Why Some Employers Might Hesitate to Sponsor Your Visa (And What You Can Do About It)
If you’re currently working in Australia and hoping to stay long-term, getting employer sponsorship might seem like the next logical step. Many people aim for the 482 Skills in Demand visa or even permanent residency through the 186 visa, but things can get tricky when your employer doesn’t jump at the idea of sponsoring you.
So why the hesitation?
The short answer: money.
The longer answer: it’s a bit more complicated than that.
What Sponsorship Really Costs an Employer
When a business decides to sponsor someone, it comes with both upfront and ongoing expenses. Even if you’re an asset to the team, they still have to budget for:
- $420 – Setting up as a standard business sponsor
- $330 – Nomination fee
- $1,200 to $1,800 per year – Skilling Australians Fund levy
(This adds up to about $3,150 for a two-year visa if the business makes under $10 million annually.)
But that’s not the full picture.
They also need to:
- Offer you a full-time role
- Pay a salary that meets the minimum threshold—currently $73,150, and going up to $76,515 from July 1
- Cover superannuation, sick leave, and annual leave
Related article: Australia’s TSMIT: Why the 2025 Increase Matters for Skilled Migration
It’s easy to see why some employers might pause before jumping in.
How You Can Approach the Conversation
If your boss seems unsure, it doesn’t always mean they don’t value you. They might just be trying to weigh the costs. That’s where your role becomes important, you need to help them see the benefits. Here are a few points worth bringing up:
1. Replacing You Will Cost More Than Sponsoring You
If you have to leave, your employer will face:
- Recruitment fees
- Training time for a new hire
- A likely dip in productivity
Those aren’t just minor inconveniences. They impact the bottom line and the day-to-day running of the business.
2. You Already Know the Job—and the Team
Bringing someone new into a business takes time. You, on the other hand, already understand how things work. You’ve built relationships, learned the systems, and settled into the workflow. That’s not easily replaced.
3. Sponsorship Builds Loyalty
When an employer invests in your future, it builds a stronger bond. You’re more likely to stick around, work harder, and take real pride in the job. That kind of commitment is hard to find and even harder to hold onto.
Final Thought
At the end of the day, sponsorship is a commitment but it’s also a smart business move especially if the person being sponsored is a reliable, skilled employee.
If you’re not sure how to talk to your employer about it, or if they’ve raised concerns, it might help to speak with someone who knows the process inside and out.
Reach out to our team at Pathway to Aus today! We can walk you through the details, answer any questions you or your employer might have, and help make the process as smooth as possible.
