If you’re having trouble finding local candidates to fill a job vacancy, you can consider hiring skilled migrants. However, the process can be a bit complicated compared to other hiring methods. This easy-to-understand guide will walk you through the basics of sponsoring skilled migrants in Australia, including who can apply, costs involved, what you need to do, and your responsibilities as an employer.

Who Can Apply to Be a Sponsor

If your business is legally established and operating, you can apply to become a sponsor. The most common type of sponsorship is called Standard Business Sponsorship. It means you can bring skilled migrants to work for your company. You can learn more about sponsorships on the Department of Home Affairs website.

Understanding the Costs

Sponsoring skilled migrants involves some costs. You’ll need to pay fees for becoming an approved sponsor and nominating a skilled migrant. The amount you pay depends on the visa option you choose and whether you use a migration agent. Additionally, there’s a levy called the Skilling Australians Fund, which varies based on the size of your business and the visa type you choose. The skilled migrant will also have their own costs related to their visa application.

Proving You Tried to Hire Locally

Before sponsoring a migrant, you must show that you made an effort to hire someone from Australia. This is called Labour Market Testing. It means you need to advertise the job within Australia and demonstrate that you couldn’t find a suitable local candidate. There are specific guidelines you must follow for this.

Choosing the Right Visa

There is a list called the Skilled Occupation List that tells you which visas are available for different occupations. Once you find the occupation you need, you can check the details of the visas, such as the cost and how long the process takes, on the Department of Home Affairs website.

Your Responsibilities as an Employer

When you sponsor a skilled migrant, you have certain obligations as an employer. You need to provide them with the minimum entitlements outlined by the National Employment Standards. These standards ensure fair treatment and protect workers. There may be additional obligations to prevent exploitation of migrant workers.

Who You Can Sponsor

As an approved sponsor, you can bring in skilled workers who are living overseas, already in Australia on a different visa that doesn’t allow work, or already living and working in Australia on another visa. You can also take over the sponsorship of someone who holds a Temporary Skill Shortage visa (subclass 482).

Hiring Working Holiday or Student Visa Holders

If you want to hire someone on a working holiday or student visa, you don’t need to go through the skilled migration sponsorship process. You can hire them directly. However, if you want to sponsor them as a skilled migrant, you can do that too.

Getting Assistance

Sponsoring skilled migrants can be complex, but you don’t necessarily need a migration agent. However, if you decide to work with one, make sure they are registered with the Office of the Migration Agents Registration Authority. This will ensure they have the necessary expertise. You can check the register on their website.

Hiring skilled migrants can be a solution if you can’t find suitable local candidates for your job vacancies. By understanding the basic requirements, costs, and steps involved, you can navigate the process more easily. Remember to follow the rules, provide fair treatment to sponsored workers, and seek help when needed. For more detailed information, visit the official Department of Home Affairs website.