Sponsoring an overseas employee

We assist corporate clients looking to sponsor and employ skilled workers from overseas. We also assist skilled migrants looking to be employed in Australia on a temporary or permanent basis by their employer.

The main visa types in this category are:

• Business (Long Stay) visa (Subclass 457);
• Employer Nomination Scheme (subclass 121/856); and
• Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme (subclass 119/857).

Business (Long Stay) visa (Subclass 457)

Australian businesses often sponsor overseas employees if they are skilled workers within their particular industry. The position to be filled must require skills and/or knowledge and the applicant must be able to show that they have the education and/or work experience to fulfil the position. The visa is generally valid for a stay of between 3 months and 4 years.

This application involves a three-step process:

• Step 1. The employer must apply for sponsorship approval;
• Step 2. The employer must nominate a position to be filled;
• Step 3. The visa applicant must lodge a visa application.

Employer Nomination Scheme (subclass 121/856)

This visa category allows Australian employers to fill highly skilled positions in Australia on a permanent basis. The position to be filled must require skills and/or knowledge and the applicant must be able to show that they have the education and/or work experience to fill the position.

This application involves a two-step process:

• Step 1. Nomination by the employer;
• Step 2. The visa applicant must lodge a visa application.

Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme (subclass 119/857)

This visa allows Australian employers in regional or low population areas of Australia to fill skilled positions with non-Australian citizens/permanent residents on a permanent basis.

The RSMS application involves a four-step process:

• Step 1. Nomination by the employer
• Step 2. Certification of the nomination/vacancy by a Regional Certifying Body;
• Step 3. Assessment of the nomination/vacancy by DIAC;
• Step 4. The visa applicant must lodge a visa application.