Sponsor skilled workers for your business
Australia's employer-sponsored visa program lets you recruit qualified professionals from around the world. Whether you need engineers, nurses, chefs, or IT specialists, sponsorship gives you access to talent that the local market cannot provide.
Get Started →Why sponsor overseas workers?
Access global talent
Reach a worldwide pool of qualified professionals. When local candidates are scarce, sponsorship lets you recruit the best people regardless of where they are.
Fill critical skill gaps
Many Australian industries face persistent skill shortages. Sponsorship gives you a direct pathway to fill roles that cannot be recruited locally.
Retain workers long-term
Sponsored employees tend to stay longer than typical hires. The visa pathway creates loyalty and commitment, reducing turnover and recruitment costs over time.
How sponsorship works
Become an approved sponsor
Apply to the Department of Home Affairs to become a Standard Business Sponsor. This confirms your business is lawfully operating and has a genuine need for overseas workers.
Nominate the position
Lodge a nomination for the specific role you want to fill. You will need to demonstrate that the position is genuine, meets the salary threshold, and that you have tested the local labour market.
Worker applies for the visa
Once the nomination is approved, your chosen worker submits their visa application. They will need to meet skills, English, and health requirements.
Worker arrives and starts
After the visa is granted, your new employee can travel to Australia and commence work. As the sponsor, you have ongoing obligations around pay and conditions.
Visa options for employers
Temporary Skill Shortage
The most common employer-sponsored visa. Allows you to bring in a skilled worker for a temporary period. The worker can transition to permanent residency through the 186 visa after two or three years.
Short-term, Medium-term, and Labour Agreement streams
Employer Nomination Scheme
Grants permanent residency to a skilled worker nominated by their employer. Available through the Direct Entry stream (for workers not yet in Australia) or the Temporary Residence Transition stream (for current 482 holders).
Direct Entry and Temporary Residence Transition streams
Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional
For employers in designated regional areas. Provides a pathway to permanent residency through the 191 visa after three years. Attractive for businesses outside major metropolitan areas.
Employer Sponsored and Labour Agreement streams
Costs for employers
Sponsoring a worker involves government fees at several stages. The following are indicative costs as of 2024. Fees are subject to change.
| Fee | Amount (AUD) |
|---|---|
| Standard Business Sponsorship application | $420 |
| Nomination application (482) | $330 |
| Nomination application (186) | $540 |
| Skilling Australians Fund (SAF) levy, small business, per year | $1,200 |
| Skilling Australians Fund (SAF) levy, other business, per year | $1,800 |
| Visa application fee (paid by worker, 482) | $1,455 |
| Visa application fee (paid by worker, 186) | $4,640 |
Fees are approximate and may change. Visit the Department of Home Affairs website for current fee schedules.
Ready to sponsor a skilled worker?
Tell us about your business and the role you need to fill. We will connect you with information and resources to get started.
Contact Us →Frequently asked questions about sponsorship
How long does it take to become an approved sponsor?
Processing times vary, but most Standard Business Sponsor applications are processed within one to three months. You can check current processing times on the Department of Home Affairs website.
Does the occupation need to be on a skills list?
Yes. The nominated occupation must appear on the relevant skills list for the visa subclass you are applying under. The Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL) and Short-term Skilled Occupation List (STSOL) are the two main lists.
What is labour market testing?
Labour market testing requires you to advertise the position locally before sponsoring an overseas worker. The advertising must be genuine and meet specific requirements, including minimum advertising periods and approved platforms.
Can small businesses sponsor workers?
Yes. There is no minimum business size. Small businesses can sponsor workers provided they meet the sponsorship requirements, including demonstrating a genuine need and the capacity to pay market-rate salaries.
What happens if the sponsored worker leaves?
If the worker leaves your business, your sponsorship obligations for that worker generally end. The worker may need to find another sponsor or leave Australia, depending on their visa conditions. You should notify the Department of Home Affairs.
Can I sponsor a worker who is already in Australia?
Yes, in many cases. Workers on certain visas (student, working holiday, bridging) can be nominated for employer-sponsored visas while in Australia, subject to meeting eligibility requirements.
What are my obligations as a sponsor?
Sponsors must pay the worker at least the market salary rate, ensure terms and conditions are no less favourable than for an Australian worker in the same role, keep records, and notify the Department of changes. Failure to meet obligations can result in sanctions.