When it comes to immigration to Australia, understanding the concept of sponsorship is crucial. Sponsorship plays a vital role in immigration to Australia, where it allows Australian citizens, permanent residents, or employers to support the visa application of family members, partner or potential employees Let's dive into the details of sponsorship for the land Down Under.
It is essential to note that Australia has various sponsorship streams:
Family Stream
The Family Sponsored stream of the Skilled Work Regional or Subclass 491 Visa is a provisional 5-year visa for skilled workers under the age of 45 in regional Australia. It provides a direct pathway to permanent residence after 3 years from the date of grant, provided that you meet certain income and residence requirements.
As the name of the stream suggests, you must be sponsored by an ‘eligible relative’ which must be first approved before you may be granted the visa.
The 491 is a points-based visa and requires an invitation from the Department of Home Affairs in order to apply for the visa. You may only apply for the 491 Family Sponsored Visa if you are invited to by the Department. This involves submitting an Expression of Interest (EOI) that indicates your total points score which is then ranked against other applicants to determine whether you will be issued an invitation.
Employer Stream
Employer sponsorship falls under the Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) visa program, also known as the Subclass 482 visa. This program enables Australian employers to address skill shortages by sponsoring overseas workers for temporary employment.
To sponsor a candidate, the employer needs to be an approved sponsor by the Australian government. The employer must demonstrate a genuine need for the position and meet specific requirements, including providing evidence of a commitment to training local Australian workers.
Once the employer has been approved as a sponsor, they can nominate the candidate for a TSS visa. The candidate must possess the required skills and qualifications for the nominated occupation. The candidate can then apply for the visa, and if successful, they can work in Australia for the approved employer.
Australia has specific eligibility requirements and criteria for sponsors and applicants. To obtain the most up-to-date and accurate information regarding the sponsorship process, it is advisable to consult reputable immigration consultancies for professional advice and guidance.