Guidance for Employer-Sponsored Visas
Australian or oversea businesses can sponsor overseas workers to live and work temporarily or permanently in Australia. There are several types of sponsorship pathways tailored to different industries, occupations, and circumstances.
Business Sponsorship Solutions
Standard Business Sponsorship
Standard Business Sponsorship (SBS) allows Australian businesses to sponsor skilled overseas workers on temporary work visas, such as the Subclass 482 and 494 visa. Becoming an approved sponsor is essential for businesses facing genuine skill shortages and looking to hire qualified talent from abroad.
To apply for SBS, your business must:
- Be legally and actively operating in Australia
- Demonstrate a genuine need for skilled overseas workers
- Show compliance with Australian workplace and immigration laws
- Have no adverse information against the business
Once approved, SBS status is generally valid for 5 years, during which time you can sponsor eligible overseas workers to fill critical roles in your organisation. This helps you meet business needs, remain competitive, and address labour shortages while contributing to the Australian economy.
Approved businesses sponsors may sponsor overseas workers under the temporary Skills In Demand (SID) 482 Visa under the Core Skills and Specialist Skills streams, and the provisional Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (SESR) Regional 494 Visa under the Employer Sponsored stream. The SBS program also provides a pathway for employers to sponsor overseas workers under the permanent Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) 186 Visa via the Temporary Resident Transition stream.
Labour Agreements
Labour Agreements provide a pathway for businesses to sponsor overseas workers in specific roles where standard temporary and permanent visa programs are not available, providing flexibility in addressing workforce needs.
Formal arrangements between the Australian Government and employers to sponsor skilled overseas workers in specific industries or regions facing shortages and may include concessions for age, skills and experience, English and salary.
The Labour Agreement program includes Designated Area Migration Agreements (DAMAs), Industry Labour Agreements and Company Specific Labour Agreements. They are valid for five years.
Allow approved businesses to sponsor overseas workers under the temporary Skills In Demand (SID) 482 Visa under the Labour Agreement stream, and the provisional Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (SESR) Regional 494 Visa under the Labour Agreement stream and may include options for permanent residency under the Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) 186 Visa.
Temporary Activity Sponsorship
Australian businesses can sponsor overseas employees for structured workplace-based training, helping them develop the skills and knowledge essential for your organisation’s growth and future success. The Temporary Activity Sponsorship program enables overseas nationals to come to Australia on a short-term, temporary basis to participate in specific types of work as well as cultural and social activities and government endorsed events.
Training Visa (407)
This program is ideal for employers who want to upskill international workers, provide specialised training not available in the employee’s home country or assist overseas workers to meet mandatory occupational licensing or registration requirements. The Subclass 407 visa allows trainees to stay in Australia for up to 2 years to participate in approved training programs.
Approved sponsors can sponsor individuals to participate in structured occupational training programs to meet mandatory occupation registration / licensing requirements, improve skills in an eligible occupation, or to build capacity overseas. The Subclass 407 visa allows trainees to stay in Australia for up to 2 years.
Temporary activity visa (408)
This program enhances international relations, opportunities for collaboration and cultural exchange by enabling people to share cultural and social experiences, participate in specified work and gain knowledge in the Australian community.
This visa allows businesses and organisations to sponsor individuals via the Australian Government Endorsed Events (AGEE); Special Program; Religious Work; Research Activities; Sporting Activities; Invited Participant; Entertainment Activities; Exchange Arrangement; Superyacht Crew and Domestic Work for Executives streams. Stay periods range from a few months up to 4 years depending on the visa stream.
Sponsor Obligations And Compliance
Our Sponsor Obligations and Compliance Services are designed to help employers understand and meet their legal responsibilities under Australian immigration law.
As an approved sponsor, you are required to comply with a range of obligations to ensure fair treatment of sponsored employees and adherence to government regulations. This includes maintaining accurate records, ensuring employment conditions meet visa requirements, and cooperating with government audits and investigations.
We provide expert guidance and ongoing support to help your business:
- Understand sponsorship duties and compliance requirements
- Prepare for and manage DHA audits
- Implement effective workplace practices for sponsored workers
- Respond to compliance issues or investigations
Our tailored services aim to protect your sponsorship status, minimise risk, and ensure your business remains fully compliant with all Australian immigration laws.