The employer sponsored visa programs enable local South Australian businesses to fill skills needs when they have been unable to fill a skilled position locally.
There are two employer sponsored visa pathways available to local businesses in South Australia:
- Labour Agreement Streams - DAMA - Temporary Skill Shortage visa (subclass 482) & Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 494)
The South Australian Designated Area Migration Agreements (DAMA) enable employers to sponsor overseas workers under the Labour Agreement streams of the Temporary Skill Shortage (subclass 482) and the Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 494).
Employers can request multiple positions and occupations to be approved in a labour agreement which will allow them to nominate at a suitable time within a 12 month period of the agreement’s approval.
Subclass 482 visa holders can subsequently be nominated by their employer under the SA DAMA for the permanent 186 visa after holding the 482 visa, under the SA DAMA, for 3 years. Subclass 494 visa holders, who have been nominated under the SA DAMA, may independently apply for the permanent 191 via after holding the 494 visa, under the SA DAMA, for 3 years.
South Australia has entered into two DAMA agreements: Adelaide Technology and Innovation Advancement Agreement and South Australian Regional Workforce Agreement. Between them many occupations are available which may be unavailable on other skilled occupation lists.
Employers interested in a Labour Agreement under the DAMA must first be endorsed by the South Australian Government. If the occupation you are trying to fill is listed on the DAMA Occupation List, this may be a pathway you can consider to recruit and sponsor overseas workers if you are unable to fill a skills shortage from the local labour market.
Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) visa (subclas 494) (SESR) & Regional Certifying Body (RCB) advice
The Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (provisional) (SESR) visa pathway enables employers to sponsor a skilled migrant under visa subclass 494. As part of the employer’s application process to the Department of Home Affairs, the employer needs to seek advice from a Regional Certifying Body (RCB). The RCB advice considers if the terms offered to the nominee are in line with the annual market salary rate (AMSR) for the nominated position. The Regional Certifying Body (RCB) in South Australia is Skilled & Business Migration.
The following comparison table offers a guide to the different nominee (visa applicant) requirements for each visa stream. The following information is a guide online, and participants should check their eligibility against the Department of Home Affairs criteria prior to commencing.
| 482 SID (LA stream) | 494 (LA stream) | 494 (Employer sponsored stream) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Work Experience | Generally 2 years, however concessions available depending on occupation. | Generally 3 years, however concessions available depending on occupation. | 3 years required. Exemptions may apply in some cases. |
| English Level | Dependent on occupation. Concessions available - see occupation list. | Dependent on occupation. Concessions available - see occupation list. | Competent - IELTS 6 or equivalent. |
| Health Insurance | Visa applicant must hold health insurance | 494 Visa holders are eligible for Medicare | 494 Visa holders are eligible for Medicare |
| Location | Can be on/offshore to apply | Can be on/offshore to apply | Can be on/offshore to apply |
| Visa Term | Up to 4 years, (up to 5 years for Hong Kong residents) | 5 years | 5 years |
| Age | No age limit* | Under 45. Concessions available - see occupation list.* | Under 45. Exemptions may apply in some cases. |
| Skills Assessment | For occupations not on the Combined List or non-OSCA occupations (070499), DAR skills assessment is required. For other occupations, skills assessment may be required at nomination/visa application stage. |
For occupations not on the Combined List or non-OSCA occupations (070499), DAR skills assessment is required. For other occupations, skills assessment may be required at nomination/visa application stage. |
Applicant must hold valid skills assessment. Exemptions may apply in some cases. |
| Occupation | Must be specified in a labour agreement between the employer and the Commonwealth. | Must be specified in a labour agreement between the employer and the Commonwealth. | Must be nominated by a Standard business sponsor. |
| Cost | There is no cost from Skilled & Business Migration for applying for a Labour Agreement Endorsement or RCB Advice. Costs of sponsoring a migrant worker are determined by the Department of Home Affairs. | ||
The Department of Home Affairs is responsible for assessing and issuing visas. Please contact the Department of Home Affairs for further information, or for questions specific to visa requirements.
*Age limit applies if Visa Applicant decides to apply for ENS 186 visa at a later stage. Under DAMA age concessions are available for 186 nominees for most occupations.
If you are having difficulty navigating these processes, you can seek immigration assistance from a third party who can help you understand all requirements and options available to you. Visit the Immigration Assistance page.