In a competitive global economy, businesses that adapt quickly to talent shortages and evolving skill demands are best positioned to succeed. Many Australian businesses face persistent challenges filling specialised roles due to ongoing skills shortages across key sectors. One of the most effective ways to bridge critical workforce gaps is by sponsoring skilled migrants — a strategic move that not only fills vacancies but also accelerates business growth and innovation.
This article explores how sponsoring skilled migrants can provide tangible benefits for Australian businesses, outlines the practical steps involved, and highlights the importance of expert support throughout the process.
Addressing Australia’s Structural Skill Shortages
The Australian labour market is facing a structural shortage of qualified workers in several industries. Sectors such as healthcare, engineering, technology, and construction consistently report difficulties sourcing candidates with the required skills locally. This reality puts businesses at risk of lost productivity, delayed projects, and missed opportunities.
Engaging skilled migrants enables businesses to:
- Bridge critical capability gaps
- Infuse fresh perspectives and specialised knowledge
- Strengthen workforce diversity, which drives innovation
- Enhance operational resilience amid fluctuating labour supply
- Training and supervising junior staff provides them with opportunities to develop their skills, ultimately reducing the business's reliance on overseas workers.
- Having certainty around the period of employment—since most skilled workers are committed for several years due to visa conditions—brings stability to the workforce. This stability enables the employer to shift focus toward other priorities, such as expanding the business or improving operations
It is increasingly common for employers to have skilled talent already working within their business on temporary or part-time roles due to visa limitations. However, some hesitate to sponsor these valuable employees because of concerns about sponsorship costs or doubts about the return on investment. Despite these reservations, many of these workers consistently demonstrate exceptional skills, strong work ethics, and a genuine commitment to the business.
Sponsoring such individuals often unlocks significant benefits, enabling businesses to retain proven talent in more stable, full-time roles. This investment not only supports operational continuity but also builds a loyal, high-performing workforce that can drive long-term success.
By overlooking sponsorship opportunities, employers risk losing skilled team members to competitors willing to make that investment. Embracing skilled migration pathways can therefore be a vital strategy to maximise the value of existing talent and secure your business’s competitive advantage.
Understanding the Sponsorship Process
While the advantages of sponsoring skilled migrants are clear, some businesses perceive the process as complex or resource-intensive. However, with the right guidance, the pathway to sponsorship can be navigated efficiently, allowing you to focus on core business activities while securing the talent your organisation needs.
Key Steps in Sponsoring Skilled Migrants
- Assess Your Workforce Needs
Identify specific skill shortages within your business and evaluate whether roles require specialised skills not readily available in the local labour market. - Labour Market Testing (LMT)
Comply with government regulations by demonstrating genuine efforts to recruit locally, usually through advertising the role in Australia for a minimum period. - Check Occupation Eligibility
Confirm that the position is listed on Australia’s relevant skilled occupation list, ensuring eligibility for sponsorship. - Apply for Business Sponsorship
Obtain approval as a sponsor by demonstrating business legitimacy, financial stability, and compliance with Australian laws and standards. - Nominate the Position
Formally nominate the role you intend to fill, ensuring it meets government salary and employment condition requirements. - Support Visa Application
Assist the prospective employee with lodging their visa application, including meeting health, character, skills, and experience criteria.
Common Employer-Sponsored Visas
Skills in Demand Visa (Subclass 482)
Formerly known as the Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) Visa, this is the most widely used visa for sponsoring skilled temporary workers. It allows employers to fill shortages when no suitable Australian workers are available. Visa holders can work in Australia for up to four years depending on the occupation and visa stream, with potential pathways to permanent residency.
Other employer-sponsored visas include:
- Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) Visa (Subclass 186) — for permanent residency via employer nomination
- Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) Visa (Subclass 494) — temporary visa to address regional skill shortages
- Training Visa (Subclass 407) — for workplace-based training
Investment and Returns: Sponsorship Costs
Sponsoring skilled migrants involves fees and levies that vary depending on your business size and the visa type. Current approximate costs include:
Skills in Demand Visa (Subclass 482) — Formerly TSS Visa
| Fee Type | Typical Range |
| Sponsorship application fee | $420 AUD |
| Position nomination fee | $330 AUD per nominee |
| Skilling Australians Fund (SAF) levy | Small business: $1,200 per year per nominee
Large business: $1,800 per year per nominee |
| Visa application fee (main applicant) | From $1,455 to $3,035 AUD depending on stream |
| Visa application (dependent spouse) | From $1,455 AUD |
| Visa application (each child) | From $365 AUD |
Employer Nomination Scheme Visa (Subclass 186) — Permanent Residency
| Fee Type | Typical Range |
| Nomination fee | $540 AUD |
| Skilling Australians Fund (SAF) levy | Small business: $3,000 one-time
Large business: $5,000 one-time |
| Visa application fee (main applicant) | $4,640 AUD |
| Visa application (dependent spouse) | $2,320 AUD |
| Visa application (each child) | $1,160 AUD |
Training Visa (Subclass 407)
| Fee Type | Typical Range |
| Sponsorship application fee | $420 AUD |
| Nomination fee | $260 AUD |
| Visa application fee (main applicant) | $405 AUD |
| Visa application (dependent spouse) | $405 AUD |
| Visa application (each child) | $105 AUD |
While the upfront investment may seem significant, sponsoring skilled migrants allows you to secure committed professionals with the expertise your business needs—often resulting in greater returns over time through improved productivity, staff retention, and innovation.
The Importance of Expert Guidance
The sponsorship and visa application process involves detailed documentation, eligibility checks, and strict compliance with Australian immigration laws. Mistakes or incomplete applications can cause costly delays or refusals, risking your workforce stability.
Partnering with experienced migration professionals offers several advantages:
- Streamlined preparation and submission of applications
- Tailored advice to identify the most appropriate visa pathways for your needs
- Up-to-date knowledge on regulatory changes and compliance
- Reduced administrative burden and increased chances of a successful outcome
With expert support, your business can confidently navigate the sponsorship process and retain the skilled workers who are critical to your success.
Note: Migration policies and fees are subject to change. This article is current as of the date of writing and does not constitute legal advice.
Learn More & Get Your Questions Answered
Qualifying for Employer Sponsorship in 2025: What’s Changed Since 1 July and How Your Business Can Qualify
Employer sponsorship isn’t just for large corporations — and recent changes from 1 July 2025 may open new doors for smaller or scaling businesses.
Join us for an insightful and actionable free webinar designed to help Australian businesses understand what it really takes to become a Standard Business Sponsor in 2025. We’ll unpack the latest updates — including changes beyond the rise in the Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (TSMIT) — and show you how to navigate the process, even if your business hasn’t reached peak profitability yet.
Date: 3rd July 2025
Time: 12:00 PM (AEST)
Format: Online
What You’ll Learn:
- Can you still sponsor if you didn’t hit last year’s profit target?
- Eligibility criteria explained
- The financial side of sponsorship
- Minimum income thresholds
- Understanding compliance
- Which visa pathway is right for your ideal candidate?