Understanding the Employer Sponsored Visa in Australia

An employer sponsored visa can be used by employers to hire foreign skilled workers to work in their country. Before delving into how efficient this visa is, it is essential to understand that employers require specialized workers who can only be found in the country. It is also a perfect chance for professionals to find a job and work in a foreign country, and in most cases, will be granted permanent residence.

What does Employer Sponsored Visa mean?

The employer-sponsored visa is a class of visa that involves an employer being responsible for getting an employee from another country for a specific position. 

Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) Visa (Subclass 482): This particular visa enables skilled workers to gain employment for a period not exceeding four years depending on the skills in the specific trade. The worker must possess the relevant skills for the job and the employer must qualify as a selected sponsor.

Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) Visa (Subclass 186): This is a visa designed for skilled workers who get an endorsement from an employer for permanent employment. It has three streams: The three categories are Direct Entry, Temporary Residence Transition, and Labor Agreement.

Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme (RSMS) Visa (Subclass 187): Like the ENS Visa, this visa is for workers nominated by employers. Like all other visas, this one also allows the holder to eventually apply for permanent residency.

How to Apply for an Employer Sponsored Visa?

The process of applying for an employer-sponsored visa involves several steps:

1. Sponsorship: The first stage is on the part of the employer to seek accreditation as a sponsor. This entails filing for approval with the authorities to show that the business is real and requires talent.

2. Nomination: Once the employer becomes an approved sponsor, they can sponsor a foreign worker for a particular job. The nomination must demonstrate that the position is real and that the worker is qualified to do it.

3. Visa Application: The worker after being nominated will be able to apply for the visa which is required to work within the country. The application should provide proof of the worker’s competence, relevant experience certification and English proficiency. The worker may also need to pass health and character tests, for instance, if the company is offering him a professional position.

Important Considerations

While an employer-sponsored visa has many advantages, it's important to be aware of some key considerations:

- Commitment to the Employer: The visa is employer-tied, which makes it compulsory for a worker to continue with that employer as a way of retaining his or her visa. Switching employers might mean the possibility of the employee having to obtain a new visa.

- English Language Requirement: English language proficiency is mandatory and the level shall be approved by the test.

- Skill Level: The worker must have the relevant skills and experience which has to meet the requirements set by the government.