In today’s competitive job market, finding the right talent can be challenging. If your business is struggling to fill crucial roles, sponsoring a skilled migrant could be the solution. Many companies hesitate due to the perceived complexity of the process, but with expert guidance, hiring international talent can be a seamless experience.
At Migration Affairs, we specialise in assisting businesses like yours in navigating the skilled migration process. Whether you’re a small business or a large corporation, we provide tailored advice and handle the complexities so you can focus on growing your business.
Why Consider Skilled Migration?
- Fill Skill Gaps – Some industries face a shortage of qualified local workers, making skilled migration a vital solution. In 2023, 36% of assessed occupations in Australia were identified as being in national shortage, highlighting the critical need for skilled professionals in various sectors (Jobs and Skills Australia)
- Expand Your Talent Pool – Hiring from overseas gives access to highly skilled professionals with unique expertise.
- Increase Business Productivity – The right talent can boost efficiency and help your business scale faster.
- Staying Competitive – By hiring the best, you can stay ahead of industry trends and innovations.
What is the most common visa for temporary skilled workers?
The Skills in Demand (subclass 482) visa, formerly known as the Temporary Skills (TSS) visa, is generally the most common visa for temporary skilled workers in Australia. It allows Australian employers to sponsor overseas workers to fill shortages when no suitable Australian workers are available.
The 482 visa is a temporary work visa that permits the holder to stay and work in Australia for up to four years, depending on the occupation and visa stream. It also offers a clear pathway to permanent residency after meeting the required period of employment with the sponsoring employer.
While the 482 visa is the most commonly used visa for skilled workers, there are several other employer-sponsored visa options available depending on factors such as:
✔ The type of work being performed
✔ The duration of employment required
✔ The candidate’s skills, experience, and qualifications
✔ The business’s sponsorship status
As employer-sponsored migration pathways can be complex, seeking expert advice is highly recommended to ensure the most suitable visa option is chosen based on individual and business needs.
Steps to Sponsoring a Skilled Migrant for a 482 Visa
Step 1: Confirm the Need for a Skilled Migrant
Before seeking an international candidate, you must ensure that no suitable Australian worker is available to fill the role. This often requires Labour Market Testing (LMT), where you advertise the position locally for a set period to show genuine recruitment efforts (as shown in step 4).
Step 2: Check the Skilled Occupation List
The role you are hiring for must be listed on Australia’s Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL). We assist in checking this list and finding the best pathway for your needs.
Step 3: Demonstrate that the vacancy cannot be filled by a person in Australia
Unless exempt, proving that you cannot find a local person to fill the role using Labour Market Testing, we can help you navigate this process to show a genuine attempt to hire locally.
Step 5: Apply to Become a Sponsor
To hire a skilled migrant, your business must first be approved as a sponsor. This involves demonstrating that your business is legally operating and financially stable. We streamline this process by ensuring you meet all eligibility requirements and complete the necessary documentation.
Step 5: Nominate the Position
Next, you must formally nominate the role you want to fill, ensuring it meets salary and employment conditions set by the Department of Home Affairs. The position must meet the minimum salary threshold and be genuine. This involves providing various forms of evidence and documentation which requires preparation.
Step 7: Lodge the Visa Application
The international candidate must lodge the visa. This includes meeting all the relevant visa requirements including health, English, character, skills/work experience/qualifications. We can help you complete the skilled migrant’s visa application ensure they meet the necessary eligibility criteria and assist in expediting the process. Our experts can also liaise with the Department of Home Affairs to avoid delays and complications.
Costs Involved in Sponsoring a Skilled Worker for a 482 visa
Sponsoring a skilled migrant involves certain fees, including:
- Sponsorship application fees – $420
- Nomination fee – $330 per position
- Skilling Australians Fund (SAF) Levy – A levy payable by businesses depending on size and the length of sponsorship. Small businesses usually pay $1,200 per year, while larger businesses pay $1,800 per year.
- Visa application fees – $3,115 per main applicant. Please note additional fees for each included family member.
We provide a detailed cost breakdown and assist in financial planning to ensure a smooth sponsorship process. Please note: Visa fees are subject to change each financial year as per the Department of Home Affairs. Additional fees may apply depending on specific circumstances.
How can Migration Affairs help?
Migration Affairs has experienced immigration lawyers and registered migration agents who can help you with your business sponsorship process. The business sponsorship process can be time-consuming and complex. The documentation requirements and the uncertainty around eligibility make it a challenging undertaking.
That’s where we come in. Our immigration team can help you:
✔ Prepare a compelling and tailored application that aligns with the Skills in Demand Visa.
✔ Identify and present the strongest pieces of evidence to support your case.
✔ Navigate common pitfalls that cause applications to be rejected.
✔ Reduce stress and save time by ensuring your submission meets the highest standards.
For advice and visa support, contact Migration Affairs at info@migrationaffairs.com.au or www.migrationaffairs.com.au/contact.
Let us help you grow your business with top international talent!
📧 info@migrationaffairs.com.au
📞 +61 2 8226 8777
Changes to the migration program can occur without notice. The above information is not intended to be legal advice and is correct as of the date of writing this article.
Contact Migrations Affairs to speak with our immigration experts for tailored advice on the circumstances and eligibility.
