Will An Australian Employer Really Sponsor Me?

In recent years, a growing number of skilled professionals from around the world have set their sights on Australia, drawn by its high quality of life and robust economy. However, many are deterred by job listings specifying "local applicants only" and the seemingly insurmountable challenge of securing sponsorship from overseas.

While it's true that many Australian job listings prefer local applicants, this doesn't always preclude offshore talent. Many Australian organisations do turn to offshore sponsorship when they struggle to fill specialised roles due to local skill shortages. In fact, a considerable portion of the 482 visa applications we handle are for offshore applicants. After all, that is the reason why these skilled visa programs were created in the first place - to satisfy the demand for skilled labour which simply isn't being met by local workers.

Currently, certain professional professions like teaching, nursing, and medicine are in high demand, often resulting in job postings with fewer restrictions. Trades occupations are in demand too. Where one's occupation (e.g. interior designer) is not a priority occupation, they may need to look harder and smarter. Consulting with an experienced registered migration agent or immigration lawyer will help you understand where you stand in terms of the number of skilled visa options you have, by considering your strengths that the department is interested in (e.g. 40+ years young and highly skilled) and weighing them against your personal goals for PR.

R**egional areas (anywhere in Australia other than Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne) often offer more accessible pathways **to sponsorship. In this areas, finding qualified professionals willing to work in remote areas can be challenging for employers, creating opportunities for offshore applicants open to these locations.

Not all concerns carry equal weight. Offshore applicants often worry about two key issues: whether Australian employers will seriously consider them, and whether sponsors will wait through the months-long visa process. These concerns can significantly disadvantage applicants, especially when employer sponsorship is their only option.

Regarding the waiting period, the evidence is clear. In hundreds of employer-sponsored applications I've handled, not one employer has abandoned the process midway. Why? Because they genuinely need these workers for business growth, are committed to obtaining them, and have typically invested tens of thousands of dollars in the process after failing to find suitable Australian candidates.

After consulting with a qualified immigration law practitioner and confirming your eligibility for employer sponsorship, focus on showcasing your skills through strategic job applications with a pre-selected pool of employers who are already inclined to sponsor - we teach you how here. Without connections, there's no shortcut to finding an Australian sponsor - you must present yourself effectively to every potential employer rather than approaching the process cynically. While securing sponsorship from overseas is challenging, it's definitely possible with persistence, creativity, and diligence. Remember that your unique skills and perspectives may be exactly what Australian employers need.

As an offshore applicant, you will need to be mentally prepared to undertake extensive job searching and networking efforts in order to find an Australian employer who values your skills as much as you do yours - it certainly isn't as straightforward as clicking a button and attaching a CV. We go into further detail in this article on how to maximise your chances in finding a job in Australia.

At Kin Migration, we share resources to help guide your journey. While our posts aim to keep you updated, they're general in nature and cannot replace personalised immigration advice. Laws and requirements change frequently, and information published is accurate at the time of publication. For personalised advice, please consult an OMARA-registered migration agent or an Australian immigration lawyer before proceeding with any application.