For talented individuals looking to progress in their careers and live well, Australia is a place of opportunity. Due to severe skills shortages in several areas, Australian firms are constantly searching for skilled foreign workers who are prepared to sponsor visas.
Finding and landing visa sponsorship jobs in Australia can only be difficult if you don’t follow the right guidance. We’ve prepared a detailed guide to increase your chances of getting a job in Australia with a visa sponsorship. Let’s get started!
What is a Sponsored Job in Australia?
A sponsored job in Australia provides a temporary visa to an individual that allows you the right to live and work in Australia for a period of up to 4 years. A sponsored job can lead to Permanent Residency and Citizenship.
The most common types of sponsorship visas in Australia include:
- Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) Subclass 186
- Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme (RSMS) Subclass 187
- Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) Subclass 482
- Skilled Regional (Provisional) Visa, Subclass 489
Let’s discuss individuals who qualified to be sponsored in Australia:
- People with in-demand skills or professions
- People who can speak conversational English (if you are from an English-speaking country, you are probably exempt. If not, you will have to do IELTS)
- It would be best if you had enough financial means to support yourself in Australia for a while, usually $5,000.
How do I Find an Australian Company to Sponsor me?
If you cannot get invites through General Skilled Migration, then finding a company to sponsor your visa may be your only chance of gaining a pathway to PR. The process to find a sponsor may differ depending on your occupation or whether you are onshore or offshore. Below are tips that may find you a sponsor.
Convince a Company that You’re Worth Them Sponsoring You: It costs an employer thousands of dollars to sponsor someone, so they want to know that you are worth it. If you can enter Australia on a Working Holiday Visa or Student Visa, this could allow you to demonstrate to the company that you would be an asset.
Labor Agreements: Labor agreements are agreements between employers and immigration to facilitate the sponsorship of applicants.
Through Job Search Websites: These include Seek, Indeed, LinkedIn, & Jora, etc. But please note that you should not waste your time contacting companies that will not sponsor you. Most employers aren’t open to sponsoring, so be specific in your search.
Right Qualifications and Experience: Before you approach a recruiter or employer, definitely ensure you have the right qualifications and experience to work in the role in Australia.
Intra–Company Transfer: This means finding work within a company in your home country that has offices in Australia. You then demonstrate that you are a competent employee at the company and get transferred to Australia.
Tips for Securing Visa Sponsorship Jobs in Australia
Research Companies with Sponsorship Experience
One of the most effective ways to secure a visa sponsorship job is by targeting companies that have a history of sponsoring foreign workers. These employers are already familiar with the process and are more likely to consider international candidates.
Focus your job search on sectors facing critical skill shortages, such as healthcare, engineering, IT, and education.
Get Your Qualifications Recognized
Certain professions in Australia, such as healthcare, engineering, and education, may require you to have your qualifications recognized by an Australian authority. Before applying for jobs, it’s essential to confirm that your qualifications meet the necessary standards.
Leverage Your Network
Networking is a powerful tool in the job search process, especially when seeking visa sponsorship. Use platforms like LinkedIn to connect with Australian employers, industry professionals, and recruitment agencies.
Engaging in industry-specific forums or attending virtual job fairs can help you build valuable relationships with potential employers.
Be Open to Regional Jobs
While major cities like Sydney and Melbourne might be attractive, regional Australia often has more opportunities for visa sponsorship. Employers in regional areas are more likely to sponsor foreign professionals due to the shortage of skilled workers in these locations. Additionally, working in regional Australia can offer pathways to permanent residency.
Engage Recruitment Agencies
Recruitment agencies are often a key resource for finding visa sponsorship jobs in Australia. Many employers rely on agencies to help them fill skilled positions with international talent. Agencies like Hays Recruitment, Michael Page, and Robert Walters specialize in connecting skilled workers with Australian companies offering visa sponsorship.
Tailor Your Resume and Cover Letter
Ensure your resume and cover letter are tailored to the Australian job market. Include specific details about your skills and experience and why you’re the right fit for the role. Also, ensure your resume follows the local format, which is usually 2-3 pages long and focuses on your work experience, qualifications, and achievements.
In your cover letter, be explicit about your need for visa sponsorship and emphasize how you can bring value to the company.
Showcase Your Long-Term Commitment
Australian employers are more likely to sponsor candidates who demonstrate a long-term commitment to staying in the country. When applying for jobs or during interviews, make it clear that you are looking for a permanent opportunity and that you are eager to contribute to the company’s growth.
Be Flexible with Locations and Roles
Flexibility can be a major advantage when applying for visa sponsorship jobs. If you’re open to working in regional Australia or in different roles that match your skill set, you are more likely to find employers willing to sponsor you. Many regional employers are eager to hire skilled foreign workers due to labor shortages.
Process for Securing Visa Sponsorship Jobs in Australia
To secure a visa sponsorship job in Australia, you can follow these steps:
Find a nominating organization: Find an Australian organization that will train you and lodge a nomination application on your behalf.
Meet eligibility criteria: Both the employer and employee must meet eligibility criteria. The employer must be an approved sponsor and demonstrate a genuine need for a skilled worker. You must have an occupation on the Skilled Occupation List and meet minimum health requirements.
Apply for the visa: Once you’ve been nominated, you can apply for the visa online on the Australian Department of Home Affairs website.
Prepare for the interview: If you’re invited for an interview, you should be prepared to answer questions about your visa status, work history, and skills.
Benefits of Working Sponsorship Jobs in Australia
Ability to Stay in Australia for up to 4 years: Australia is a great place to live and work and provides a great work-life balance. Being sponsored allows you to enjoy the great country for up to 4 years, which is longer than the majority of other visa options.
Good Job Security: If an employer is willing to sponsor you, this means they have gone through a few extra steps than they would have if they were a regular employee. This shows their commitment to continue employing you.
High Salaries: Salaries for each professional are high in Australia compared to most countries, meaning you can earn a great salary or wage. This means you can afford to have a great work-life balance.
Pathway to Residency and Citizenship: There are pathways to residency through sponsorship, which means you can live and work in Australia without restrictions and create a future life.
Final Thoughts
Securing a visa sponsorship job in Australia can be a life-changing opportunity, but it requires strategic planning, persistence, and expert guidance. Not everyone can be sponsored for a job in Australia, but if you are, consider yourself lucky!
Sponsorship jobs can allow you to live and work in Australia for up to four years. Many people need to correct their mistakes when looking for a sponsorship job, but if you follow the steps and advice in this guide and use the right approach, you will increase your chances and save a lot of time and effort.
