An employer-sponsored visa is a type of visa that allows a person to work and live in Australia temporarily or permanently based on their employment. This type of visa is sponsored by an Australian employer who wants to hire a skilled worker from overseas.

Benefits of Employer-Sponsored Visa

Before diving into the requirements for an employer-sponsored visa in Australia, it is essential to understand the benefits it offers to both the employer and the employee.

For the employer, hiring a skilled worker from overseas can bring significant advantages, such as:

• Access to a global talent pool: By sponsoring an employee from another country, employers can tap into a broader range of skills and expertise that may not be readily available in the local labour market.
• Filling skill gaps: Certain industries or regions in Australia may face shortages of skilled workers. Employer-sponsored visas allow employers to recruit foreign workers with specialized skills, thus addressing these gaps.
• Building diversity: By employing individuals from different cultural backgrounds, employers can enhance diversity and inclusion in their workforce, leading to a more dynamic and innovative work environment.
• Enhancing competitiveness: Access to international talent can give employers a competitive edge, enabling them to expand their business and compete effectively on a global scale.

An employer-sponsored visa offers the following benefits to the employee:

• A chance to work in Australia: Skilled professionals are drawn to Australia for its high quality of living, numerous employment prospects, and favourable work-life balance.
• A route to permanent residency: Some employer-sponsored visas provide workers a route to permanent residence, so they can stay and work for their employers.
• Access to various social benefits: As visa holders, employees can access healthcare services, education for their dependents, and other social benefits provided by the Australian government.
• Professional growth and development: Working in Australia can provide employees with exposure to new industries, technologies, and business practices, allowing them to enhance their skills and knowledge.

Types of Employer-Sponsored Visas

Australia provides various types of employer-sponsored visas, each of which is tailored to meet a specific set of requirements and conditions. Included among the most prevalent varieties are:

Shortage of Skill (TSS) Visa (Subclass 482)

Companies may sponsor a skilled individual to work in Australia for four years to address temporary skill shortages. TSS visas have three streams:

• Short-Term Stream: When it comes to jobs that are included on the Short-Term Skilled Occupation List (STSOL) and have a maximum visa length of up to two years. It is not possible to get a permanent residence using this procedure.
• Medium-Term Stream: Four-year visas for MLTSSL positions. Work in Australia for three years to become a permanent resident.
• Labour Agreement Stream: Employers that have a labour agreement with the government of Australia are eligible for this benefit.

Visa (Subclass 186) under the Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS)

With this visa, firms may sponsor qualified workers for permanent residency in Australia. The three ENS visa streams:

• Temporary Residence Transition Stream: For TSS visa holders with three years of employment and additional credentials.
• Direct Entry Stream: For individuals who have the skills and qualifications needed for the nominated occupation and have not held a TSS visa or have held it for less than three years. This stream requires a positive skills assessment.
• Labor Agreement Stream: For employers who have a labor agreement with the Australian government.

RSMS Visa (Subclass 187) for Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme

Regional companies in Australia may propose qualified workers for permanent residence using this visa. There are three pathways to get an RSMS visa:

• Transition Stream for Temporary Residence: For TSS visa holders who have worked for their company for three years and fulfil other qualifications.
• Direct Entry Stream: For individuals who have the skills and qualifications needed for the nominated occupation and have not held a TSS visa or have held it for less than three years. This stream requires a positive skills assessment.
• Labor Agreement Stream: For employers who have a labor agreement with the Australian government.

The Employer-Sponsored Visa Requirements

Australian employer-sponsored visas demand qualifications from both employers and employees. The main criteria:

Employer Requirements

• Maintain a legitimate and active business presence in Australia
• Have a genuine need for a paid employee
• Offer terms and conditions of employment that are by Australian workplace laws
• Obtain approval as a Standard Business Sponsor from the Department of Home Affairs
• Comply with sponsorship obligations, including keeping records and providing reports to the government

Employee Requirements

The employee must meet certain requirements depending on the visa subclass they are applying for. Here are some common criteria:

• Have suitable skills, certifications, or work experience for the specified profession
• Demonstrate English language proficiency unless exempted
• Meet health and character requirements
• Obtain a positive skills assessment if required
• For permanent residency visas, meet additional criteria such as age limits and minimum salary thresholds

Application Process

The application process for an employer-sponsored visa involves several steps:

1. Employer lodges a nomination application: The employer needs to nominate the skilled worker for a specific occupation and provide supporting documentation.
2. Employee lodges a visa application: The employee submits their visa application, including their details, work history, and supporting documentation.
3. Health and character checks: Both the employee and any family members included in the application undergo health and character checks.
4. Decision: Decisions are made after applications are reviewed by the Department of Home Affairs. If approved, the visa is granted, and the employee can start working in Australia.

Conclusion

An employer-sponsored visa in Australia provides a pathway for employers to address skill shortages and for skilled individuals to live and work in Australia. Understanding visa subclasses and criteria is essential for a smooth application. By meeting the eligibility criteria and following the application process, both employers and employees can benefit from the opportunities offered by an employer-sponsored visa.

Please see the above information that may be of use to you if you want to apply for an employer-sponsored visa in Australia with the visa category application. Don’t hesitate to get in touch with us if you have any questions; our immigration lawyers are here to help!