If you want to start sponsoring a worker or take over an existing sponsorship, you first need to become either an approved sponsor or a nominator. Choosing the right sponsorship type matters because each has different requirements, benefits, and is suited to different kinds of visa programs.
The main types of sponsorship most commonly used by employers are:
- standard business sponsor,
- accredited sponsor, and
- temporary activities sponsor.
Each type lets your business sponsor overseas workers for specific visa categories and lasts for different periods, so it’s important to know which one fits your hiring goals.
Standard Business Sponsor
Being a standard business sponsor means your business has been approved by the Department of Home Affairs to sponsor workers under key skilled worker visa programs. This type of sponsorship usually lasts up to five years.
As a standard business sponsor, you can nominate workers for visas including:
- Skills in Demand visa (subclass 482), which allows you to sponsor skilled workers on a temporary basis when local workers can’t fill the role.
- Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 494), for workers you want to hire to work in regional Australia, with the possibility of staying long-term.
These visas are suitable if you need skilled workers to fill medium‑ to long‑term roles in your business and want a flexible, five‑year sponsorship period to plan your workforce.
Accredited Sponsor
An accredited sponsor is a business that already holds standard sponsorship and has shown a strong commitment to evolving its workforce. Accredited sponsorship also lasts up to five years and provides some key advantages.
As an accredited sponsor, you still nominate workers for the same main visas as a standard business sponsor:
- Skills in Demand visa (subclass 482), and
- Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 494).
The difference is that accredited sponsors usually receive priority processing when these visa nominations and applications are submitted. This means faster decisions if you regularly sponsor skilled workers, making this option suitable for businesses with frequent hiring needs or ongoing skills gaps.
Temporary Activities Sponsor
A temporary activities sponsor is suited to businesses that need to bring in workers for specific short‑term activities, training or cultural exchange purposes. Temporary activities sponsorship is generally granted for the duration of the specific activity or event (often shorter than long‑term work sponsorship).
With this sponsorship type, you can sponsor workers under visas such as:
- Training visa (subclass 407), which supports workplace‑based training programs for skill development.
- Temporary Activity visa (subclass 408), for short‑term work, events, or cultural activities.
- Temporary Work (International Relations) visa (subclass 403), for streams like the Seasonal Worker Program or Pacific Labour Scheme.
This type of sponsorship is ideal when you need someone to work for a specific period, like for a project, training purpose, or a seasonal requirement, without a longer‑term commitment.
Nominating the Position
When you hire a skilled worker from overseas, you must first nominate the role you want them to fill. This means formally declaring the position in your business and confirming that it meets the rules for the relevant visa.
Your ability to nominate depends on the visa pathway. Some visas require you to already hold sponsor approval. Others operate under a labour agreement, which means you can only nominate occupations specifically listed in that agreement. For most standard visa streams, the role must appear on the applicable Skilled Occupation List.
Before submitting the nomination, you must advertise the role locally to show you attempted to recruit within Australia. The position must also meet minimum pay levels and comply with employment standards.
Each visa has its own additional conditions, so it is important to review the specific requirements carefully before lodging your nomination.
How SALIA Lawyers & Associates Can Support You
Navigating employer sponsorship and understanding which visa options match your business needs can be complex. At SALIA Lawyers & Associates, we help employers:
- Determine which sponsorship type fits your goals,
- Identify the visas that can be sponsored under each category,
- Prepare accurate and compliant sponsorship and nomination applications, and
- Meet ongoing employer obligations throughout the sponsorship period.
Whether you’re hiring long‑term skilled workers or bringing in experts for short‑term activities, we guide you every step of the way so you can hire with confidence.
Connect with SALIA Lawyers & Associates today to find the right sponsorship path for your business needs.
Disclaimer: Please note that the information provided is intended as a general guide and should not be relied upon as legal or migration advice. As migration laws and regulations can change, we recommend consulting an Australian Lawyer or Registered Migration Agent for advice tailored to your circumstances.
