Understanding employer-sponsored permanent visas in Australia

Hiring the right candidate is critical to any business’s success. However, finding individuals with the exact skills and credentials within Australia can sometimes be challenging. When you need to look beyond the local workforce, employer-sponsored permanent visas provide an excellent pathway to attract and retain highly skilled foreign workers. Businesses can navigate this complex process smoothly with the help of the Australian Portal Immigration (API). This article provides a comprehensive overview of employer-sponsored permanent visas in Australia, offering migration advice to ensure your success.

What is an Employer-Sponsored Permanent Visa?

An employer-sponsored permanent visa enables Australian businesses to sponsor skilled workers from overseas for long-term residency. This visa is ideal for employers who cannot find suitable candidates within the local labour market and wish to employ foreign workers to fill critical skill gaps. There are several types of employer-sponsored permanent visas, with the most common being the Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) (subclass 186) and the Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme (RSMS) (subclass 187).

Key Benefits of Employer-Sponsored Permanent Visas

1. Access to Global Talent: These visas enable employers to tap into a vast pool of highly skilled professionals from around the world, ensuring that you find the ideal candidate with the necessary expertise.
2. Employee Retention: Offering a pathway to permanent residency can significantly improve employee retention, as foreign workers are more likely to commit to long-term employment.
3. Business Growth: By filling skill shortages, businesses can enhance their productivity, innovation, and overall growth prospects.

Employers’ eligibility criteria

To sponsor a foreign worker for a permanent visa, employers must meet specific criteria set by the Department of Home Affairs. These include:

• Active Business Operations: The business must be actively and lawfully operating in Australia.
• Labour Market Testing: Employers must demonstrate that they have made genuine efforts to recruit local workers before considering an overseas candidate. This typically involves advertising the position on Workforce Australia Online and at least two other job search websites or media outlets.
• Salary and Employment Conditions: The terms and conditions of employment for the sponsored worker must be at least equivalent to those provided to an Australian worker performing the same role.

Visa Options for Employer-sponsored Permanent Residency

1. Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) (subclass 186)

Employers nominate skilled workers for permanent positions in Australia under the ENS visa. It has three streams:

• Direct Entry Stream: Suitable for workers who have never worked in Australia or have only worked here for a short period.
• Temporary Residence Transition Stream: For temporary skilled workers who have worked for the same employer in Australia for at least three years on a subclass 457 or 482 visa.
• Labour Agreement Stream: For workers nominated by an employer through a labour agreement.

2. Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme (RSMS) (subclass 187)

The RSMS visa is for skilled workers nominated by an employer in regional Australia. It also has three streams, similar to the ENS visa, and aims to address skill shortages in regional areas.

The Sponsorship Process

The sponsorship process involves several steps to ensure a smooth and successful application:

1. Position Identification: Identify the position that requires filling and ensure it is on the relevant skilled occupation list.
2. Labour Market Testing: Conduct labour market testing to demonstrate genuine attempts to hire locally.
3. Nomination Application: Submit a nomination application to the Department of Home Affairs, providing evidence of the genuine need for the position and the terms of employment.
4. Visa Application: The nominated worker then submits a visa application, demonstrating they meet the necessary skills, qualifications, and English language requirements.

How Can APIs Help?

API provides a variety of services to help employers secure the right talent through employer-sponsored permanent visas, including:

• Free Consultation: They provide a complimentary initial consultation to discuss your specific requirements, explain visa options, and guide you through the sponsorship process. Contact us at 0403417671 or visa@apimmi.com.au to organise your appointment.
• Customised Solutions: Their team works closely with you to understand your business needs and tailor a solution that ensures a seamless hiring process.
• Up-to-Date Knowledge: Their experts keep up with the latest immigration regulations, ensuring that your application meets current requirements.
• Efficient Application Process: They assist in preparing and submitting all necessary documentation, minimising delays and expediting the process.
• Ongoing Support: They provide ongoing support throughout the sponsorship process and remain available to address any queries or concerns.

Conclusion

Employer-sponsored permanent visas are a valuable tool for Australian businesses seeking to attract and retain highly skilled foreign workers. With the expertise and support of Australian Portal Immigration (API), you can navigate the complexities of the sponsorship process with confidence and ease. If you’re ready to explore the possibilities of sponsoring skilled workers from overseas, don’t hesitate to reach out to our dedicated team. Your success in securing the right talent begins with API.