How to Hire Overseas Workers in Australia
Are you ready to leverage global talent and address workforce shortages by hiring overseas workers in Australia? Here’s a detailed guide to help you navigate the process and meet all necessary requirements.
Australian businesses are facing ongoing labour shortages across sectors like construction, manufacturing, sales, hospitality, and administration. According to the Australian Financial Review, these shortages arise from a lack of local applicants and skill mismatches. Hiring overseas workers can bridge these gaps, bringing diverse skills and fresh perspectives to your business.
01
Before you can hire overseas workers, your business must be approved as a Standard Business Sponsor (SBS). This status allows you to sponsor skilled workers for the Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) visa (subclass 482) and other relevant visas.
Steps to Obtain SBS Status:
- Apply Online: Submit your application through the Department of Home Affairs.
- Eligibility Criteria: Demonstrate lawful operation, financial viability, and a commitment to employing local labour.
- SAF Levy Payment: Pay the Skilling Australians Fund (SAF) levy, which varies based on your business size and the duration of the sponsorship.
- Processing Time: Typically, the SBS approval process takes about 1-2 months.
Documentation Required:
- Proof of business registration (e.g., ABN).
- Financial statements showing operating expenses and revenue.
Before you can hire overseas workers, your business must be approved as a Standard Business Sponsor (SBS). This status allows you to sponsor skilled workers for the Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) visa (subclass 482) and other relevant visas.
Steps to Obtain SBS Status:
- Apply Online: Submit your application through the Department of Home Affairs.
- Eligibility Criteria: Demonstrate lawful operation, financial viability, and a commitment to employing local labour.
- SAF Levy Payment: Pay the Skilling Australians Fund (SAF) levy, which varies based on your business size and the duration of the sponsorship.
- Processing Time: Typically, the SBS approval process takes about 1-2 months.
Documentation Required:
- Proof of business registration (e.g., ABN).
- Financial statements showing operating expenses and revenue.
02
Before you can hire overseas workers, your business must be approved as a Standard Business Sponsor (SBS). This status allows you to sponsor skilled workers for the Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) visa (subclass 482) and other relevant visas.
Steps to Obtain SBS Status:
- Apply Online: Submit your application through the Department of Home Affairs.
- Eligibility Criteria: Demonstrate lawful operation, financial viability, and a commitment to employing local labour.
- SAF Levy Payment: Pay the Skilling Australians Fund (SAF) levy, which varies based on your business size and the duration of the sponsorship.
- Processing Time: Typically, the SBS approval process takes about 1-2 months.
Documentation Required:
- Proof of business registration (e.g., ABN).
- Financial statements showing operating expenses and revenue.
After obtaining SBS status, you must demonstrate efforts to hire locally before recruiting from overseas:
- Advertise Locally: Post the job on the Workforce Australia website for a minimum of 28 days.
- Additional Ads: Place at least two more ads on other job boards, industry-specific sites, or your own website.
Required Evidence:
- Copies of job ads.
- Invoices for recruitment services.
- Metrics showing recruitment efforts.
Exemptions: Some visa categories and roles may be exempt from LMT. For details, refer to the Migration (LIN 18/036) Instrument 2018.
03
Before you can hire overseas workers, your business must be approved as a Standard Business Sponsor (SBS). This status allows you to sponsor skilled workers for the Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) visa (subclass 482) and other relevant visas.
Steps to Obtain SBS Status:
- Apply Online: Submit your application through the Department of Home Affairs.
- Eligibility Criteria: Demonstrate lawful operation, financial viability, and a commitment to employing local labour.
- SAF Levy Payment: Pay the Skilling Australians Fund (SAF) levy, which varies based on your business size and the duration of the sponsorship.
- Processing Time: Typically, the SBS approval process takes about 1-2 months.
Documentation Required:
- Proof of business registration (e.g., ABN).
- Financial statements showing operating expenses and revenue.
Ensure the role you are hiring for is on the List of Eligible Skilled Occupations. If not listed, consider a labour agreement:
- Labour Agreements: Custom agreements with the Department of Home Affairs to sponsor specific skill needs.
04
Before you can hire overseas workers, your business must be approved as a Standard Business Sponsor (SBS). This status allows you to sponsor skilled workers for the Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) visa (subclass 482) and other relevant visas.
Steps to Obtain SBS Status:
- Apply Online: Submit your application through the Department of Home Affairs.
- Eligibility Criteria: Demonstrate lawful operation, financial viability, and a commitment to employing local labour.
- SAF Levy Payment: Pay the Skilling Australians Fund (SAF) levy, which varies based on your business size and the duration of the sponsorship.
- Processing Time: Typically, the SBS approval process takes about 1-2 months.
Documentation Required:
- Proof of business registration (e.g., ABN).
- Financial statements showing operating expenses and revenue.
Confirm your candidate’s eligibility for the relevant work visa:
- Use VEVO: Verify visa conditions through the Visa Entitlement Verification Online (VEVO) system.
Skills Assessment: Certain visas require an assessment by a designated authority. Details are available here.
05
Before you can hire overseas workers, your business must be approved as a Standard Business Sponsor (SBS). This status allows you to sponsor skilled workers for the Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) visa (subclass 482) and other relevant visas.
Steps to Obtain SBS Status:
- Apply Online: Submit your application through the Department of Home Affairs.
- Eligibility Criteria: Demonstrate lawful operation, financial viability, and a commitment to employing local labour.
- SAF Levy Payment: Pay the Skilling Australians Fund (SAF) levy, which varies based on your business size and the duration of the sponsorship.
- Processing Time: Typically, the SBS approval process takes about 1-2 months.
Documentation Required:
- Proof of business registration (e.g., ABN).
- Financial statements showing operating expenses and revenue.
Assist your prospective employee with their visa application after completing SBS status and LMT:
- Visa Application Submission: Guide them through applying via the relevant Australian Embassy or Consulate.
- Documents Needed: Includes proof of skills, qualifications, work experience, character, and health checks per the Migration Act 1958.
- Processing Time: For the TSS (subclass 482) visa, processing typically takes about 3-6 months, provided all documentation is in order and no issues arise.
06
Before you can hire overseas workers, your business must be approved as a Standard Business Sponsor (SBS). This status allows you to sponsor skilled workers for the Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) visa (subclass 482) and other relevant visas.
Steps to Obtain SBS Status:
- Apply Online: Submit your application through the Department of Home Affairs.
- Eligibility Criteria: Demonstrate lawful operation, financial viability, and a commitment to employing local labour.
- SAF Levy Payment: Pay the Skilling Australians Fund (SAF) levy, which varies based on your business size and the duration of the sponsorship.
- Processing Time: Typically, the SBS approval process takes about 1-2 months.
Documentation Required:
- Proof of business registration (e.g., ABN).
- Financial statements showing operating expenses and revenue.
Once the visa is granted, focus on the successful integration of the new employee:
- Onboarding Process: Provide comprehensive training and support to acclimate the new hire.
- Compliance with Employment Standards: Ensure adherence to National Employment Standards (NES), offering fair treatment and benefits equivalent to local employees.
Hiring overseas workers requires strict compliance with Australian immigration and employment laws. It’s essential to meet all legal obligations to avoid penalties. At Offshore Staff Assist, we simplify the process by providing access to a large database of skilled professionals, helping you find the right match for your business needs.
Interested in learning more or ready to start hiring? Please fill out the form to discuss your overseas recruitment needs and how we can support your international hiring efforts.
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