Finding an employer that will sponsor their visa can seem like a very difficult and tiring process. However for many internationals, it is the only option that they have to obtain a work visa in Australia. Visa holders must be nominated or “sponsored” by an employer for the 457 visa, RSMS visa and many other work visas. For more information about what it takes to sponsor an employer click here.
Sponsoring an employee requires significant outlay in both time and money for your employer. If a company is not already an approved business sponsor, then it takes considerable time and money for the company to sponsor you. Below is a list of ten simple tips that have helped out clients in the past to find an employer that is willing to sponsor their visa:
GET TO AUSTRALIA
This might seem like a pretty straightforward thing. Most, if not everyone, finds it extremely difficult to find an employer that is willing to sponsor their visa, if they cannot meet them in person. Employers will find you a lot more attractive a candidate if they can meet you face to face. To do this, it may require you to come to Aus on a tourist visa, working holiday visa or student visa. The benefit of coming over on a working holiday or student visa is that you can work for the employer without needing them to sponsor you.
SPEAK ENGLISH WELL
Many foreigners find it very difficult to find employers in Australia that are wiling to sponsor their visa because they cannot speak English well enough. Having a strong grasp of the English language is not enough. You need to be able to speak “Australian” English. This can only be obtained from spending time in Australia. It may be a good idea to enroll in a English course in Australia to improve your English to a suitable level. Click here to find out some options for English courses in Aus.
PLAN AHEAD
Many students and working holiday makers wait until just before their working holiday or student visa expires to look for an employer. You must try to give yourself as much time as possible to find an employer and convince them that you are worth sponsoring. You will be a lot less rushed and stressed, the more you plan ahead.
WORK FOR THE EMPLOYER
A student visa or working holiday visa is a great time to prove to an employer how valuable an employer you could be to the company. Most employers will not go through the hassle involved in sponsoring an employee if they don’t know what type of worker you are. On a student visa you can also work up to 40 hours per fortnight. When you are working for the employer go above and beyond. Be the best employee the company has ever had. Give them no choice but too sponsor you.
BE UPFRONT WITH YOUR EMPLOYER THAT YOU WANT TO GET SPONSORED
Too many times I have had clients come into the office that have worked for their employer for several months. Eventually they finally found the courage to ask the employer if they would sponsor the visa, only to find that the employer is either unable or unwilling to do it. If you are honest with your employer at the start about what you want, you won’t waste any of your time.LOOK FOR AN EMPLOYER THAT CURRENTLY SPONSORS FOREIGN WORKERS It is a lot easier for a company to hire another foreign employee, than to hire the sponsor the first employee. The reason is that if the company is already an approved standard business sponsor, they don’t need to go through with that part of the visa process. It is a lot simpler, and will take up less time from your employer. Be smart, target companies that already have sponsored a foreign employee. Find out whom exactly you should approach in the company, and give them a call or email.
MAKE IT EASY FOR YOUR EMPLOYER
The less work involved for your employer, the more likely they are to sponsor your visa.
INFORM YOUR EMPLOYER ABOUT THE REQUIREMENTS TO BECOME A STANDARD BUSINESS SPONSOR
Before approaching an employer, make sure that you fully understand the visa process and what it takes for an employer to sponsor a foreign employee. Check out the requirements here. You must be able to explain how simple it is, and what exactly they are required to do. Prepare answers to questions that employers will ask you regarding the visa process. Have it planned out.
NETWORK. NETWORK. NETWORK
There is an old saying that goes, “it’s not what you know, it is who you know.” The only way that you will find that potential sponsor is if you go out there and make yourself available. Regardless if you are doing it online or in person – contact as many people as possible and let everyone know that you are looking for an employer to sponsor your visa. Linked In is an amazing asset to find professional work in Australia. Make sure that your profile is presentable and looks professional.
BE PERSISTENT. YOU WILL GET REFUSED BY A LOT OF COMPANIES
Unless you are the luckiest person in the world, you will most likely get a lot of refusals from companies. They will not want to go through the hassle of sponsoring an employee. However every NO you get makes you that much closer to a yes.
If you do have have an employer that is willing to sponsor your visa or would like to know more information about the visa process feel free to contact Pathway to Aus:
W: pathwaytoaus.com
P: +61 7 55 327 000
Hi,
What is the best state or city to find an employer in Australia?
Hi Bruna, the best city to find employment definitely depends on what profession you work in. What is your current role?
Hi Nick, I am Mechanical Engineer, could you please point to me the Best city for search a job?
Hey Marcos,
I’m afraid this is a very difficult question to answer. What you could possibly do is see if who you currently work for have partners in Australia? I know a lot of people are able to gain sponsorship through established relationships with companies.
Please I am a bricklayer and a painter can I get any offer I can sponsor my self even.
Hello,
We have emailed you directly.
Kind regards,
PTA Team
how much would it cost approximately to sponsor a foreign employee in australia? for example a restaurant hiring a cook with a degree in culinary arts from overseas. Attorney fees and all inclusive
Hi Andy,
The application charges paid to Immigration to sponsor a visa are:
– Nomination to become a standard business sponsor $420
– Nomination $330
– Visa Application Charge $1060
Migration Agent charges vary depending on how much work must go into the application, so it would be difficult to provide accurate advice on this without knowing more about your situation. We will send you through an email.
Regards,
PTA TEAM
Hello. Thanks for the valuable information in your site.
What is the best state or city to find an employer in Australia? I am a secondary school teacher. Hoping for your response. Thank you so much!
Hi,
In order to work as a teacher in Australia you will generally need to have your skills assessed as suitable. Once you have this done, I any location in regional Australia should be easier to find employment than in major Aus cities. It is not so much a thing about states.
Regards,
PTA Team
Hi I came to Australia using tourists visa and i plan to working and living here. I heard that if i want to make a working visa, the procedure is not easy. is there any employer can sponsor me working visa. please email me.
Hi Jack,
Yes unfortunately it is not easy to find an employer to sponsor your visa.
Best of luck with the search
Hi, what’s the benefits for company to sponsor an oversea employee?
Hi Betty,
Basically the biggest benefit is that the employee can work for your company. If you can find an Australian to do a better or the same job, then it is obviously easier to just hire the Australian. However if you cannot find a suitable Australian to fill the role, then overseas employee is a great option.
Under para ” Get to Australia”. You mentioned ” the benefit of coming over on a working holiday or tourist visa is that you can work for the employer without needing them to sponsor you”.
You really sure as a visitor with a tourist visa can able to work in Australia for a day?
I doubt so. Correct me if I’m wrong, thank you.
Hi Martin,
Sorry yes that is correct. You definitely cannot work in Aus on a tourist visa.
Is there any list with employers that give sponsor? I am an accountant with all my papers ready for a 457 or 187 but I need the sponsor.
Thanks in advance!!
Hi Laura,
Unfortunately there is no set list of employers that have sponsored participants in the past.
Regards,
PTA TEAM
can anyone who runs a decent business in australia will be able to sposnor me a visa ? i’m a software developer and i know a friend who runs a decent business in sydney. i need sponsorship for one year because after that i will be able to apply for a PR. i score more than 60 on the points based test. lets 7+ in each section, age 30, engineer in computer science , 6+ work ex. what will a business or agency do to sponsor a visa? i do not mind spending up to 20K AUD to get sponsored as i know i will get a PR after a year. are there agencies or consultants who can sponsor such visas ?
Hi, it is against the law for you to pay an employer to sponsor you. So I would 100% not recommend going down that route.
You will just need to find a company that is willing to sponsor. This can be time consuming and difficult. I would recommend coming to Aus and visiting some employers in person.
Regards,
PTA TEAM
Can we do that using regular tourist visa?
You cannot on a tourist visa.
You said one should come to Australia and visit the employers physically and you answered someone that he cannot do that with tourist visa.
So please, what kind of visa is suitable to come Australia and visit the employers physically
Hi Hassan,
So I think the misunderstanding was that on a tourist visa, you could talk to employers in person, however you still are not able to work for them. If you come to Australia with the intention of working then you need to have a visa that has work rights.
I am a senior copywriter in Asia working for a global agency. Do my chances of getting a sponsor look bleak?
Hi Nat,
Potentially it could be pretty difficult. However it all comes down the the qualifications and the experience that you have. Also you would need to have a company willing to pay you at least $53900 or more (depending on the market rate).
Regards,
PTA TEAM
how can I obtained a free visa and accommodation job in Australia
Hi Egbe,
Unfortunately, in general, visas to Australia will all cost some money. You can have a look at prices on the immigration website or shoot us through an email to [email protected] if you want to consider a possible study option.
Kind regards,
The PTA team
Hi,
I’m too old for a working holiday visa but am looking for work in Aus where an employer will sponsor me. I know that using agencies to find work means that most will not have sponsorship so how can I find the companies that do?
Hey Amanda,
Great question, the sponsorship stuff at the moment is quite difficult with the changes. I will send an individual email through now to find out more about what your job actually is that you would want sponsorship for. We aren’t generally able to find companies to then sponsor someone but we are able to possibly help with the application process after you have found one.
Kind regards,
Hi can you guide me in finding a sponsor?
I am civil engineer by profession from India
Hi Kiran,
Unfortunately we aren’t able to help you find an employer to sponsor you, however we can help both you and your employer through the 457 visa process once you do. We suggest having a look through the CSOL and MLTSSL to see if your occupation falls in these lists and then looking for relevant job opportunities.
thank you for all the info. My question. WHAT is the best and economical way to get a job in Australia?
Hi Erlinda,
Well firstly you need to look at what visa you might be eligible for. A good place to look is on the CSOL or MLTSSL to see the skilled occupations and therefore if you may be eligible for the corresponding skilled visas.
Kind regards,
Hi
Just wanted to ask if there is someone who knows somebody who can help me with my passport and visa to work in Australia full time.
Thank You.
Hi Jerome,
I shall send you out an email which will have visa options on it so you can have a look at your possible options and what you may be eligible for.
hi,
my name is amos from nigeria.pls how can l get an unskilled labour job like farming job or any parker job in australia with visa sponsorship
Hi Amos,
For sponsorship visas you would be looking at a job that falls in this list and a company willing to sponsor you.
https://www.border.gov.au/Trav/Work/Work/Skills-assessment-and-assessing-authorities/skilled-occupations-lists/combined-stsol-mltssl
Unfortunately we can’t help you find a sponsor but we can help you out, when you do find one, to apply for the visa.
Hope this helps!
Hi Sir,
I understand that tourist visa will allow us to for an Employer in Australia. I just want to ask if can we change the status from tourist to work without returning to our country?
Hi Rex,
You are not able to work on a tourist visa, however you are able to apply for a working visa onshore if you are eligible and meet the criteria.
Hi Nick, and first of all thank you for sharing such valuable content – you obviously know what you’re talking about.
Last year I spent 6 months in Australia on a tourist visa with my girlfriend and we loved it there (Melbourne was our favorite city). So after returning to Brasil, we decided that we want to move to Melbourne as soon as we can.
I have a degree in Marketing and have been working with advertising for the past 7 years with outstanding success. I have clients and employers to confirm that.
I also have lots of friends in Australia now, and they are all willing to help us in any way they can.
Now, I want to ask you this because I trust your experience:
– What are my options?
My english is excellent and I am really good at what I do, so what is the best way to get a Visa that allows me to live and work in Australia with my girlfriend?
If you need more info, please feel free to email me.
Thanks again and have a great week.
Hi Bruno,
Thanks for your kind words. I’ve just sent you an email with hopefully some more useful information on it. Take some time to read through everything then get back to us with your thoughts.
Hi,
I am in an almost identical position to Bruno, My girlfriend is a chartered management accountant as well. we are looking at moving to Melbourne as well. Please could you provide us with similar information.
Thanks
Jack
Hi Jack,
I would probably recommend booking in a consultation so that we can discuss your exact circumstances. Will send you an email with the details.
TEAM PTA
Hi
My Partner and I are looking to work in Australia. I am a qualified Probation Officer and my partner is a Optical Service Engineer. We both have 15 years experience in each field. I note that neither occupation is listed as in need and wondered if you had any advice. We are considering applying direct to employers and stating that we require sponsorship but are serious about the move.
Hi Carly,
My advice would be to get to Australia and try to talk to employers face to face. Or possibly even work part time on a student visa or something like that.
Otherwise, the only thing that employers have to go off is your resume.
Regards,
PTA TEAM
Hi Nick,
I am an experienced cook, and i have a diploma in culinary Arts. I am presently looking for a permanent job in Aus. What should i do to get someone to sponsor me for my visa?
Best regards,
Johnny
Hi Johnny,
I would recommend getting to Aus and applying for roles in person. It will make your process a lot easier!
Regards,
PTA TEAM
Dear Nick
I got authorization from A.C.S for my experience . I got Masters degree in Computer applications and around 13 years of work experience. I have written IELTS exam giving 2 attempts having overall score of 6.5 in each exam. I am ready to work in any sectors irrespective of contract, part-time, full-time employee. I am not having any restriction. I am looking for visa sponsorship.
Hi,
Best of luck with your search. I would recommend coming to Aus and trying to attend some interviews in person if possible.
Im looking for Job in Australia.
I have 10+ years experience in Credit Control.
Request your help to find out sponsor for me.
Regards
Hi Franco,
Without being in Australia and physically meeting companies face to face it is very difficult to land sponsorship and employment.
Regards,
PTA TEAM
Hello please i have read through many comments here,and it’s really bring a little answer to my questions but the most important one is that,i have worked wit an Australian company in Nigeria for about 5years,and i also which to work and live in Australia, am a professional earthmoving equipment operator, please if u can help me send some site that i can find my skilled job,then i can follow up please for my visa process.
Hi Samuel, thanks for your comment. We would need to arrange a consultation to discuss your individual circumstances, I’ll email you the link. Kind regards, Team PTA
Dear Nick,
The company I’m currently working with is willing to sponsor me to transfer and work in Australia. However, the company is not an approved sponsor yet. Do you know how long it will take for them to get an approval after submitting all the required documents?
Thank you!
Without knowing the specifics of the application it is difficult to comment as it can vary from case to case. Good luck, Rome! Kind regards, Team PTA
Hi there, how are you?
I’m Graphic Designer and Publicist with 8+ Years of Experience. Last year I did the Work & Holiday visa. In that moment I wasn’t sure about stay longer in Australia. Now I’m living in NZ and now I really want to come back to Australia.
What do you think about my career is harder than others to find a sponsor?
Thank you in advance.
Cheers!
Hi Enrique, as your circumstances are quite unique, it is probably best if you book a consultation with one of our Registered Migration Agents. I’ll send you the link. Kind regards, Team PTA
Dear Nick,
Thanks so much for your article, quiet insightful. I have recently completed my MBA in Finance and I am seeking opportunities in the Enterprise Risk Management field. I have been looking at the opportunities in Australia and I have also submitted applications but I have not received any responses.
I am very interested in working in Australia, do you have any other tips that could be helpful based on my situation?
Hi Jennell,
Have you considered reaching out to professional head-hunters or recruitment firms?
See also this article:
Kind regards,
TEAM PTA
Hi sir how can i get Australian Work visa
Sure, let us know how we can help
Hi Nick,
I am a graduate in Human Resources from Sri Lanka.
Need to find a job oppertunity in Australia.
Can you please advise me & give a help.
Thank You
Hi Erandi, this article may help, wishing you the best of luck!
Hi there.
I have gone through an examination and interview with the local Australian embassy in Malaysia and following that I have received an offer letter from a hospital in Melbourne but it came without visa sponsorship. I could not proceed with it as I could not afford the payment needed. Is there any other way that I can proceed with other job or anything else to aid me with previous offer that came without sponsorship? My points for assessment is above 70. Your assistance is appreciated, thank you.
Hi Mohd,
Generally you will need to be able to show you are able to financially support yourself in Australia.
For further advice, you can book a consultation with one of our Registered Migration Agents by clicking this link:
Best of luck with everything.
Kind Regards,
PTA Team
Hi,
I have 13 years experience in IT field .I am 40 now and I had given IELTS 2 times and I got 65 but I am not eligible in point system.So do you know anything about visa sponsorship by specific company or any other way to get visa?
Dear Pravi,
To advise on your specific circumstances, you will need to book a consultation with one of our Registered Migration Agents. You can do this here
Kind regards,
Team PTA
Hi
I have funds around 50K USD, is there any company who can offer me work visa or sponsorship/investment visa based on my funds?
Good morning,
We have emailed you directly.
Kind regards,
PTA Team
I am an architect with a B.arch. from India and M.arch. from USA. What are the chances of my skill assessment being approved by AACA?
Hi SG, please book a consultation with one of our Registered Migration Agents, they will be able to assist with this. Here is the link:
Hi
I’m working as an account payable officer in a construction company. I’m currently on my graduate working visa. I’m just wondering if ‘ account payable officer’ occupation can be sponsored or have to be at least ‘ assistant account ‘ ?
Dear Elva,
We would recommend you book consultation with one of our Registered Migration Agents who will be able to advise you on your specific circumstances. You can do that here:
Kind Regards,
The PTA Team
Hi,
My name is Oliver. I worked as a Sales and Marketing consultant onboard cruise lines within the Caribbean. Looking into roles in Australia. Still under 31… wondering on the best plan to get sponsorship.
Hi Oliver,
If you are under 31, then I would recommend coming to Aus on a working holiday visa and work for an employer. Then look for someone to sponsor you.
Regards,
PTA TEAM
I am Ag.Hendri Eko Harijanto..I am from Indonesia..I am hard of hearing person (disability person)..I am unique,smart people..I can work fastly..I can working as normal people and still need a note taker and assistance..I am suit,like,match to working as administration,accounting, data entry and assistant I have worked as Accounting Staff in Indonesia during over 10 years..I like to move and stay in Australia in long time..I will help a lot to an employer..
if I have called for an interview, I prefer to using writing manner/way such as write on paper about questions in front of video call, interview paper.
in meantime, I need your help to sponsoring a my work visa permit (subclass 457) as visa ready.We must obtain it to The Department of Immigration by registering it.I will provide all required documents for you.
Thanks for your kidness,cooperation and attention
best regards,
Ag.Hendri Eko.H
Dear Ag.Hendri Eko.H,
Thanks for your message.
We would love to assist where we can. The first step is to book a consultation with one of our Registered Migration Agents, you can do that here:
We look forward to working with you.
Kind regards,
PTA Team
Hi, good day.
I am a fresh graduate of Entrepreneurial Marketing, and would like to ask how to get a working holiday visa or any visa applicable for me. I am more than willing to work in any position available that my qualifications may apply. Please help me where to get sponsored visa. thank you
Hi Roxannie,
We would recommend that you book a consultation with one of our Registered Migration Agents to discuss. You can do that here:
Kind regards,
PTA Team
i have a 26 year old work collegue..she has bee in australia for 4 years first two have been on work visa the rest on a bridging visa. she is on a visa with an other person who is not a permanent resident…the visa is expiring .she has applied a while back to otain permanent residency but it appears it has nit been approved.what are her options to stay here.at the moment she has her stsy extende fir 6 months…she has a relationship with an australian citizen but because they are not living together she has no evidence of the relationship ie.no lease joint bills etc…her friend is prepared to have her on a partner visa she is also making enquiries in relation to employement sponsorship. she speaks perfect english has a university degree in bachelor of chemistry from Estonia and has been gainfully since she has been un australia…no criminal record and so on…you would describe her as a model citizen……what can she do to stay in australia.she wants to make a life here
Hi Ian,
It is difficult to advise without all of the information to hand, we would recommend that your colleague book a consultation:
Kind regards,
PTA Team
I have been offered a job in Sydney. However the company can’t sponsor me till the after probationary period of 6 months. What are my visa options in this case?
Hi Patrick,
Depending on where you are from and your age, you may be eligible for a Working Holiday Visa.
This may be helpful:
Congrats and good luck!
PTA Team
Thank you for the reply. I’m not eligible for a working holiday visa. What is the next viable option?
Liis has seen consultants agents etc…to no effect…it appears that after extensive research her only chance is to obtain sponsored employment. It has been difficult to locate companies that offer sponsorship employement….Liis has worked in customer service /sales currently and has a bachelor of chemistry with two years experience…are yiu able to provide me with a list of companies which have this facility or put me in touch with someone who can…..thank you for your assistance
Hi NIck,
My sister lives in Sydney in Temporary Visa. She is looking for Business sponsorship Visa.
She did her BBA, MBA and MPA from Australia. What will be the best strategy for her to live in Australia.
Dear Shohag,
We would recommend that you book a consultation with one of our Registered Migration Agents to discuss the options available, you can do that here:
Kind regards,
PTA Team
I’m a fresh graduate of international relations and diplomacy
And I want to know about getting a sponsored visa
Hi Charles,
We would recommend booking a consultation with one of our Registered Migration Agents to discuss your specific circumstances. You can do that here:
Kind regards,
PTA Team
Hi, I’d like to ask if I’m looking for a sponsor for my work visa, what should I do? Do I write a letter to the company to ask for sponsorship or I just include my proposal on my resume?
Hope to hear from you soon.
Thank you very much.
Hi Shu,
In first instance, it may be helpful to have a chat with your employer.
Kind regards,
PTA Team
Am a cook, a fashion consultant, into some sort of electrical and manual works and a professional home care attendant can I get a better work in Australia be it company nor individual, I can sponsor my self either
Hi Emeka,
To discuss your individual circumstances it may be helpful to book a consultation with a Registered Migration Agent, here is the link:
Kind regards,
PTA Team
Hello I am from Pakistan I am 14 years expert Mason of construction I am return from Saudi Arabia I am qualified and hard work person now I want masonry job visa please help me
Hi Lalzaib
To discuss your individual circumstances, it may be best to book a consultation with a Registered Migration Agent. You can do that here:
Kind regards,
PTA Team