The Benefits of Sponsoring International Talent

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

• Access to Specialized Skills: You can tap into skills that may be hard to find in the local market.

• Diverse Perspectives: International workers bring unique viewpoints and experiences to your team.

• Quick Hiring: Fill positions swiftly when local recruitment efforts fall short.

• Long-Term Stability: Build a stable workforce through pathways to permanent residency.

  
  

Step 1: Become an Approved Sponsor

Before you can sponsor any overseas worker, your business must 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 and does not have adverse information. If there is any adverse information, it must be disregarded. You also need to show a genuine need for overseas workers while being committed to local recruitment. Finally, your business must be 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:

• Genuine Position: The position is necessary for your business operations.

• Relevant Occupation: The role matches an occupation on the relevant skilled occupation list.

• Market Salary Rate: You will pay at least the Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (TSMIT).

• Labour Market Testing (LMT): You must complete LMT by 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 one year of relevant work experience within the last five years, along with the relevant qualifications for the occupation.

• Meet English language requirements.

• Have relevant qualifications or skills assessments, or enough relevant experience to substitute the qualifications.

• Pass health and character checks.

• Obtain necessary registration or licensing 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: This is a one-time fee for your sponsorship application.

• Nomination Application Fee: A fee for each position you nominate.

• Skilling Australians Fund (SAF) Levy: This is paid per sponsored worker.

• Potential Legal and Migration Agent Fees: Consider these if you need professional help.

  
  

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

Your Obligations as a Sponsor

Being an approved sponsor comes with ongoing responsibilities:

• Pay Market Salary Rates: Ensure you pay equivalent market salary rates.

• Fair Employment Terms: The terms and conditions of employment must be no less favourable than those for Australian workers.

• Record Keeping: Keep thorough records and cooperate with Department of Home Affairs (DHA) inspections.

• Notify Changes: Inform the Department of significant changes, such as if a worker leaves or if there are business changes.

• Travel Costs: Pay reasonable travel costs for the worker to leave Australia if employment ends and they 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 applies if you sponsor them under a Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (subclass 494) visa. You could even directly sponsor them for a Permanent visa, such as the subclass 186.

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

Tips for Success

1. Plan Ahead: The sponsorship process takes time, so start early.

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

3. Engage a Migration Agent: Consider hiring a registered migration agent to maximize your chances of success.

4. Stay Informed: Keep up with changes to skilled occupation lists and nomination/visa requirements.

5. Support Your Workers: Help 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 specializes 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.

With the right support, you can successfully navigate the sponsorship process and build a diverse, skilled workforce that drives your business forward.