How Does Visa Sponsorship Work in Australia for PR?

In Australia, visa sponsorship usually involves an employer sponsoring a foreign worker for a specific job under a temporary or permanent visa scheme. Here’s a quick overview of how it works and the pathway to Permanent Residency (PR) through employer sponsorship:

1. Temporary and Permanent Visa Options

• Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) Visa (Subclass 482): This allows employers to sponsor skilled workers for up to four years, depending on the occupation's status on the skilled occupation list. It requires the worker to have relevant qualifications, work experience, and meet English language standards.

• Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) Visa (Subclass 186): This is a direct PR pathway available to employees on a TSS visa who have worked for their sponsoring employer for at least three years, among other criteria. Employers must nominate the employee, and the position must be on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL).

2. Pathway to Permanent Residency (PR)

• TSS Visa Holders: After working for a sponsoring employer on a TSS visa, you may be eligible to transition to the ENS (Subclass 186) visa, which grants PR.

• Direct Entry Stream: Some applicants can directly apply for the ENS (Subclass 186) visa if they meet the experience and skills requirements for PR.

• Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme (RSMS) Visa (Subclass 187): For those sponsored in regional Australia, this visa offers a pathway to PR through a slightly different set of rules and location-based requirements.

3. Key Requirements for PR through Sponsorship

• Employer Nomination: Your employer must nominate you for a permanent position that aligns with your skills.

• Skills Assessment: A skills assessment relevant to the nominated role may be required.

• Working Duration: For a transition from TSS to ENS, you typically need to work for three years with the sponsoring employer.

This pathway enables skilled workers in Australia to transition from temporary work to a permanent resident visa, provided they meet the criteria and continue employment with their sponsor.