Overseas Applicants
VISA/SPONSORSHIP ADVICE
Background to sponsorship in Australia
Barton Mills Recruitment has extensive experience in assisting recruitment consultants from overseas find employment in Australia.
VISA/SPONSORSHIP FAQ
Is this information relevant to me?
If you are a Recruitment Consultant and looking to work in Australia but not an Australian resident then this information should be used as a preliminary guide to assess whether you have the basic requirements for entry.
What visa does a Recruitment Consultant normally apply for?
Many come to Australia initially on a working holiday visa (sub class 417) which permits you to work for a maximum period of 6 months for any one employer. The 417 visa's are valid for 12 months but in recent times have been revised to 24 months if certain conditions are met. For a Recruitment Consultant looking for work there are rarely opportunities for such a short period of time. Therefore, many employers would look to "sponsor" a candidate on a business class visa (sub class 457) for a period of up to 4 years. The "sponsor" is the terminology used to describe the entity that will take sponsorship responsibility for your visa during your stay in Australia. All applications for visas are made to the Department of Immigration and Multicultural Affairs (DIMIA).
How do I get a Business Visa?
With the increased number of overseas Recruitment Consultants working in Australia many agencies have become "sponsors" themselves. The majority of our clients are set up and willing to sponsor overseas candidates. Like many agencies in Australia, Barton Mills Recruitment employs overseas consultants and we hve gone through this process ourselves so we really do talk from experience.
What are the basic requirements?
In order to be considered for your sponsorship application there are several key requirements such as:
- Having an offer of employment
- Being degree qualified or valid work experience in your profession
- Earning a minimum salary threshold
- Aged 18+
- Registering with an approved Health Insurance scheme for the period of your visa.
- Passing a medical examination.
- Up to date resume, certificates, and references.
Visa approval is calculated on a points system based on your qualifications and experience. A skilled migration agent can advise you through the process. Typical costs are around $1,000 per visa application if you require this assistance.
As you can see the majority of the requirements are straight forward. The offer of employment is where we come in, in providing the best rec to rec service in Australia, enabling you to find your dream job in recruitment.
Can my partner come to Australia?
You may include the following family members in your visa application:
- Children under 18 years
- Dependent children 18 years or older - must be financially and emotionally dependent on you (proof must be supplied)
- Spouse (opposite sex)
- De-facto partner, including same-sex couples, if you can prove you have lived together for a minimum of 6 months immediately prior to the date your application is logged.
Visas granted to family members do not have any limitations on work rights - they may work part-time, full-time and are not restricted to any particular type of work. Study is also permitted.
What happens if I leave my job?
Should you leave your employment the "sponsor" ie, your employer is obligated to inform the Immigration Department of this. On receipt of this information, DIMA will contact you directly to provide you with the options available for a further stay in Australia.
Should you wish to change employers, changes made in late 2009 now allow you to stay on and simply transfer your original visa to a new employer (as long as the new employer is agreeable to holding the visa and you are not changing occupation).
Can I apply for permanent residency?
It is possible to apply for permanent residency at any time either before you come to Australia or while you are working here. There are more requirements to gain residency than a business visa and this is not covered in this information.
Can I work on a tourist visa?
It is possible to enter Australia under a tourist visa which allows you a maximum of 3 months stay in the country. Tourist visas do not carry any work rights. However, a Tourist visa is a visa that a 457 Business Visa can be lodged from, providing there is no Condition 8503 "No Further Stay" on your Tourist Visa.
Other useful visa information
The Visa is valid for up to four years, after which time you may apply for another four-year visa.
The visa is not transferable between other occupations.
The holder is permitted to enter and leave Australia without restriction while the visa is valid.
You cannot work for yourself, another company or individual - you can only work for your sponsoring employer.
What is the Living Away from Home Allowance (LAFHA)?
LAFHA is an Australian Tax Office allowance that can be provided through employers to help eligible employees cover the additional costs of relocating and living away from their usual place of residence for employment. LAFHA allowances mean you pay less tax which increases your take home pay. Most overseas employees on a long stay business visa will be eligible for LAFHA.
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