be very beneficial, as they will be able to ensure that your application is error-free and fulfills all requirements.
Step 6: Wait for the Processing of Your Visa and the Outcome
The time it takes to process your visa will depend on the subclass, your occupation, and the completeness of your application.
In general:
- Subclass 482 will take 2 to 6 months
- Subclass 186 takes around 6 to 12 months
During this time, you may be requested to provide further documentation or attend an interview, so remain attentive to your communication from the Department of Home Affairs.
Step 7: Obtain Your Visa and Commence Employment
After receiving the approval (visa grant notification, which will contain information about your work. conditions, starting date, and length of stay.
Next, you may:
- Start working for your sponsoring employer
- Bring family members eligible to come to Australia with you
- Receive the rights and benefits (rights/entitlements) for your visa subclass.
Suppose you were approved for a Temporary Skill Shortage (482) visa. In that case, it will be possible for you to transition to a permanent residency (as a certain visa category) (Cub type) through the Employer Nomination Scheme (186) after you have completed a stipulated period of work.
Why Would You Work with a Visa Consultant Perth?
Applying for an employer-sponsored visa can have numerous steps and red tape/traditional documentation. A visa consultant in Perth will be able to:
- Assess your eligibility
- Assist you in selecting the right visa subclass
- Prepare and review your documentation
- Guide you through the process of transitioning from temporary to permanent residency
- Guide you through transitioning from temporary to permanent residency
They know/are familiar with the legal and procedural complexities that your application meets, and that it reduces the chance of being denied or lingering in application processing.
Conclusion
Obtaining an employer-sponsored visa in Australia is one of the most enjoyable ways to start your career in the country. Whether you are applying for the employer-sponsored visa 482 for temporary work or seeking to get permanent residency through the Employer Nomination Scheme Subclass 186, taking the time to understand each step will keep you on a path to success in your migration journey.
For the best outcome, find a visa consultant Perth who can guide you through the process, feeling assured, and increase your chances of success in obtaining a skilled sponsorship visa Australia.
