Finding an employer that will sponsor their visa can seem like a very difficult and tiring process. However for many internationals, it is the only option that they have to obtain a work visa in Australia. Visa holders must be nominated or “sponsored” by an employer for the 457 visa, RSMS visa and many other work visas. For more information about what it takes to sponsor an employer click here.

Sponsoring an employee requires significant outlay in both time and money for your employer. If a company is not already an approved business sponsor, then it takes considerable time and money for the company to sponsor you. Below is a list of ten simple tips that have helped out clients in the past to find an employer that is willing to sponsor their visa:


 

 GET TO AUSTRALIA

This might seem like a pretty straightforward thing. Most, if not everyone, finds it extremely difficult to find an employer that is willing to sponsor their visa, if they cannot meet them in person. Employers will find you a lot more attractive a candidate if they can meet you face to face.  To do this, it may require you to come to Aus on a tourist visa, working holiday visa or student visa. The benefit of coming over on a working holiday or student visa is that you can work for the employer without needing them to sponsor you.


 

SPEAK ENGLISH WELL

Many foreigners find it very difficult to find employers in Australia that are wiling to sponsor their visa because they cannot speak English well enough. Having a strong grasp of the English language is not enough. You need to be able to speak “Australian” English. This can only be obtained from spending time in Australia. It may be a good idea to enroll in a English course in Australia to improve your English to a suitable level. Click here to find out some options for English courses in Aus.


 

PLAN AHEAD

Many students and working holiday makers wait until just before their working holiday or student visa expires to look for an employer. You must try to give yourself as much time as possible to find an employer and convince them that you are worth sponsoring. You will be a lot less rushed and stressed, the more you plan ahead.


 

WORK FOR THE EMPLOYER

A student visa or working holiday visa is a great time to prove to an employer how valuable an employer you could be to the company. Most employers will not go through the hassle involved in sponsoring an employee if they don’t know what type of worker you are. On a student visa you can also work up to 40 hours per fortnight. When you are working for the employer go above and beyond. Be the best employee the company has ever had. Give them no choice but too sponsor you.


 

BE UPFRONT WITH YOUR EMPLOYER THAT YOU WANT TO GET SPONSORED

Too many times I have had clients come into the office that have worked for their employer for several months. Eventually they finally found the courage to ask the employer if they would sponsor the visa, only to find that the employer is either unable or unwilling to do it. If you are honest with your employer at the start about what you want, you won’t waste any of your time.LOOK FOR AN EMPLOYER THAT CURRENTLY SPONSORS FOREIGN WORKERS It is a lot easier for a company to hire another foreign employee, than to hire the sponsor the first employee. The reason is that if the company is already an approved standard business sponsor, they don’t need to go through with that part of the visa process. It is a lot simpler, and will take up less time from your employer. Be smart, target companies that already have sponsored a foreign employee. Find out whom exactly you should approach in the company, and give them a call or email.


 

MAKE IT EASY FOR YOUR EMPLOYER

The less work involved for your employer, the more likely they are to sponsor your visa.


INFORM YOUR EMPLOYER ABOUT THE REQUIREMENTS TO BECOME A STANDARD BUSINESS SPONSOR

Before approaching an employer, make sure that you fully understand the visa process and what it takes for an employer to sponsor a foreign employee. Check out the requirements here. You must be able to explain how simple it is, and what exactly they are required to do. Prepare answers to questions that employers will ask you regarding the visa process. Have it planned out.


 

NETWORK. NETWORK. NETWORK

There is an old saying that goes, “it’s not what you know, it is who you know.” The only way that you will find that potential sponsor is if you go out there and make yourself available. Regardless if you are doing it online or in person – contact as many people as possible and let everyone know that you are looking for an employer to sponsor your visa. Linked In is an amazing asset to find professional work in Australia. Make sure that your profile is presentable and looks professional.


 

BE PERSISTENT. YOU WILL GET REFUSED BY A LOT OF COMPANIES

Unless you are the luckiest person in the world, you will most likely get a lot of refusals from companies. They will not want to go through the hassle of sponsoring an employee. However every NO you get makes you that much closer to a yes.


If you do have have an employer that is willing to sponsor your visa or would like to know more information about the visa process feel free to contact Pathway to Aus:

W: pathwaytoaus.com

P: +61 7 55 265 900

E: info@pathwaytoaus.com

10 Tips to find an employer that is willing to sponsor your visa was last modified: December 13th, 2018 by Nick Yock