Employer Sponsored Visas

Employer Sponsored Visas: Bringing Skilled Workers to Australia

Employer Sponsored Visas allow Australian employers to hire skilled workers from overseas to fill labor shortages in various industries. These visas are designed for individuals who have the skills and qualifications required by employers but may not be able to meet the points or other criteria of the General Skilled Migration program. Employer-sponsored visas are a pathway to permanent residency and offer a range of opportunities for both employers and skilled workers.

Types of Employer Sponsored Visas

1. Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) Visa (Subclass 482)

• Eligibility:

  • For foreign workers who are nominated by an approved Australian employer to fill a position in an occupation on the Medium and Long-Term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL) or the Short-Term Skilled Occupation List (STSOL).
  • The visa holder must have the necessary skills and qualifications for the nominated occupation.

• Duration:

  • Short-term stream: Up to 2 years.
  • Medium-term stream: Up to 4 years (for occupations on the MLTSSL).

• Key Features:

  • Allows you to work for an approved sponsor in a specific occupation.
  • Option to transition to permanent residency under the Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) visa (Subclass 186) after 3 years (depending on eligibility).
  • Family members can accompany the visa holder.

2. Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) Visa (Subclass 186)

• Eligibility:

  • For skilled workers who are nominated by an Australian employer to work in a permanent position.
  • Applicants must meet the skill requirements and be nominated for a position in an occupation on the MLTSSL.
  • There are three streams for the Subclass 186 visa:
    • Direct Entry Stream: For those who are outside Australia or do not hold a Subclass 457 or 482 visa.
    • Temporary Residence Transition Stream: For individuals who have held a TSS visa for 3 years and wish to transition to permanent residency.
    • Agreement Stream: For those sponsored by an employer through a labor agreement.

• Duration:

  • Permanent residency.

• Key Features:

  • Permanent residency allows you to live and work anywhere in Australia.
  • Eligible family members can be included in the visa application.
  • Provides a pathway to Australian citizenship after 4 years of permanent residence.

3. Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme (RSMS) Visa (Subclass 187)

• Eligibility:

  • For skilled workers nominated by an Australian employer in a regional area.
  • Applicants must have the necessary skills for a position in an occupation listed on the MLTSSL and meet the English proficiency requirements.
  • This visa is available only for employers located in regional Australia, which can offer a pathway to permanent residency.

• Duration:

  • Permanent residency.

• Key Features:

  • Encourages migration to regional areas of Australia.
  • Applicants must live and work in the regional area for at least 2 years.
  • Eligible family members can join the applicant.

Eligibility Requirements for Employer Sponsored Visas

1. Employer Sponsorship:

   • The sponsoring employer must be an Australian business with an active sponsorship agreement approved by the Department of Home Affairs.
   • The employer must demonstrate a genuine need for the overseas worker and prove that no Australian workers are available for the role.

2. Skill and Qualifications:

   • The worker must have the skills, qualifications, and experience required for the nominated occupation.
   • A skills assessment is often required for the occupation, depending on the visa subclass and the occupation in question.

3. English Language Proficiency:

   • Applicants must meet the minimum English language proficiency requirements (typically IELTS 5.0 or equivalent). Higher requirements may apply for certain occupations or if the applicant is applying for permanent residency.

4. Health and Character:

   • Applicants must meet Australia’s health and character requirements, which may include medical examinations and police checks.

5. Age:

   • For certain visas, applicants must be under the age of 45 at the time of application, although this requirement may not apply for certain visa subclasses or if the applicant has worked in Australia for several years.

Application Process for Employer Sponsored Visas

1. Employer Nomination:

   • The Australian employer must submit a Nomination Application for the position they wish to fill. This includes proving that they are an approved sponsor and that the position meets the visa requirements.

2. Skill and Eligibility Assessment:

   • Applicants need to complete a skills assessment with the relevant authority for their nominated occupation. This ensures that the applicant has the required skills and qualifications.

3. Visa Application:

   • After the employer’s nomination is approved, the applicant can apply for the visa. This involves providing personal documentation, including proof of qualifications, work experience, and English language proficiency.

4. Decision:

   • The Department of Home Affairs will process the application. Processing times can vary depending on the visa subclass and other factors.

5. Visa Grant:

   • If the application is successful, the applicant will receive their employer-sponsored visa, allowing them to work and live in Australia.

Benefits of Employer Sponsored Visas

• Pathway to Permanent Residency:
  Many employer-sponsored visas, such as the ENS and RSMS visas, provide a direct pathway to permanent residency and eventually Australian citizenship.

• Work and Live in Australia:
  Visa holders can live and work in Australia for a specified duration, and in some cases, the visa provides a pathway to permanent residency and a more permanent lifestyle in the country.

• Family Inclusions:
  Many employer-sponsored visas allow family members (such as partners and children) to accompany the primary applicant to Australia.

• Employer Support:
  Employees on employer-sponsored visas may receive more job security as they are specifically nominated by an employer, offering a stable work situation in Australia.

Why Choose Us for Your Employer Sponsored Visa Application?

• Expert Guidance: We provide tailored advice for both employers and employees to ensure the right visa is chosen and all requirements are met.
• Employer Support: We help employers with the nomination process, including ensuring their business is eligible and completing the necessary paperwork.
• End-to-End Assistance: From visa application submission to post-arrival support, we help with every step of the employer-sponsored visa process.
• High Success Rate: Our in-depth knowledge of the employer sponsorship process maximizes the chances of a successful visa application for both employers and workers.