Corporate Relocation Blog | Galleon

How Simple Is It To Get A Sponsored Visa For Australia?

Written by Christopher Townsend | Oct 7, 2024 11:30:00 AM

Whether you want to expand your career opportunities with a temporary work or study placement, or are thinking about a permanent move to Australia, there are many visa options available. In this article, we explain the types of visas available, eligibility, and what to do next.

Australian Employer Sponsored Visas

An employer sponsored visa is where an Australian business applies for your visa on your behalf, in order to recruit you. These visas may be issued on a temporary or a permanent basis. Australian employers can only usually do this if they cannot find an Australian citizen to do the job. This is highly safeguarded by the government to prioritise job opportunities for Australian citizens.

What Other Types Of Sponsored Visas For Australia Are Available?

There are various other sponsored visa options for Australia. There are ten main visa types, which range from post-vocational educational work visas to temporary residence transition visas. Of these, four subclasses are particularly important. They are: 1) the Temporary Skills Shortage (TSS) Subclass 482; 2) the Employer Nominated Scheme (ENS) Subclass 186; 3) the Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) Subclass 494 and; 4) the Designated Area Migration Agreement (DAMA).

Do I Have To Be A ‘Skilled Worker’ To Apply For An Australian Working Visa?

There is a surprising amount of generosity in the Australian visa selection. For instance, there is the Working Holiday Visa Subclass 417. This is for young adults aged between 18-35 years old, who want to fund a long holiday in Australia by doing a few basic fruit-picking and labour jobs – such as bar work and ad hoc roles in the construction sector. This visa is for up to three years, so is an excellent option for people who want to fund their travels on the go. However, there is a very clear distinction between visas for long-term career-based employment and a backpacking adventure.

Can I Get A Permanent Working Visa For Australia?

Yes. The Employer Nominated Scheme (ENS) Subclass 186 is a permanent living and working visa aimed at skilled professionals. Many of these opportunities will be in health and social care professions, with the aim of integrating into the heart of Australian society. For a permanent working visa, having the relevant qualifications and skills is a basic requirement. If you have the qualifications but do not yet have the experience, the Training Visa Subclass 407 is designed to give you experience, and can be used to transition from a temporary to a full-time role in Australia.

What Type Of Skilled Workers Is Australia Looking For?

Australia is always seeking to fill a range of employment gaps. Typical skills shortages in Australia include frontline professionals such as nurses, doctors, paramedics, firefighters, and police officers. Engineering specialists such as electricians, heating and gas engineers, flooring specialists, and plumbers are also frequently sought after. Jobs for hairdressers and beauticians are also regularly advertised. To see what Australia is looking for right now, visit the Australian employment hub.

Can I Work In Australia Without A Visa?

No. The penalties for doing so can be severe, with individual fines in excess of AUD$25,000 (£12,850). Employers are fined a whopping AUD$65,000, discouraging them from hiring illegal workers. These fines reflect the importance of getting the correct Australian visa documentation, as well as the broad range of visa options that are available. As such, it is crucial to secure a legitimate sponsored working visa before taking up employment Down Under.

Next Steps

For more information about Australian visas or relocating to Australia, please contact the team at Galleon International today by clicking here.

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