If you’re an employer in Australia, you may be wondering if sponsoring temporary visa holders or hiring skilled workers from overseas is worth the effort. The answer is a resounding yes, and today, we’ll explain why.
We’ll cover:
Why you should consider sponsoring workers.
The benefits of employer-sponsored visas.
Costs, processing times, and who pays for what.
1. Why Employers Should Consider Sponsorship
Employer-sponsored visas, such as the 482 Skilled in Demand Visa or the 186 Employer Nomination Scheme Visa, are vital for businesses facing skill shortages. Sponsoring skilled workers ensures your business has the talent it needs to thrive.
Address Skill Shortages: Many industries, including healthcare, IT, construction, and hospitality, struggle to find local talent. Sponsoring overseas workers helps fill these critical gaps.
Retain Top Talent: If you already employ a temporary visa holder, sponsorship ensures they stay and continue contributing to your business.
Expand Talent Pools: By sponsoring skilled workers from overseas, you gain access to a global talent pool, especially for specialized or hard-to-fill roles.
2. Benefits of Sponsoring Employees
Sponsoring employees isn’t just about helping them—it also provides strategic advantages for your business.
Business Continuity: Quickly fill vacancies and avoid disruptions to operations.
Reduced Turnover Costs: Retain skilled employees and minimize the high costs associated with recruitment and training.
Attract Top Talent: Becoming a sponsor positions your company as an attractive employer, enhancing your reputation.
Pathway to Permanent Residency: Sponsorship fosters employee loyalty by helping them secure permanent residency through pathways like the 186 visa.
3. Visa Options, Processing Times, and Costs
482 Skilled in Demand Visa
Who is it for? Temporary skilled workers in eligible occupations or those earning above the high-income threshold.
Visa Length: Up to 4 years.
Processing Time: 2-5 months.
Costs for the 482 Visa:
Fees Payable by the Employer:
Sponsorship Application Fee: AUD 420
Nomination Application Fee: AUD 330
Labor Market Testing (if required): Approx. AUD 1,200
Skilling Australians Fund (SAF) Levy:
Annual Turnover < AUD 10 million: AUD 1,200 per year
Annual Turnover ≥ AUD 10 million: AUD 1,800 per year
Fees That Can Be Paid by the Employee or Employer:
Visa Application Fee:
Primary Applicant: AUD 3,158.61
Secondary Applicant (over 18): AUD 3,158.61
Each Additional Applicant (under 18): AUD 790.92
186 Employer Nomination Scheme Visa
Who is it for? Skilled workers applying for permanent residency through the Transition or Direct Entry streams.
Costs for the 186 Visa:
Fees Payable by the Employer:
Nomination Application Fee: AUD 540
Skilling Australians Fund (SAF) Levy:
Annual Turnover < AUD 10 million: AUD 3,000
Annual Turnover ≥ AUD 10 million: AUD 5,000
Fees That Can Be Paid by the Employee or Employer:
Visa Application Fee:
Primary Applicant: AUD 4,836.78
Secondary Applicant (over 18): AUD 2,418.39
Each Additional Applicant (under 18): AUD 1,206.66
Second Instalment: AUD 4,953.39 (if required for dependents without functional English).
4. Who Pays for What
By law, employers must cover sponsorship and nomination fees as well as the Skilling Australians Fund (SAF) levy. Visa application fees, however, can be paid by either the employer or the employee, depending on the agreement. Transparency and clear communication are essential.
5. Why Now is the Right Time
The Australian government is prioritizing skilled migration to address labor shortages. Recent updates to the 482 and 186 visas have simplified the process, making it more accessible for employers.
6. Steps to Get Started
Become a Standard Business Sponsor (SBS):This is the first step to sponsoring workers under the 482 visa.
Identify Your Needs: Assess your business’s current and future skill gaps.
Work with Migration Experts: Engage professionals to ensure a smooth and compliant process.
Sponsoring employees through the 482 or 186 visa is more than filling a role—it’s an investment in your business’s future. By addressing skill shortages and retaining top talent, you set your company up for success.
At Nationwide Migration and Education, our team of highly experienced Registered Migration Agents is here to guide you through every step of the sponsorship process.
Ready to get started? Book a consultation with us today.
Disclaimer:
The information shared by Nationwide Migration and Education on social media and blogs is for general informational purposes only. (The information is accurate at the time of publication but may be subject to change.) It is not legal or immigration advice and should not be relied upon as such.
If you need immigration advice specific to your circumstances, please book a consultation with our Registered Migration Agent.
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