Sponsoring Overseas Employees

Business Sponsorship - Temporary Residence

A business can sponsor an overseas employee for a visa which may be valid for up to 4 years. This program is open to both Australian businesses and overseas businesses which are seeking to establish operations in Australia.

Employer Nomination Scheme - Permanent Residence

An Australian business may also sponsor an overseas resident for permanent resident status. The requirements are much stricter than for temporary business sponsorship, and the visa application would generally need to be aged under 45.

Regional Sponsored Skilled Migration Scheme - Permanent Residence

Businesses operating in a regional area of Australia can nominate overseas employees under RSMS. RSMS is a streamlined pathway compared to ENS - the employer requirements are lower than for ENS and there are also concessions in terms of skill level for the applicant as well.

Obligations for Temporary Business Sponsors

If a business is approved as a business sponsor and nominates some overseas employees for temporary business visas, the business must agree to assume a number of sponsorship obligations. There are a number of serious sanctions which can be applied by DIMIA if these obligations are breached.