Australia’s Employer-Sponsored Migration Programs

Overview of Australia’s Employer-Sponsored Migration Programs

This project for skilled and experienced overseas applicants to obtain permanent residency or temporary work visas through the sponsorship of an Australian employer. However, since 2017, the Australian immigration authorities have implemented several major reforms to ensure that the needs of the Australian labor market are prioritized and to improve the overall quality of skilled migration.

  • Key Changes from the 2017 Reforms
  • Categories of Employer-Sponsored Visas
  • Application Process
  • Reduction in Occupation List:The immigration authorities reduced the number of occupations on the nominated occupation list, retaining only those in urgent demand in Australia. This means that applicants must have their occupation listed on the reduced occupation list to meet the basic requirements for employer-sponsored migration.
  • Increased English Language Requirements: The reforms increased the English language proficiency requirements for applicants. This requirement ensures that applicants can effectively integrate into the Australian work environment and communicate effectively with colleagues and clients.
  • Increased Work Experience Requirements: Applicants now need to have more extensive relevant work experience, making the program more suitable for those who have already accumulated significant experience in their field. Domestic recent graduates are somewhat affected, while applicants with overseas work experience have more opportunities to benefit from this reform.
  • Temporary Skill Shortage Visa (Subclass 482, TSS Visa): 

    visa allows Australian employers to sponsor skilled workers to come to Australia for work, with a validity of two to four years. Applicants can apply for either short-term or long-term visas depending on their occupation, and in some cases, these visas can be transitioned to permanent residency.

  • Employer Nomination Scheme (Subclass 186, ENS Visa): 

    This is a permanent residency visa for temporary visa holders already working in Australia or for applicants directly sponsored from overseas. This visa requires the applicant’s occupation to be on the immigration authorities' specified occupation list and to meet certain skills and English language requirements.

  • Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme (Subclass 494, SES Visa): 

    This visa is for applicants willing to work in Australia’s regional areas, valid for five years and providing a pathway to permanent residency.

  • Qualification Assessment: First, conduct a comprehensive qualification assessment to determine if the applicant’s occupation is on the nominated occupation list and assesses their work experience and English proficiency against the requirements.
  • Employer Matching and Sponsorship:Help applicants find suitable Australian employers and assists the employers in completing all necessary sponsorship application preparations.
  • Visa Application:After obtaining employer sponsorship, guide applicants in preparing and submitting their visa application, ensuring all materials meet immigration authorities' requirements.
  • Visa Approval and Post-Visa Services: Once the visa is approved, provide a range of post-visa services to help applicants smoothly integrate into their work and life in Australia.