Australia offers numerous opportunities for skilled workers, and one of the most popular routes for moving to the country is through an employer-sponsored visa. This visa allows Australian companies to sponsor skilled workers for temporary or permanent residency based on their skills and the employer’s needs. If you aim to secure an employer-sponsored visa in Australia, here’s a step-by-step guide and useful tips for securing a job offer.
Understanding Employer-Sponsored Visas
Australia offers different types of employer-sponsored visas, the most common being:
- Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) Visa (Subclass 482): This visa allows employers to bring in skilled workers for a temporary period (up to four years) in occupations where there is a shortage of Australian workers.
- Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) Visa (Subclass 186): A permanent visa that enables skilled workers to live and work in Australia permanently. It requires employer nomination and can be accessed via the Direct Entry or Temporary Residence Transition streams.
- Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme (RSMS) Visa (Subclass 187): A permanent visa for skilled workers nominated by an employer in regional Australia.
Steps to Obtain Employer Sponsorship
- Ensure You Meet Eligibility Criteria Before starting your job search, meet the basic eligibility criteria for an employer-sponsored visa. These usually include having the relevant skills and qualifications, proficiency in English, and sufficient work experience in your occupation. Depending on the occupation, some visas may require skills assessments.
- Find the Right Job Securing a job with a company willing to sponsor you is the first step in the visa process. Focus your job search on industries and sectors that face a labour shortage, such as healthcare, engineering, IT, and trades. Employers in these industries are often open to sponsoring international talent. Make use of job portals like: – Seek (seek.com.au) – Indeed (au.indeed.com) – LinkedIn (linkedin.com) You can filter job postings to look for positions specifically open to sponsorship.
- Apply to Employers Who Are Approved Sponsors: Not all Australian companies are eligible to sponsor foreign workers. The Australian government must approve the company as a sponsor. You can search for registered employers in the Australian government’s List of Approved Sponsors, which is regularly updated and publicly available. This will help you narrow your search to companies willing and able to sponsor you.
- Tailor Your Application for Sponsorship When applying for jobs in Australia, emphasise your willingness to relocate and your eligibility for a sponsored visa. Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your skills and qualifications and how you can address skill shortages in Australia. Make it clear that you are open to sponsorship and have a valid reason for applying.
- Networking Networking is one of the most effective ways to land a job offer with sponsorship. Attend industry-related events, job fairs, and virtual networking platforms that connect international talent with Australian employers. Platforms like LinkedIn allow you to engage with companies that are actively hiring and making connections in the industry.
- Contact Recruitment Agencies Many recruitment agencies in Australia specialise in connecting international talent with employers willing to sponsor. Agencies often have exclusive partnerships with companies and can provide access to positions not listed publicly. They also guide you through the application process and help negotiate terms related to sponsorship.
- Prepare for the Visa Nomination ProcessOnce you receive a job offer, your employer will nominate you for a visa. The employer must submit a nomination application and meet specific requirements, including proving that an Australian citizen or resident cannot fill the job. You will then lodge your visa application and provide documents such as proof of qualifications, English proficiency, and work experience.
Tips for Securing a Job Offer with Sponsorship
- Research Your Industry: Understanding which industries are experiencing skill shortages in Australia will help you target companies that are more likely to sponsor international workers.
- Leverage Australian Job Portals: Many job portals have filters for roles that offer sponsorship, helping you focus your search.
- Be Proactive: Don’t hesitate to contact companies directly, even if they haven’t explicitly stated they’re offering sponsorship. Express your interest and explain why you’re a good fit.
- Be Open to Regional Opportunities: Many regional areas in Australia are experiencing significant labour shortages, making employers more likely to sponsor international workers. Be open to living and working in a regional area, as it may increase your chances of securing a sponsorship.
- Demonstrate Your Value: Companies want to know how you will add value to their business. Tailor your application to showcase how your skills will help solve their staffing challenges.
Obtaining an employer-sponsored visa in Australia is a great pathway to securing work and potentially permanent residency. Focusing on in-demand industries, tailoring your applications, and being proactive in your job search can increase your chances of securing a job offer with sponsorship.
