Navigating the path to working in Australia often involves securing employer sponsorship. This process can seem complex, leading to many visa sponsorship questions. This Australian sponsorship FAQ tackles the top 10 most common queries to provide clarity and finding sponsor help.
1. What exactly is an ‘Accredited Sponsor’ in Australia?
An Accredited Sponsor is a special status granted by the Department of Home Affairs to certain Standard Business Sponsors (SBS) who have a strong track record of compliance and a significant, ongoing need to sponsor overseas workers. Essentially, they are recognised as trusted, high-volume users of the sponsorship program. The main benefit for visa applicants is that nomination and visa applications lodged by Accredited Sponsors receive priority processing, often resulting in significantly faster decision times – sometimes within just a few days for nominations.
2. Do I need an Accredited Sponsor, or can any approved business sponsor me?
No, you don’t specifically need an Accredited Sponsor. Any Australian business that has been approved as a Standard Business Sponsor (SBS) can nominate you for a relevant visa (like the TSS 482, ENS 186, or SESR 494), provided they meet all the requirements for the specific nomination. Accreditation is an additional status for the employer that primarily benefits them (and subsequently you) through faster processing. Finding a willing and approved Standard Business Sponsor is the key requirement.
3. How do I find potential employer sponsors (accredited or standard)?
Finding an employer willing to sponsor can be challenging but is achievable. Standard methods include:
- Online Job Boards: Major Australian sites like SEEK, Indeed, and LinkedIn often list positions where sponsorship may be offered. Look for specific mentions.
- Company Careers Pages: Directly check the websites of companies in your industry.
- Recruitment Agencies: Some agencies specialise in placements requiring sponsorship.
- Professional Networking: Utilise contacts within your industry in Australia.
- Specialised Platforms: Websites like Ozjoblist are specifically designed to connect skilled workers with Australian employers actively looking to sponsor, making your search more targeted and efficient. This is a key resource for finding sponsor help.
4. Do I need a confirmed job offer before applying for a sponsored visa?
Yes, absolutely. For employer-sponsored visas like the TSS 482, ENS 186, and SESR 494, a fundamental requirement is that you must be nominated by an approved Australian employer for a specific, eligible skilled occupation. You cannot apply for the visa without this nomination, which inherently means you must have already secured a job offer from that sponsoring employer.
5. What are the general steps and how long does the entire sponsorship process usually take?
The process generally involves three main stages:
- Sponsorship Application (by Employer): The business applies to become a Standard Business Sponsor (if not already approved). This can take roughly 1-2 months.
- Nomination Application (by Employer): The approved sponsor nominates you for a specific position. Processing can range from days (especially for Accredited Sponsors) to several weeks.
- Visa Application (by Employee): You apply for the actual visa (e.g., 482, 186, 494). Processing times vary significantly based on the visa subclass, stream, application completeness, and departmental priorities, ranging from weeks to several months.
Overall, the entire process from start to visa grant can take anywhere from a couple of months to over six months, depending heavily on the specifics and processing times at that moment.
6. What are the typical English language requirements for sponsored visas (482, 186, 494)?
English proficiency is a key requirement. The level needed varies by visa subclass and stream, typically demonstrated through tests like IELTS, PTE Academic, TOEFL iBT, etc., taken within the last 3 years. General levels include:
- TSS 482 (Short-Term Stream): Overall IELTS 5.0 (or equivalent), with minimum 4.5 in each component.
- TSS 482 (Medium-Term Stream): Overall IELTS 5.0 (or equivalent), with minimum 5.0 in each component.
- ENS 186 (Direct Entry) & SESR 494: Generally require ‘Competent English’, e.g., IELTS minimum 6.0 in each component or PTE Academic minimum 50 in each component (or equivalent).
- Exemptions: Citizens of the UK, USA, Canada, New Zealand, or the Republic of Ireland, or those who meet specific educational requirements, may be exempt. These are crucial requirements for sponsorship Australia. Always check the specific requirements for the visa stream you are applying for on the Department of Home Affairs website.
7. What are the main costs involved for the employee?
While the employer covers sponsorship and nomination costs, the visa applicant is typically responsible for:
- Visa Application Charge (VAC): Varies significantly. As of early 2025, examples include ~AUD 1,455 (482 Short-Term) to ~AUD 3,115 (482 Medium-Term) to ~AUD 4,640 (186/494) for the primary applicant. Additional family members pay separate fees.
- English Language Test: Fees vary by test provider.
- Skills Assessment: If required for your occupation/visa, costs vary by assessing authority.
- Health Examinations: Costs vary by country and panel physician.
- Police Certificates: Costs vary by country.
- Health Insurance: Mandatory for temporary visas like the 482; cost depends on the provider and level of cover. Note: While these are usually the employee’s responsibility, a generous employer may offer to cover some or all of these as part of the employment package.
8. What are the main costs and obligations for the employer?
Employers have significant financial and administrative requirements for sponsorship Australia:
- Costs:
- Standard Business Sponsorship application fee (~AUD 420).
- Nomination application fee (~AUD 330 for 482, ~AUD 540 for 186 unless regional, potentially $0 for 494).
- Skilling Australians Fund (SAF) Levy (Mandatory, cannot be passed to employee. E.g., 482: AUD 1,200-1,800 per year; 186/494: AUD 3,000-5,000 one-off).
- Obligations:
- Pay the sponsored worker at least the market salary rate (and not less than the Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold – TSMIT, currently AUD 70,000 + superannuation).
- Ensure equivalent terms and conditions as Australian workers.
- Not engage in discriminatory recruitment practices.
- Keep records and cooperate with inspectors.
- Notify the Department of certain events (e.g., employee cessation).
- Pay reasonable return travel costs for the employee if requested under certain circumstances.
9. Can I switch sponsors if I find a new job while on a sponsored visa (e.g., 482)?
Yes, if you hold a TSS 482 visa, you can change employers. However, you must follow a specific process:
- Your new prospective employer must be an approved Standard Business Sponsor (or become one).
- The new employer must lodge a new nomination application for you, linking it to your existing 482 visa.
- You cannot legally start working for the new employer until their nomination application is approved.
- Crucially, after you stop working for your previous sponsor, you have a limited period (currently 180 days) to have a new nomination approved, be granted a different visa, or depart Australia. Failure to do so can breach your visa conditions.
10. Can I include my family members (partner, children) on my sponsored visa application?
Yes, most employer-sponsored visas (including the 482, 186, and 494) allow you to include members of your family unit in your application. This typically includes your partner (married or de facto) and your dependent children. They can apply at the same time as you, or they can apply later as ‘subsequent entrants’ to join you in Australia, provided your visa is still valid. If applying later, the sponsor generally needs to provide written consent to extend their sponsorship obligations to cover your dependents. All family members must also meet health, character, and (for temporary visas) health insurance requirements.
Disclaimer: Visa requirements and costs are subject to change. Always refer to the official Department of Home Affairs website for the most current information.
