Employer Sponsorship | Key Things to Know
What is it?
An Australian business can support an overseas employee to apply for a temporary or permanent visa in the case that they don’t find a local prospective worker.
Navigating Sponsorship: What’s the purpose & who’s it for?
Employer sponsorship enables Australian companies to hire skilled workers from abroad if they are unable to find local talent. For example, a construction company might sponsor a qualified carpenter from Indonesia.
What are the types of Employer-Sponsored Visas?
- Skills in Demand Visa (Subclass 482)
- Employers can nominate you only if your occupation is on the Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL)
- Employers can nominate you only if your occupation is on the Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL) or on the Skilled Lists
- Isn’t just for filling labour shortages
- Skilled Occupations Lists considered are: MLTSSL, STSOL, and ROL
What industries and occupations have good work prospects?
Sectors that offer employer-sponsored visas
- Healthcare and Social Assistance
- Accomodation and Food Services
- Information Technology (IT) and Digital Services
- Construction and Engineering
- Education and Training
Most sponsored occupations by employers
These occupations are on the CSOL List and can be sponsored by the (482) or (186) visa:
- Chefs (Hospitality)
- General Practitioners and Resident Medical Officers (Healthcare)
- Software and Applications Programmers (IT)
- Motor Mechanics (Trade)
- Registered Nurse (Healthcare)
- Structural Steel and Welding Trades Workers (Construction/Trades)
- Civil Engineers (Engineering)
- Accountants (Finance)
*Please check the relevant occupation list for each visa regarding which occupation can be sponsored.
Application ≠ Approval
The Search for Sponsorship
How do I find a company to sponsor me?
We often get asked this question by applicants who can’t secure a pathway through General Skilled Migration. We’re giving you tips on how you might be able to find an employer. It’s essential to remember that finding one would depend on the occupation you’re looking for and whether you are applying onshore or offshore.
Important to Note: If you can’t get invited through the GSM, then finding a company to sponsor a visa may be the only chance of gaining a pathway to PR.
Pathway To Aus is not a recruitment company but we can help your sponsor and yourself to draft, review and lodge all types of sponsorship applications.
Tips for Thriving in Sponsorship Searches
Looking for an Australian employer who can sponsor you in working in the country can be challenging. We’re sharing some trusted tips from our top migration experts.
Tip 1 Employment Value
On a Temporary Visa
If possible, work for the company on a temporary visa. Demonstrate to the company you are worth sponsoring.
It costs employers thousands of dollars to sponsor someone, and employers want to know that you’re worth it. You may have a fantastic resume, but if the company doesn’t know you, they will be reluctant to sponsor.
On a Working Holiday Visa or Student Visa
If you can get to Australia on a WHV or Student Visa, that’s a good entry point. This could allow you to demonstrate to the company your visa is worth sponsoring.
On a WHV or Student Visa, it also allows you to:
- Have partial work rights
- Work for the company
- Demonstrate that you’re worth sponsoring
Tip 2 Employers with Labour Agreements
What are Labour Agreements and what are they for?
They’re formal and legal agreements made between the Australian government and homegrown businesses, giving them the flexibility to sponsor overseas employees for potential work roles locally. It makes it easier for them to sponsor applicants.
Kinds of Labour Agreements
Enterprise Labour Agreements (company specific)
Designated Area Migration (industry-specific)
Learn More: You can check a list of approved labour agreements, occupations and corresponding employers listed there on the Immi website.
Tip 3 Job Search Websites
Don’t waste your time with companies that will not sponsor. Use the job search website. However, be specific about where you are searching.
Possible Job Sites:
- Seek
- Indeed
- Jora
95% of employers only want to sponsor someone in Australia with a work visa. Most employers will not want to run through the hassle of sponsoring. You should be able to tailor the search.
Pro tip search keywords: Employer Sponsorship or Australian Sponsorship
Once you’ve found a company, draft a cover letter, do some research, find the right person in the company and send it through. Drafting the cover letter is vital because it lets you explain your interest in working for the company you’re applying for.
Extra Tips from Experts
Tip 1 Aligned Qualifications & Experience
Ensure you have the right qualifications and experience to work in the role in Aus.
- Licenses, qualifications – specific requirements for job
- Do a skills assessment or get your qualifications recognised
- Look into getting registered
Tip 2 Intra-Company Transfer
Demonstrate that you are a competent and capable employee in the company and then get transferred over to Australia.
Thinking of studying in Aus? It's possible too.
- Find a course or choose one of the Trade courses
2. Fill out the PTA Enrolment Form
3. Book a FREE Education Consultation
Sponsorship Quest Map | Time to Take Action
Now that you’ve gotten some information and advice about how to find a sponsor, you’re able to start your quest using this map we made for you. Here are five checkpoints for the five parts of your journey.
Research approved sponsors and start networking — this is the foundation of your voyage. Checking out websites online and also visiting Immi’s own approved Immigration-approved employers list.
Checkpoint 2: Partner With Recruitment Agencies
Meet your possible mentors. Recruitment agencies are a great contact point in finding a viable sponsor for you. They provide insider guidance and access to unlocking more opportunities.
Checkpoint 3: Tailor Your Résumé & Apply Strategically
Treat your résumé as a business card. Customize it for Australian standards and target roles that align with your skills and visa pathway.
Checkpoint 4: Prepare & Ace Interviews
Prepare thoroughly before your interview. Practice in moderation, not in excess, so it still feels natural. Ace the interviews as much as possible. After a week, follow up thoughtfully.
Checkpoint 5: Stay Informed & Adapt
Stay up-to-date with the information on visa rules, occupation lists, and employer criteria to navigate your sponsorship journey successfully.
Gentle reminder: Challenges may come along the way, but what’s important is that you stay the course, keep on trying, and walk with determination on your path. You got this!
Your Work-Migration Pathway
Got a long-term plan of working then migrating to Aus? We’ll help you with that! What we aim for is to get you from sponsorship to permanent residency through the guidance of our experienced migration agents. Chat with one of our experts so you can figure out your next steps.
