September 2021
In order for a business to sponsor an employee for a Temporary Skill Shortage (subclass 482) or Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) (subclass 494) visa, the business must apply for and be approved as a Standard Business Sponsor.
It is also possible in certain circumstances to apply for approval as a Standard Business Sponsor with accredited status.
What are the benefits of gaining accredited status?
An accredited sponsor receives priority when the Department processes Temporary Skill Shortage (subclass 482) and Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) (subclass 494) nominations and visa applications.
Most accredited sponsor nomination applications are processed in approximately five (5) business days, and certain low risk nomination applications will receive streamlined processing (meaning automatic approval).
To compare, it is generally the case that subclass 482 nomination and visa applications from non-accredited sponsors can take approximately five (5) to eleven (11) months to be finalised.
The other benefits of accredited sponsor status include:
- The ability to include advertising on the business’ own website as part of the compliant Labour Market Testing for nominated positions; and
- The ability to provide character references for sponsored employees in lieu of police clearance certificates.
What kind of business is eligible for accredited status?
There are five (5) separate categories for accredited status:
- Commonwealth, state and territory government agencies;
- Australian Trusted Traders
- Low volume usage and high percentage of Australian workers (at least 85%)
- High volume usage and medium percentage of Australian workers (at least 75%)
- Major investment in Australia.
Each of these categories also have additional requirements in relation to various factors including business registration, workforce compilation, the method by which employees’ remuneration is determined, turnover, previous immigration engagement, amongst various others.
Can a business lose their accredited status?
Accredited status can be revoked by the Department in a number of circumstances, including where the business ceases to meet the eligibility criteria.
Further information in relation to sponsoring skilled employees for Australian visas can be viewed here
LINK: Temporary Skill Shortage TSS Visa 482
To speak with an experienced, specialist immigration lawyer regarding your Australian visa application or options, please contact us on +61 3 9329 8744 or by email at info@erskinerodan.com.au
