Employer Sponsored Visas and Australian Work Visas
Australia has historically faced skilled labour shortages across various sectors, including healthcare, engineering, IT, and trades.
Australian businesses often face challenges in finding local talent to meet their specialized needs. To bridge this gap, employer sponsored visas provide a structured pathway for bringing skilled international workers into Australia.
This comprehensive guide explores the details of various sponsorship visa options, the associated application processes, and essential considerations.
Detailed Visa Options for Employer Sponsorship
Australian businesses can opt for either temporary or permanent visas based on their needs and the qualifications of the prospective employees-
Temporary Employer Sponsored Visa Options
- 482 Temporary Skills Shortage Visa (TSS Visa)– Designed to fill specific skill shortages, the TSS visa requires the employer to demonstrate that they could not find an appropriately skilled Australian to fill the role. This visa includes three streams: Short-Term, Medium-Term, and Labour Agreement, each with its own list of eligible occupations and visa duration limits.
- 494 Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) Visa – This visa encourages skilled workers to live and work in regional areas of Australia for up to 5 years, with a pathway to permanent residency if certain conditions are met. This includes an additional occupation list called the ROL, giving employers a wider range of occupation options.
- 407 Training Visa- Aimed at enhancing skills in a particular field, this visa is for people to undertake occupational training in Australia. It requires a detailed training plan that outlines the purpose of the training, its duration, and how it will be conducted.
- 408 Temporary Activity Visa- This is a versatile visa that covers various types of temporary activities, including cultural or social events, religious work, research activities, and sporting events.
Permanent Employer Sponsored Visa Options
- 186 Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) Visa- This permanent visa option requires the nominating employer to prove that there is a genuine need for the applicant to fill a position in the organization.
- 187 Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme (RSMS) Visa- Although no longer open to new applications, it was once popular for addressing skill shortages in regional Australia by allowing regional employers to nominate skilled workers for permanent residence.
Visa Process and Specific Requirements
The sponsorship process can be intricate, involving three key steps-
- Standard Business Sponsorship Approval– Companies must be approved as sponsors, which involves demonstrating lawful and active operation in Australia, and a commitment to training existing employees.
- Nomination Process- Employers nominate the specific position they wish to fill with an overseas worker. This involves proving that the position is genuine and providing evidence of attempts to recruit locally.
- Visa Application- The prospective employee must then apply for the visa, which includes meeting health and character requirements, and possibly undergoing skills assessments and English language testing depending on the visa subclass.
Services Offered by Ultimate Migration
To facilitate this process, Ultimate Migration provides tailored services including-
- Visa Assessments- Evaluating the eligibility of the business and the employee for the desired visa.
- Explaining Sponsorship Obligations- Employers must understand their responsibilities, including ensuring equivalent terms and conditions of employment for sponsored employees as for Australians.
- Obtaining Approvals- Assistance with navigating the complexities of the application process to maximize the chances of approval.
Key Considerations and Best Practices
Employers must be aware of the conditions and limitations associated with each visa type.
Understanding the implications of bridging visas and compliance with visa conditions is crucial to maintain legal status and work rights in Australia.
Employers should also consider long-term staffing strategies and the potential pathways to permanent residency for their employees, which can enhance retention and loyalty.
Consulting with migration experts can ensure compliance and facilitate a smoother transition for both employers and employees into the Australian workplace. You can visit Avenue Perth to find best migration agents in Perth.
