How to Become an Accredited Sponsor in Australia

Becoming an accredited sponsor allows your business to bring skilled workers from overseas to fill crucial roles in your organization. Whether you need temporary workers under the Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) visa (Subclass 482) or are looking for longer-term solutions with the Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) visa (Subclass 494), sponsorship can help you access global talent.

Eligibility Criteria

Before applying, ensure that your business qualifies as a Standard Business Sponsor (SBS). You must demonstrate that your business is lawfully operating in Australia and that you meet specific characteristics, depending on your industry and business category. Some of the categories include:

Category 1: Commonwealth, state, and territory government agencies.
Category 2: Australian Trusted Traders.
Category 3: Businesses with low volume usage of visas but a high percentage (at least 85%) of Australian workers.
Category 4: Businesses with high volume usage of visas and a medium percentage (at least 75%) of Australian workers.
Category 5: Major investors in Australia.

You can read about these five categories here.

Costs

The cost to become a sponsor is AUD 420. If you apply for accreditation at the same time as your SBS application or renewal, there are no additional fees for becoming an accredited sponsor.

Length of Stay

The length of stay granted to your sponsored employees will depend on the visa you sponsor them under. Both the TSS (Subclass 482) and SESR (Subclass 494) visas allow employees to stay for a set period, after which their visa may be renewed, or they may apply for permanent residency.

Benefits of Being an Accredited Sponsor

Accredited sponsors enjoy priority processing for TSS and SESR nominations and visa applications. If you were granted accredited status after 1 July 2016, certain low-risk nominations under the TSS or SESR programs will receive streamlined processing. This gives you faster access to skilled workers, allowing your business to grow with minimal delays.

Obligations of a Standard Business Sponsor

As an SBS, you have certain legal obligations to your sponsored employees. As a standard business sponsor, you must inform authorities of key business or employment changes. Ensure employees work only in the nominated role. Maintain records and meet obligations such as paying travel costs for employees leaving Australia. You must also prevent discriminatory recruitment practices. Non-compliance may lead to sanctions like fines or cancellation of sponsorship. Monitoring can occur for up to five years. Read more about these obligations here.

How Long the Sponsorship Lasts

A Standard Business Sponsorship is valid for 5 years from the date of approval. Accreditation status remains in effect throughout this period. If your current SBS is still active at the time of applying for a new sponsorship agreement, you do not need to reapply for accreditation status.

Sponsorship Renewal

When your sponsorship term is nearing expiration, you can apply for renewal to continue sponsoring overseas workers. Renewal processes are available for both the TSS and SESR visa pathways.

By becoming a sponsor, you’re not only helping your business grow with international talent but also contributing to Australia’s skilled workforce development. Aurelia Legal can assist your business in applying for sponsorship, handling visa applications, and ensuring compliance with your obligations.

Conclusion

In conclusion, becoming an accredited sponsor offers significant advantages for businesses looking to access global talent quickly and efficiently. By meeting the eligibility criteria, maintaining compliance with obligations, and leveraging the benefits of accreditation, your business can attract skilled overseas workers to fill key roles and contribute to Australia’s workforce.

At Aurelia Legal, we specialize in assisting businesses through every step of the sponsorship process. From applying for Standard Business Sponsorship and accreditation to managing visa applications and ensuring compliance, we are here to provide expert guidance and support. Let us help your business grow and thrive with the skilled talent it needs.