How to Sponsor International Talent: A Step-by-Step Guide for Australian Businesses

In today's competitive job market, Australian businesses are increasingly looking beyond borders to find the skilled workers they need. Sponsoring international talent can be the solution to filling critical skill gaps, but the process can seem daunting. We would try to break down everything you need to know about becoming a sponsor and bringing overseas workers to your team.

Why Sponsor International Talent?

Before diving into the process, let's consider why sponsoring international workers might be the right move for your business:

• Access to specialised skills that may be difficult to find in the local market

• Bring diverse perspectives and international experience to your team

• Fill positions quickly when local recruitment has been unsuccessful

• Build long-term workforce stability through permanent residency pathways

Step 1: Become an Approved Sponsor

Before you can sponsor any overseas worker, your business must first apply to become a Standard Business Sponsor (SBS). This approval lasts for five years and allows you to sponsor multiple workers during that period. You must demonstrate that your business is lawfully operating in Australia, does not have adverse information or that any adverse information can be disregarded, has a genuine need for overseas workers while at the same time being committed to focusing on local recruitment, and is financially capable of sponsoring someone.

Step 2: Nominate a Position

Once approved as a sponsor, you need to nominate each position you want to fill with an overseas worker. The nomination must demonstrate that:

• The position is genuine and necessary for your business operations

• The role matches an occupation on the relevant skilled occupation list

• You will pay the market salary rate (at least the Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold - TSMIT)

• Labour Market Testing (LMT) has been completed (advertising the role locally first)

Step 3: The Worker Applies for Their Visa

After the nomination is approved, your chosen worker can apply for their visa. For Skills In Demand (subclass 482), the worker must:

• Have at least 1 years of relevant work experience within the last five years if also has the relevant qualifications for the occupation

• Meet English language requirements

• Have relevant qualifications or skills assessments (depending on the occupation) or, enough relevant experience to substitute the qualifications

• Pass health and character checks

• Obtain the necessary registration or license if required for the occupation, or plan to acquire it as soon as possible.

Additional requirements apply for Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (subclass 494) and Employer Nomination Scheme (subclass 186) visas.

Understanding the Costs

Sponsoring international talent involves several costs that businesses should budget for:

• Standard Business Sponsorship application fee

• Nomination application fee

• Skilling Australians Fund (SAF) levy - paid per sponsored worker

• Potential legal and migration agent fees

In any scenario, it is likely more cost-effective than hiring a recruiter, and not filling the position could financially impact the business. Therefore, this expense might be advantageous for the company.

Your Obligations as a Sponsor

Being an approved sponsor comes with ongoing responsibilities:

• Pay equivalent market salary rates

• Ensure terms and conditions of employment are no less favourable than for Australian workers

• Keep records and cooperate with Department of Home Affairs (DHA) inspections

• Notify the Department of significant changes (worker leaving, business changes, etc.)

• Pay reasonable travel costs for the worker to leave Australia if employment ends and the employer must leave the country

Pathways to Permanent Residency

One of the biggest advantages of sponsoring international talent is the ability to offer a pathway to permanent residency. After working for you on a 482 visa, eligible workers may apply for the Employer Nomination Scheme (subclass 186) visa, which grants permanent residency.

The same happens if you sponsor them under a Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (subclass 494) visa or, even you could directly sponsor them for a Permanent visa such as the subclass 186.

These pathways help you retain valuable employees and provides them with long-term security in Australia.

Tips for Success

1. Plan ahead - The sponsorship process takes time, so start early

2. Keep thorough records of your recruitment efforts for Labour Market Testing

3. Consider engaging a registered migration agent to maximise your chances of success

4. Stay informed about changes to skilled occupation lists and nomination / visa requirements

5. Support your sponsored workers with onboarding and settling into Australia

Need Help?

The employer sponsorship process can be complex, but you don't have to navigate it alone. Our team specialises in helping Australian businesses sponsor international talent. Contact The NoBull Group today for a consultation to discuss your workforce needs and explore how sponsorship can help your business grow.