Employer Sponsorship to Permanent Residency Journey

Step-by-Step Pathway

Already working in Australia, or hoping to secure an employer sponsor? This guide walks through the typical employer sponsorship journey, from finding an eligible employer through to potentially applying for Australian permanent residency.

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A note before you start:

Every applicant's circumstances are different, and employer sponsorship is never guaranteed. Your eligibility depends on your occupation, your employer's eligibility, visa requirements, salary requirements, and current Australian Government policy.

Not Sure Whether Employer Sponsorship Is Right For You?

Employer sponsorship isn't the best pathway for everyone.

Your occupation, work experience, visa status, employer and long-term goals all play an important role.

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Step 1

Find an Employer Willing to Sponsor You

The first step is securing a job offer from an Australian business that's willing and eligible to sponsor overseas workers. Many employers sponsor overseas workers because they can't fill skilled positions locally, particularly in industries like construction, hospitality, healthcare, childcare, engineering, and the trades.

Not every employer can sponsor workers, so it's worth confirming their eligibility early rather than assuming it.

Step 2

The Employer Becomes (or Already Is) an Approved Sponsor

Before sponsoring anyone, the employer generally needs Standard Business Sponsorship (SBS) approval, or must already hold it. To qualify, the business typically needs to show that it:

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is legally operating in Australia

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is actively trading in Australia

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complies with workplace laws

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meets its ongoing sponsorship obligations

Some employers already have this approval in place. Others will need to apply before sponsorship can move forward, which can add time to the process.

Step 3

The Employer Nominates the Position

Next, the employer nominates the specific position they want you to fill. Generally, they need to show that the role is:

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The position is genuine

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Your occupation is eligible

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the salary meets current requirements

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Labour Market Testing has been completed where required

The nomination has to satisfy Australian Government requirements before the visa stage can proceed.

Step 4

Apply for an Employer Sponsored Visa

Once the nomination has been approved (or in some cases, lodged, depending on the pathway), you can generally apply for an employer sponsored visa. The right visa depends on your individual circumstances, occupation, employer, and location.

Common employer sponsored visas include the Skills in Demand Visa (Subclass 482) and the Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional Visa (Subclass 494). Which one applies to you depends on your eligibility and the visa options available at the time you apply.

Step 5

Work for Your Sponsoring Employer

Once your visa is granted, you'll begin working in your nominated occupation. During this period, you'll generally be building Australian skilled work experience, meeting your visa conditions, and continuing to work with your sponsoring employer.

This period of employment may help you become eligible for permanent residency later on, depending on your pathway.

Wondering if this pathway suits your situation?
Employer sponsorship involves more than simply receiving a job offer. If you'd like it explained in the context of your own occupation, visa history, and goals, our registered migration agents can walk you through your options.

Book a Migration Consultation

Step 6

Explore Permanent Residency Pathways

After gaining the required work experience (where it applies) and meeting the relevant eligibility requirements, some employer sponsored workers may become eligible to apply for permanent residency.

One possible pathway is the Employer Nomination Scheme (Subclass 186). Other permanent residency pathways may also be available depending on your circumstances.

Step 7

Apply for Permanent Residency

Once you meet the relevant eligibility requirements, your employer may nominate you for permanent residency where that option is available.

If your application is successful, permanent residency allows you to:

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Live in Australia permanently

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Work for any employer

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Study

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Labour Market Testing has been completed where required

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Eventually apply for Australian citizenship (subject to eligibility)

The Journey at a Glance

Stage	When It Happens
Find an employer	Varies by individual circumstances
Employer gains sponsorship approval	Before nomination
Employer nominates the position	Before visa lodgement
Lodge the sponsored visa	After nomination is approved or lodged
Begin working	Once the visa is granted
Become eligible for PR	Depends on your visa pathway
Apply for PR	Once eligibility is met

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does the employer sponsorship process take?

It varies considerably depending on the visa subclass, whether a skills assessment is required, and how quickly your employer's sponsorship and nomination are approved. Because processing times change regularly, it's best to check the current estimates on the Department of Home Affairs website rather than rely on a fixed timeframe

Can any employer sponsor me?

No. Employers must meet Australian Government sponsorship requirements before they're able to sponsor overseas workers, and not every business will qualify.

Is employer sponsorship guaranteed?

No. It depends on both the employer meeting sponsorship requirements and you meeting the relevant visa requirements. Neither is guaranteed simply because a job offer has been made.

What happens if I change employers or my sponsorship ends?

Your options depend on your visa conditions and individual circumstances, including how long you've held your visa and whether you're mid-way through a permanent residency pathway. It's worth seeking professional advice before changing employers or if your sponsorship arrangement is ending, so you understand your options and any time limits that may apply.

Can my family come with me on an employer sponsored visa?

In many cases, eligible family members can be included on an employer sponsored visa application, though this depends on the specific visa subclass and your circumstances. It's worth checking this early, since it can affect both your application and your planning.

Which employer sponsored visa is right for me?

There isn't one visa that suits everyone. The right pathway depends on factors like your occupation, employer, work location, and individual circumstances. Depending on your situation, you may be eligible for visas such as the Skills in Demand visa (subclass 482), the killed Employer Sponsored Regional visa (subclass 494) or the

Can employer sponsorship lead to permanent residency?

Yes, for some applicants. Employer sponsored workers may later become eligible for permanent residency through pathways such as the Employer Nomination Scheme (subclass 186), depending on their circumstances and whether they continue to meet visa requirements.

Ready to Explore Your Options?

Whether you're already working in Australia or planning your next move, understanding your sponsorship options early can help you make more informed decisions.

Speak with a Pathway to Aus registered migration agent to discuss your employer sponsorship options and get advice based on your own circumstances.

Book a Migration Consultation