Employer Sponsorship — What Employers Need to Know

The Three Stages of Employer Sponsorship

Employer-sponsored migration works in three stages. First, you apply to become an approved standard business sponsor — demonstrating your business is lawfully operating, financially viable, and has genuine need. Second, you lodge a nomination for the specific role — demonstrating the position is genuine, paid at market salary rate, and that labour market testing has been completed. Third, the worker lodges their visa application. Each stage has its own processing time, evidence requirements, and potential for issues. The stages can overlap, but all three must succeed for the visa to be granted.

Sponsorship Obligations

As a standard business sponsor, you must pay the market salary rate for the nominated position, provide terms and conditions equivalent to Australian workers in comparable roles, maintain records and notify the Department of certain changes (such as the worker ceasing employment), cooperate with monitoring by the Department, and continue to meet obligations for the duration of the sponsorship period. These obligations are legally enforceable and breaches can result in sanctions including bars on future sponsorship.

Salary Thresholds and the Skills in Demand Framework

The transition to the Skills in Demand visa framework introduces salary-based thresholds. The Core Skills stream covers salaries between $73,150 and $135,000. The Specialist Skills stream covers salaries above $135,000. The Essential Skills stream covers specific lower-paid occupations in critical shortage sectors. Understanding which stream applies and ensuring the salary meets the threshold is essential before lodging a nomination.

Labour Market Testing

For most nominations, you must demonstrate that you attempted to fill the role with Australian workers before sponsoring an overseas worker. This involves advertising the position in specified channels for a minimum period. The requirements depend on the visa stream and occupation. Getting labour market testing wrong is one of the most common reasons nominations are refused — and one of the most preventable with proper guidance.

What Employers Cannot Charge Workers

Employers cannot require sponsored workers to pay for sponsorship or nomination costs. The Skilling Australians Fund levy and nomination charges are the employer's responsibility. Passing these costs to the worker — directly or indirectly — is a breach of sponsorship obligations. The visa application fee and the worker's own agent fees are typically the worker's responsibility, though many employers cover these voluntarily as part of a relocation package.

How a Migration Agent Helps Employers

A migration agent experienced in employer sponsorship walks you through the entire process — from sponsorship approval through nomination to visa grant. They ensure your documentation meets requirements, your salary and role satisfy the relevant thresholds, your labour market testing is compliant, and your obligations are clear from the start. Through Migratio, the worker can get matched with 3 agents who handle employer sponsorship and manage both sides of the process.

How much does employer sponsorship cost?

Sponsorship and nomination costs include government charges and the Skilling Australians Fund levy. Agent fees for the employer side vary. Total employer costs typically range from $5,000 to $15,000 depending on the visa and number of workers.

How long does the process take?

Sponsorship approval, nomination, and visa grant together typically take 2 to 6 months for a 482 visa. Direct 186 nominations can take longer.

Can I sponsor someone who is already in Australia?

Yes. Many sponsored workers are already in Australia on another visa. The process is the same, though their current visa conditions may affect timing.

What happens if the worker leaves before the sponsorship period ends?

You must notify the Department. Your sponsorship obligations may continue for a period after the employment ceases. Your agent advises on the specific requirements.

Can a small business sponsor workers?

Yes. There is no minimum business size requirement, but you must demonstrate genuine need, financial viability, and ability to meet obligations.